The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), recently awarded $40,000 in grants to Thrive Scholars, Todd Martin Youth Leadership, and the Woldumar Nature Center.
The unwavering commitment these nonprofits have to improving lives in our communities is remarkable and inspiring,” said Rebecca Surian, Foundation Executive Director. “Desk Drawer Foundation grants aim to empower both emerging and established initiatives, ensuring youth-focused programs have the resources to create lasting, transformative change.”
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 three nonprofit organizations in quarter four of 2025:
Thrive Scholars Southeast Michigan ($5,000)
Pillar: Youth Empowerment
Region: Southeast Michigan
The grant will support Thrive Scholars in funding its 2026 Summer Academy, part of a six-year college and career success program for high-achieving students from under-resourced communities. The Summer Academy provides two six-week academic residencies on top-tier college campuses, where students take college-level writing and math courses taught by university faculty.
Thrive Scholars serves students who are often overlooked by traditional college preparation pathways. Through academic instruction, mentorship, and exposure to professional networks, the program helps students gain admission to top universities and succeed academically, while preparing them to pursue high-impact careers.
“We are deeply grateful to the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation for its generous support of Thrive Scholars,” said Executive Director Pam Serwa. “This investment helps ensure high-achieving youth from under-resourced communities in southeast Michigan have access to the academic preparation and college guidance they deserve. This commitment will expand opportunities and strengthen our region’s future workforce.”
Todd Martin Youth Leadership ($5,000)
Pillar: Youth Empowerment
Region: Mid-Michigan
This grant supports Todd Martin Youth Leadership in expanding its After-School and Summer Enrichment programs, which provide year-round engagement for youth in the Lansing community. This funding helps TMYL enhance programming that combines physical activity, academic tutoring, STEAM enrichment, and mentorship. The Foundation’s support enables youth to develop both technical and life skills such as teamwork, goal setting, problem-solving, and leadership while giving TMYL the resources to reach more students and offer meaningful, skill-building experiences throughout the year.
“We are incredibly grateful to the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation for its continued support of our after-school partnership program with Willow at Riddle Elementary,” said Executive Director Rebecca Johnson. “We’re thrilled to receive funding from them again this year as the investment helps provide meaningful enrichment opportunities for our students — including visual arts, dance and movement, athletic development, as well as field trip admissions and lunches. Since the program’s inception in fall 2022, it has grown tremendously in both capacity and dosage thanks to community supporters like the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation. Because of this support, students in our program are showing remarkable growth in reading, math, and emotional regulation. We are truly excited for what we will continue to achieve together for Lansing youth.”
Woldumar Nature Center ($30,000)
Pillar: Youth Empowerment
Region: Mid-Michigan
The Foundation has awarded Woldumar Nature Center $30,000 to enhance the educational spaces within its historic facilities. The project includes painting of the R.E. Olds Anderson Rotary Barn and renovations to the lower level of the old Visitor Center, known as the Rock Room for its exposed rock feature that reflects the building’s 100-year history. While these updates will improve the condition of the spaces, the primary purpose of the funding is to support and expand Woldumar’s environmental education programs, as they prepare to launch new programs in 2026.
The Foundation also holds naming rights to the Rock Room, which, along with the barn, serves as an important indoor classroom for visitors of all ages. These improvements will allow Woldumar to offer more hands-on learning opportunities and increase the reach and impact of its educational programming throughout the community.
“We are thrilled that the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation continues to invest in Woldumar’s growth — a testament to the trust placed in community-based organizations to fulfill the needs of the community,” said Executive Director Kevin Wernet. “We are also very excited for what this support will mean for the future of Woldumar … expanding opportunities for us to provide enriching educational experiences for Greater Lansing-area families.”
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. Through the end of the year, the Foundation is encouraging donations to meet a community challenge set by insurance and financial services partner TruStage, which allocated $5,000 of its $35,000 gift to inspire others to give and amplify the impact.