MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Donates to Three Lansing Area Community Organizations
EAST LANSING, Mich. — The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, the philanthropic arm of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), recently announced it awarded $30,000 in grants to three Lansing-area community organizations - East Lansing’s Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center’s ArtPath, and the Kiwanis Club of East Lansing’s book vending machine project.
“The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation’s vision is of vibrant communities where every act of giving creates a profound impact, fostering a culture of generosity and empowerment,” said Executive Director Rebecca Surian. “These grants are intended to support these organizations as they work to improve the quality of life in their communities through the arts and youth empowerment.”
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 entrepreneurship, financial education, stable housing, the arts, and youth empowerment. The following organizations received grants during the second quarter of 2024.
The Arts
City of East Lansing’s Summer Solstice Jazz Festival ($10,000) — The city’s two-day musical event, which takes place June 21-22, 2024, celebrates the best in local, regional, and national jazz. Thousands from across the state of Michigan are expected to attend.
“We’re grateful to the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation for its partnership and support of the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival,” said Ken Jones, Chairperson of the Summer Solstice Jazz Festival Advisory Board. “Thanks in part to this support, the festival is able to bring together the whole community to enjoy two days of free, outstanding jazz performances by renowned musicians in the heart of downtown East Lansing.”
Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center’s ArtPath ($15,000) — ArtPath is a public art program that spans 2.5 miles along the Lansing River Trail featuring art installations from 22 talented Michigan artists that is open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It aims to connect the Old Town, downtown, and REO Town neighborhoods in Lansing and draws more than 350,000 visitors to the Lansing area. New this year will be guided walking tours in June, July, and August.
“This generous presenting grant enables the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center, in partnership with the City of Lansing Parks and Recreation Department, to present a spectacular, site-specific public art exhibit for the community throughout the summer,” said Michelle Carlson, Lansing Art Gallery Executive Director. “Thanks to this support, we can uplift and showcase the talents of 22 Michigan artists, providing an installation that is accessible to all. It offers a unique opportunity for people to engage with art beyond the gallery walls, enriching our community with creativity and inspiration.”
Youth Empowerment
Kiwanis Club of East Lansing ($5,000) — The grant from the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation will support the Club’s signature project to put book vending machines in East Lansing elementary and middle schools. Additionally, the Kiwanis International Children’s Fund will match this grant, doubling the Foundation’s impact.
“A fundamental objective of the Club is to assist with and grant funds to organizations that facilitate the welfare of children, either directly or indirectly,” said Eric F. Rosekrans, President of the East Lansing Kiwanis Foundation. “It’s important for their development for children to hold and read a physical book. This is a truly wonderful project for our Club, the students, teachers, and the East Lansing community — and we are grateful for the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation’s support.”
One way that MSUFCU and Oakland University Credit Union members can support the Foundation and these organizations is through the quarterly Member Raffles. The $20 raffle tickets are available at any of the Credit Union’s branches. With a portion of the funds going to one lucky winner each quarter (up to $20,000), the other half of the ticket sales support the Foundation, providing increased dollars to grant to nonprofit organizations in our communities. Members can purchase tickets for the second-quarter raffle through Tuesday, June 18.
For more information on the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation and to donate, visit deskdrawerfund.org, call 517-333-2299, or email deskdrawerfund@msufcu.org.
ABOUT THE DESK DRAWER FOUNDATION
The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation was established in 2019 to empower MSU Federal Credit Union and Oakland University Credit Union members, employees, and other businesses to invest in our local communities and help them flourish. The Foundation provides meaningful grants to organizations within its five philanthropic pillars - entrepreneurship, financial education, stable housing, the arts, and youth empowerment. To date, more than $2.1 million has been distributed. Among other sources, income is generated through employee contributions; new/existing credit union members; and the quarterly member raffle. For more information, visit deskdrawerfund.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 13 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 10 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 and Collegiate; trade name Oakland University Credit Union; and its foundation, the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 24 branches; over 360,000 members; $7.8 billion in assets; and more than 1,200 employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.