January 22, 2026
- Desk Drawer Foundation
- 2 minutes ago
- 5 min read
EAST LANSING, Mich. — The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation has announced its 2026 charity partners, reinforcing its commitment to creating meaningful, lasting community impact. Each nonprofit was selected by MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) and Oakland University Credit Union employees, ensuring the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts reflect what matters most to staff.
Each year, employees vote on and select organizations with causes that align with the Desk Drawer Foundation philanthropic pillars within the regions where Credit Union members live and work. For 2026, employees will support AYA Youth Collective in west Michigan; Chicago Voyagers; Habitat for Humanity Oakland County; Impression 5 Science Center in mid-Michigan; United Way of South Central Michigan, the Credit Union’s legacy partner; Veterans Path to Hope in northern Illinois; and Women’s Resource Center of northern Michigan. Support will include volunteer activities for Credit Union employees at each of the charity partners.
“The dedication of Credit Union employees to support stronger communities is unwavering,” said MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Surian. “With nearly half of the Credit Union’s 1,200 employees contributing financially to the Foundation, staff are constantly finding new ways to show up, by giving of their time, talent, and treasure. Their commitment is what brings the Foundation’s mission to life in our communities.”
Region: West Michigan
Pillar: Stable Housing
“MSUFCU has been an incredible partner to AYA Youth Collective in advancing stable housing and long-term stability for youth in Kent County, most recently through the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation,” said Andy Allen, Vice President of Advancement. “At AYA, we prioritize the importance of building authentic relationships with every young person who walks through our doors, recognizing that trust and connection are foundational to housing stability. The Desk Drawer Foundation will help carry this shared commitment forward by investing in meaningful ways that directly strengthen our ability to support youth experiencing housing insecurity. Through volunteerism and sustained partnership, the Foundation will play a vital role in helping us walk with young people as they navigate their unique paths to interdependence.”
Region: Chicago
Pillar: Youth Empowerment
“Support from the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation means so much to our organization, especially as nonprofits face an unprecedented level of uncertainty,” said Alex Goodfellow, Executive Director. “Your support for Chicago Voyagers ensures we can continue serving and empowering youth with our outdoor adventure therapy programs. Thank you for your generosity and for making our work possible.”
Region: Southeast Michigan
Pillar: Stable Housing
"We are thrilled to be selected as a 2026 charity partner for Stable Housing,” said Dr. Jody Skonieczny, Chief Advancement Officer. “Habitat’s mission has always been rooted in providing safe, decent, and affordable housing as a foundation for long-term stability and opportunity. We look forward to joining with the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation to expand our impact across Oakland County, strengthening communities and helping more families build a secure future together.”
Region: Mid-Michigan
Pillar: The Arts
"On behalf of Impression 5 Science Center, I am deeply grateful to the Desk Drawer Foundation and the associates of MSU Federal Credit Union for selecting us as a charity partner for 2026,” said Erik Larson, Executive Director. “This partnership affirms a shared belief in the power of creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning to transform lives. With this support, we will expand opportunities that foster access and creativity in the arts as a vital part of STEAM learning, ensuring more families can engage in meaningful, imaginative experiences. These investments help us remove barriers; spark inspiration; and connect art, science, and innovation in ways that resonate across generations. Together, we will enrich communities by empowering people to explore, create, and see themselves as capable problem-solvers and artists.”
United Way of South Central Michigan, legacy partner
Region: Mid-Michigan
Pillar: Financial Education and Youth Empowerment
“Thank you to the employees of MSUFCU for continuing to support the work of United Way of South Central Michigan with the generous investment of the MSU Desk Drawer Foundation,” said Teresa Kmetz, Executive Development and Marketing Officer. “UWSCMI’s program, CapCAN aligns well with the Youth Empowerment and Financial Education pillars of the Foundation as we support young people transitioning to postsecondary education to access their financial aid and scholarships. The UWSCMI JobSTAR program aligns with Financial Education, as it provides resources for employers to help employees overcome obstacles that may impede their ability to work.”
Region: Northern Illinois
Pillar: Stable Housing
“Veterans Path to Hope is honored to be selected as a 2026 MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation charity partner,” said Laura Franz, Executive Director. “This valued support contributes to our New Horizons Transitional Living Facility, promoting long-term housing stability through supportive services for veterans in northern Illinois. The Foundation’s support bolsters critical services, including counseling, case management, and employment services, which help veterans overcome barriers and build sustainable futures. Together, we can strengthen the foundation for lasting stability, ensuring those who have served our country have the resources they need to thrive.”
Region: Northern Michigan
Pillar: Stable Housing
“The Women’s Resource Center is genuinely humbled and extremely grateful to MSUFCU employees for selecting our emergency shelter project as one of the Foundation’s recipients of charity partner funding,” said Juliette Schultz, Executive Director. “Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women — and providing stable and safe housing for a survivor who is fleeing a violent home can be lifesaving. Thank you for believing and supporting our mission: To protect, shelter, and empower all people impacted by domestic and sexual violence.”
Credit Union members can join in supporting nonprofits that align with the Foundation’s mission, vision, core values, and philanthropic pillars.
“It is easier than ever — simply visit the Foundation’s Donate page and make a credit card or ACH gift and join us in building stronger communities today,” Surian said.
To learn more about the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, visit deskdrawerfoundation.org, call 517-333-2299, or email deskdrawerfoundation@msufcu.org.
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ABOUT THE MSUFCU DESK DRAWER FOUNDATION
The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation was established in 2019 to partner with donors to empower transformational change to make a sustainable difference in our communities. The Foundation provides meaningful grants to nonprofits whose work impacts their clients and patrons within five philanthropic pillars ― The Arts, Entrepreneurship, Financial Education, Stable Housing, and Youth Empowerment. To date, nearly $3.5 million has been granted. Among other sources, income is generated through employee and member contributions, organized fundraisers, new/existing credit union members, and the quarterly DDF Raffle. For more information, visit deskdrawerfoundation.org.
ABOUT MSUFCU
MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) was established in 1937 to provide a secure place for members to save and borrow. Guided by its mission to help members achieve financial security, reach their goals, and realize their dreams, MSUFCU supports members through key milestones in life while helping them plan for the future. Recognized as a leader in innovation and as a great place to work, MSUFCU continually seeks new ways to enhance the member experience and strengthen the communities it serves. Today, the Credit Union proudly serves nearly 400,000 members through 35 branches, with over $8.2 billion in assets and more than 1,200 employees. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan. For more information, visit msufcu.org.