EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Desk Drawer Fund, the philanthropic foundation of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), has awarded $175,000 in grants to two community organizations — Habitat for Humanity Capital Region and the Detroit Public Theatre.
Founded in 2019, MSUFCU said the foundation focuses on five areas, or “pillars,” as it fulfills its mission to help create jobs, teach valuable skills, and improve the overall quality of life in communities. These pillars include arts and culture, empowering youth, financial education, fostering entrepreneurialism, and stable housing, the credit union said.
“The donation to Habitat for Humanity Capital Region falls under the stable housing pillar,” MSUFCU stated.
The Desk Drawer Fund board approved $150,000 to be awarded: $75,000 for the first year, $50,000 for the second, and $25,000 for the third.
The grant funds will allow Habitat for Humanity Capital Region to own the land on which the nonprofit builds homes — a new opportunity for the organization, MSUFCU explained, adding that ownership will grant Habitat for Humanity Capital Region greater control and the ability to generate more revenue.
Partnership With Habitat
In addition, MSUFCU said its Financial Education Team has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Capital Region to provide a series of presentations in both English and Spanish on budgeting, credit, credit repair, debt management, and predatory lending.
“By providing a grant to cover construction materials, supervision, and other necessary expenses, the Desk Drawer Fund aims to strengthen the partnership and assist more families in achieving their dream of owning a home,” MSUFCU said. “These funds will allow the construction team to complete more projects and expand the team, resulting in a more substantial number of affordable and accessible homes for the community.”
The credit union noted its employees will have the opportunity to participate in 10 build days, “positively impacting the community and providing stability for numerous families.”
Support for Theater
Meanwhile, a $25,000 donation to the Detroit Public Theatre was approved by the Desk Drawer Fund Board of Directors under the arts and culture pillar.
The Detroit Public Theatre is a regional theater that provides educational programs throughout Michigan, MSUFCU explained.
“It aims to involve the community and promote local talent by partnering with theater training programs at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan to hire and keep performers in the state,” according to the credit union. “Its mission is to create bold, relevant work that illuminates the thrills, joys, and challenges of our shared human experience.”
Pick Your Price
The theater said support from MSUFCU’s Desk Drawer Fund is enabling Detroit Public Theatre to welcome all community members to our productions through the “Pick-Your-Price Performance” initiative.
While regular tickets range from $45-$55 with fees, Pick-Your-Price tickets start as low as $5 and have no additional fees.
Broadview FCU Takes a Broad View
Separately, in Albany, N.Y., Broadview FCU said it is donating $155,000 to four local nonprofit organizations in an effort to fight homelessness. It will make the check presentations during a ceremony at the Tri-City ValleyCats game at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.
The ceremonial check presentation will occur on the “Broadview” dugout along the third base line.
The local organizations receiving Broadview funding are:
- IPH (Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless)
- Shelters of Saratoga
- HATAS for its new partnership with the SEAT Center in Schenectady
- St. Paul's Center
‘Greatest Time of Need’
“Broadview is steadfast in its commitment to making positive changes in the communities we serve. Along with volunteering, we proudly provide financial support for non-profit organizations that are helping people during their greatest time of need,” said Broadview CEO Michael Castellana. “The investments we are announcing on Friday night will help homeless individuals across our region gain the support they need to survive today and thrive tomorrow.”
According to the $8-billion Broadview FCU, the funding will help these shelters and service organizations meet homeless peoples’ basic needs while also offering programs and resources that will assist them in finding transitional housing and eventually establish permanent, affordable, and furnished homes.