MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Boosts Michigan Charities with $670,000 Grant
Are you ready to see how a significant investment in community well-being can drive positive change? The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, the charitable arm of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), has made a groundbreaking commitment of $670,000 to three pivotal organisations in Michigan. These grants are set to transform lives across the state, from enhancing youth mentorship to providing stable housing and financial education.
Empowering Youth with Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region
Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region has been awarded a generous grant of $150,000 over the next three years. This funding is a game-changer for the organisation, which serves youth in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia, and Shiawassee counties.
Here’s how this grant will make a difference:
- Expanding Mentorship Programs: The funds will enhance existing mentorship programmes, supporting over 65 new youth in the capital area—a remarkable 85% increase since 2020.
- Strengthening Recruitment: The grant will also boost efforts to recruit more diverse mentors, including male mentors and mentors of colour, guided by the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.
- Long-Term Impact: The goal is to empower vulnerable youth, helping them make informed decisions, avoid risky behaviours, and lay a solid foundation for future success.
“This monumental grant from the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation will profoundly impact our community through mentorship,” said Megyn Forest, Executive Director of BBBSMCR. “We are honoured and grateful for this support, which will help us create lasting change for our local youth.”
Advancing Financial Education and Stable Housing with Home Repair Services of Kent County
Home Repair Services of Kent County has received a one-time grant of $20,000 to enhance their Financial Education and Foreclosure Counseling Program. This initiative is crucial for supporting low-income and minority homeowners in the Grand Rapids area.
Key benefits of the grant include:
- Financial Education Workshops: Expanding workshops to provide essential financial literacy skills to homeowners.
- Foreclosure Prevention: Offering counselling sessions to prevent foreclosure, thus stabilising the housing situation for many families.
- Community Well-Being: Improving the overall financial stability and homeownership prospects within the community.
“We are profoundly grateful for this support,” said Joel Ruiter, Executive Director of Home Repair Services of Kent County. “This grant enables us to empower homeowners and enhance their financial stability.”
Transforming Stable Housing with Lighthouse MI
The Lighthouse MI has been awarded a substantial $500,000 grant, allocated over four years, to support their “Lighting the Way” Campaign. This initiative aims to redevelop their Pontiac campus to include:
- Emergency Housing: Increasing shelter capacity for families in need.
- Social Supermarket: Providing access to essential goods.
- Economic Opportunity Centre: Offering services that enhance economic stability and opportunity.
“This transformational grant moves us closer to our vision of a redeveloped campus that better serves our community,” said Ryan Hertz, President and CEO of Lighthouse MI. “We are grateful for the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation’s belief in our mission and their generous partnership.”
How You Can Support the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation
Want to be a part of this positive change? Here’s how you can get involved:
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Quarterly Raffles: Purchase $20 raffle tickets at any MSUFCU branch. A portion of the proceeds goes to a lucky winner each quarter (up to $20,000), while the rest supports the Foundation’s grants. Tickets for the third-quarter raffle are available until September 24, 2024. The fourth-quarter raffle runs from October 7 to December 3, 2024.
About the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation
Established in 2019, the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation aims to foster vibrant communities by partnering with donors to create transformational change. With a focus on five philanthropic pillars—entrepreneurship, financial education, stable housing, the arts, and youth empowerment—the Foundation has distributed over $2.1 million to date.
About MSUFCU
Founded in 1937, MSUFCU is a leading credit union with a strong reputation for excellence. It has been recognised as a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker and a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press. With over 360,000 members and more than $8 billion in assets, MSUFCU continues to champion community and financial well-being through its various initiatives and foundations.
For further details, visit msufcu.org or explore the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation’s website.
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