May 28, 2026

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), recently awarded $30,000 in grants to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs, Grand Traverse Industries, MyPlace Inc., and Riverwalk Theatre.

“These grants reflect the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation’s focus on strengthening the communities where Credit Union members live and work,” said Rebecca Surian, Foundation Executive Director.

Established in 2019, the Foundation is committed to partnering with donors to empower transformational change to make a sustainable difference in our communities. This mission is advanced through strategic investments in five philanthropic pillars — The Arts, Entrepreneurship, Financial Education, Stable Housing,

and Youth Empowerment. The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Board of Directors approved the following grants to four nonprofit organizations in the second quarter of 2026:

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs ($10,000)

Pillar: Youth Empowerment

Region: Northern Illinois

This grant will support the Woodlands Teen Impact Center, a new facility serving up to 550 middle and high school students each year. Funding will help sustain daily after‑school programming and essential lab supplies across STEAM, culinary, technology, and creative learning spaces — advancing workforce readiness, leadership development, and academic success for youth in communities facing economic hardship.

“BGCNWS is grateful to the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation for investing in opportunities that help our teens learn, grow, and prepare for their futures,” said Amanda Schleede, CEO. “This funding will allow us to expand hands-on STEAM, culinary, technical, and career-readiness programming at the new Woodlands Teen Impact Center while ensuring students have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and professionally.”

Grand Traverse Industries ($10,000)

Grand Traverse Industries

Pillar: Entrepreneurship

Region: Northern Michigan

This grant will support the Friendship Community Garden & Greenhouse Initiative, including the installation of a universally accessible greenhouse that will be named the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Greenhouse. The greenhouse is expected to be completed this year. The project will provide individuals with disabilities year-round opportunities to build skills in production, packaging, and selling goods through local markets — strengthening independence, earned revenue, and inclusive entrepreneurship.

“We are incredibly thankful to the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation for believing in this project and the people we serve,” said Cindy Evans, Executive Director. “The Friendship Community Garden & Greenhouse Initiative is about so much more than building a greenhouse. It’s about creating a space where people can connect, learn new skills, build friendships, and experience the joy that comes from being part of something meaningful. This space will be an asset to our community and a place where individuals of all abilities can grow, contribute, and smile together. We are proud to continue creating opportunities that bring people together and remind others that everyone has value and a place to belong.”

MyPlace Inc. ($5,000)

MyPlace Inc.

Pillar: Financial Education

Region: Mid-Michigan

This grant will assist MyPlace’s trauma-informed support model for youth and young adults ages 16-24 experiencing homelessness, foster care transitions, or unsafe living situations. Funding will provide four laptops and expand access to financial literacy programming through additional operational support, helping participants develop budgeting, banking, credit, and long-term planning skills essential for stability and independence.

“MyPlace is thrilled to receive this grant that will help us to further enable our residents, especially in the area of financial literacy,” said Amber McKee, Executive Director. “MyPlace equips young adults with the skills needed for independent living, including employment readiness, financial literacy, and daily life skills. Together with the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation’s support, this work strengthens long-term stability, helping young adults move forward with confidence, improved health, and connection to community.”

Riverwalk Theatre ($5,000)

Riverwalk Theatre

Pillar: The Arts

Region: Mid-Michigan

Riverwalk Theatre will use this funding to support its October production of “Come From Away,” a nationally acclaimed musical centered on compassion, resilience, and community. This grant will help offset rising production costs while expanding community access, supporting hands-on participation for local performers and technicians, and reducing ticket prices to remove financial barriers. 

“Since opening in 1989, Riverwalk Theatre has been a place where volunteer artists and audiences come together to experience the power of live, human art,” said Abbie Tykocki, Business Operations Manager. “In a time of digital isolation and artificially generated content, spaces like Riverwalk matter more than ever.We are deeply grateful to the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation for recognizing the importance of the creative economy in building a strong quality of life across mid-Michigan through this generous investment in our 38th season.”

MSUFCU and Oakland University Credit Union members can show their support through a charitable contribution to the Foundation or by participating in the quarterly Desk Drawer Foundation Raffles.

To learn more about the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, visit deskdrawerfoundation.org, call 517-333-2299, or email deskdrawerfoundation@msufcu.org.

###

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, $3.65 million has been granted. Among other sources, income is generated through employee and member contributions, 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 more than 400,000 members through 35 branches, with over $8.49 billion in assets and more than 1,200 employees. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan. For additional information, please visit msufcu.org.