The Credit Union's core value is giving back to the community, aligning with the mission to provide superior service while helping members achieve financial security and dreams. The Desk Drawer Fund was introduced in 2019, to support ethical, community oriented charitable giving. In four years, the foundation has granted over $1.8 million to support the MSUFCU and OU Credit Union communities. Donations are categorized under five philanthropic pillars: Arts & Culture, Empowering Youth, Financial Education, Fostering Entrepreneurialism, and Stable Housing.

This year, the Desk Drawer Fund continues to strengthen community partnerships. Credit Union members are invited to purchase $20 tickets for the Desk Drawer fund Raffle for the chance to win $20,000. Over four quarters, the raffle has raised over $120,000. Its board approved two transformational grants to Habitat for Humanity Capital Region and the Detroit Public Theatre. These grants will allow for life changing home construction, financial autonomy, and greater accessibility to the arts. The Desk Drawer Fund also sponsored, James Barnor: Accra/London - A Retrospective, an exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Art, running through October. Visit the Desk Drawer Fund website to learn more about the raffle and upcoming community events.

Each year, OU Credit Union employees vote on local organizations they would like to support through fundraising and volunteering. One selected organization is then highlighted per quarter, through fundraising, including dress down days, basket raffles, and 50/50 raffles. Employees also volunteer to support the organization's mission and experience first-hand the great work being done in our community. This quarter, OU Credit Union is proud to support local nonprofit, The Davies Project.

The Davies Project's mission is to nurture community, specifically families during stressful health crises. Their initiative provides transportation for seriously ill children and pregnant women to their medical appointments. In the greater Lansing area, almost all pediatric care takes place in the outpatient setting, and poor transportation options contributes to children missing up to 60% of their medical appointments. This summer, the Credit Union helped sponsor Max's Race on MSU's campus, as well as provided volunteers for the race. Max's Race honors the legacy of Max, a child who passed away due to complications from meningitis, and event proceeds support free transportation to healthcare.

MSUFCU is a proud sponsor of The Davies Project and Max's Race, and its mission to provide reliable transportation and resources to essential healthcare.

Oakland University Credit Union is excited to invite you to participate in our Financial Education Seminar Series. Each year, the Credit Union hosts the Seminar Series as a way of connecting our members and the public with educational webinars and seminars aimed at increasing financial literacy and awareness.

During these events, financial educators from the Credit Union and community partners educate attendees on a variety of financial topics related to Fin-Techs, homeownership, estate planning, retirement readiness, Social Security, entrepreneurialism, and more. Our goal is to provide attendees with resources needed to achieve and maintain financial stability while exposing them to partnering businesses in the community.

Our 2023-24 Seminar Series launches this September and will conclude in April 2024. We offer both online and in-person sessions. No matter where you are in your financial journey, there is an event for you! To view the Seminar Series schedule and sign up for events, click here.

The Desk Drawer Fund and the Detroit Institute of Arts are proud to partner for the James Barnor: Accra/London - A Retrospective exhibit. This exhibition represents a comprehensive survey of the work that spans over six decades, produced by the British-Ghanaian studio portraitist, photojournalist, and Black lifestyle photographer, James Barnor.

Born in Ghana, he grew up documenting critical social and political changes that animated the nation on the cusp of independence from Britain. After moving to London, he began a hugely successful career with influential South African magazine Drum, which captured the spirit and experiences of London's African diaspora. He also established Ghana's first color processing photo lab in the 1970s. The exhibit is available for viewing through October 15.

The Desk Drawer Fund is proud to support the Detroit Institute of Arts' educational efforts and outreach, as well as the talented artists and their craft.

On Friday, July 21, MSUFCU celebrated its East Lansing roots with the opening of a new building at 311 Abbot Rd. Credit Union staff, members, community partners, and neighboring East Lansing businesses, Mitten Raised Bakery, Blue Owl Caf?, Campbell's Market Basket, and The Edge helped the Credit Union celebrate the new location, which replaces the previous East Lansing Branch located at 523 E. Grand River Ave.

The event included a tour of the branch, community room, and co-working spaces. Aside from the tour, guests were also able to take in a great view of downtown East Lansing while listening to remarks from numerous speakers which highlighted the Credit Union's commitment to the community, members, and local businesses.

The event's theme, "Strength in Roots," was highlighted throughout the program and celebration to honor the Credit Union's history in East Lansing. MSUFCU was founded in 1937 out of a Desk Drawer on MSU's campus and continues to foster a strong relationship with the East Lansing community. Click here to begin planning your visit!