June 24, 2025

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), recently announced it awarded $20,000 in grants to Grit Glam Guts (GGG) and Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region.

“We are honored to partner with these outstanding community organizations through our latest round of grants,” said Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Surian. “Their dedication to youth empowerment and stable housing in our communities is truly inspiring, and we are confident these funds will support them in making an even greater impact.”

Founded in 2019, the Foundation focuses on five philanthropic pillars as it fulfills its mission to partner with donors to empower transformational change to make a sustainable difference in our communities. These pillars are The Arts, Entrepreneurship, Financial Education, Stable Housing, and Youth Empowerment. The following nonprofits received grants during the second quarter of 2025:

Grit Glam Guts ($10,000)

Region: Mid-Michigan

Pillar: Youth Empowerment

This grant will support GGG’s efforts in expanding its impact on underserved girls ages 12 to 17 in mid-Michigan, including growing its community chapters from three to five by 2026. GGG’s programs are based on the CLASS framework — Courage, Leadership, Authenticity, Self-Determination, and Solidarity — and emphasize academic and personal development. With this grant, GGG will continue to foster leadership skills, academic excellence, and self-advocacy in a new generation of young women.

“Because of the support of the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, Grit Glam Guts is now able to meet the increased need and further expand our work by reaching even more girls across the mid-Michigan region,” said Cameo King, Founder. “Equipping girls with the tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally is not just an investment in their futures — it’s an investment in the strength and success of our communities. With this support, we can deepen our impact and help ensure that more girls have the opportunity to thrive and lead.”

Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region

Region: Northern Michigan

Pillar: Stable Housing

This grant will support Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region’s New Waves housing development in collaboration with New Waves United Church. This funding will address the affordability gap by covering the difference between construction costs and what eligible families can afford. As a result, the homes will remain accessible and sustainable, directly tackling the region’s housing shortage while fostering long-term financial stability for homeowners.

“Habitat Community Partnerships help to propel the mission forward of building sustainable communities and hope in Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties,” said Victoria Stone, Development Manager. “The generous grant from MSUFCU’s Desk Drawer Foundation has enabled Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region to continue building at our New Waves Community development. The Desk Drawer Foundation has helped create safety, stability, and self-reliance by contributing $10,000 to Phase Two of our 13-home development. We are very grateful that together we can strengthen the lives in our region.”

MSUFCU and Oakland University Credit Union members can support the Foundation and these organizations through a charitable contribution to the Foundation or through the quarterly Desk Drawer Foundation Raffles. The $20 raffle tickets are available for purchase at any Credit Union branch in Michigan. A portion of the funds is awarded to one lucky member each quarter (up to $20,000!), and the remainder of ticket sales revenue is invested in the communities the Credit Union serves through Foundation grants. Members can purchase tickets for the third-quarter raffle beginning July 7 through Sept. 5, 2025; visit DDF Raffle for more information.

For more information on the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation and to donate, 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, more than $3 million has been granted. Among other sources, income is generated through employee contributions, organized fundraisers, new/existing credit union members, and the quarterly DDF Raffle. For more information, visit deskdrawerfoundation.org.

ABOUT MSUFCU

Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 15 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® for 11 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. The Credit Union operates an award-winning, wholly owned credit union service organization, Reseda Group; along with digital financial platforms AlumniFi, Collegiate, and Pillur Business Banking; trade name Oakland University Credit Union; and its foundation, the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 36 branches; more than 370,000 members; $8.26 billion in assets; and 1,200-plus employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.