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)
Pillar: Youth Empowerment
Region: Mid-Michigan
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 ($10,000)
Pillar: Stable Housing
Region: Northern Michigan
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.