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Our Story

Our story began in 1937, before our foundation was established, when eight MSU faculty members founded MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) out of a single desk drawer. The Credit Union was created to offer financial solutions for community members following the Great Depression. Giving back and helping others is at the core of who we are and what we do. In 2019, the Credit Union introduced the Desk Drawer Fund, a foundation built to support the places and people that make our communities vibrant and strong.

 

Our collective impact has grown through the efforts of the foundation and its donors as we focus on supporting five philanthropic pillars in the communities where our members live and work.

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Mission

Partner with donors to empower transformational change to make a sustainable difference in our communities.

Vision

We envision vibrant communities where every act of giving creates a profound impact, fostering a culture of generosity and empowerment.

Core Values

Collaboration

Fostering partnerships and teamwork among diverse stakeholders to maximize our impact to achieve shared goals.

Empowerment

Equipping individuals and communities with resources, skills, and opportunities.

Compassion

Demonstrating empathy and understanding for our communities and their needs.

Integrity

Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical principles in all our decision-making processes, ensuring trust and accountability.

Desk Drawer Foundation Leadership

Rebecca Surian

Rebecca Surian

Executive Director

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Jackie Gordon

Vice President Controller

Samantha Willett

Samantha Willett

Fund Manager

Board Members

Get to know our board members by clicking on their pictures below.

Angela Brown

Chairperson

Appointed By

Founding Member

Diane Landry

Vice Chairperson

Community Director

Daniel Spadafore

Treasurer/Secretary
Appointed by
Founding Member

Elizabeth Lawrence

Director
Appointed by
Founding Member

Ernest Betts

Director
Appointed by

Founding Member

Erin- Carter

Director

Appointed by
Founding Member

Elliott Daniels

Community Director

We are committed to providing clear, timely information on our finances and grant making efforts. Our annual reports outline the Desk Drawer Foundation's annual spending, broken down by division, and individual program strategies within each division.

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