CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - March 8, 2023 - Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union (MSGCU) is proud to share 2022 achievements and highlights, including community support initiatives, award recognitions, and member service enhancements.

To support its commitment to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” MSGCU and its dedicated team members provided over $315,000 in community support, helping individuals and more than 280 organizations.

Making a difference.
As part of community giving, each MSGCU branch office selected a deserving local organization to receive a $1,000 donation for the credit union’s annual Giving Back program, which donated $17,000 in 2022. MSGCU also provided more than $20,000 in sponsorship funds to support 23 organizations in the neighborhoods it serves, and $15,000 to aid Ukrainian refugees with medical supplies and clothing.

Supporting students and educators.
As a credit union rooted in education, MSGCU has robust scholarship and Classroom Cash Grants programs to benefit local students and teachers. Since the inception of these programs, MSGCU has given more than $1.6 million, furthering over 500 educational journeys for local students, and funding more than 1,000 innovative classroom projects for educators. In 2022, MSGCU provided $230,000 through scholarships and school grants to support career goals and enhance local classrooms.

Scholarships were awarded to certified educators, students, first responders, and those pursuing skilled trades. In 2022, $116,500 in scholarships benefitted 49 deserving individuals, who were celebrated at an award ceremony and reception. 2023 scholarship recipients will be announced in late April.

MSGCU’s annual Classroom Cash Grants program awards grants to educators to help them bring innovative project ideas to life in their classrooms, and winners are determined through a public voting period. The 2022 program inspired the public to cast more than 127,000 votes for their favorite projects. The Credit Union funded $45,000 in grants to 63 teachers from 49 metro Detroit schools. These grants helped teachers provide engaging lessons in science, math, reading, physical education, and other important learning topics.

The credit union also donated $69,000 in Library Grants to nearly 100 elementary schools near its branch offices. These funds helped schools purchase books and stock library shelves that were depleted due to unreturned books after the COVID-19 Pandemic. The grants also helped schools purchase a collection of books that reflect diversity of experiences and perspectives from across the country and around the globe.

Delivering financial education.
As a credit union founded by educators, MSGCU is dedicated to fostering financial literacy for members and the community. Throughout 2022, the credit union provided financial education to more than 19,000 individuals through classroom presentations, Reality Fairs, in-person and virtual workshops, and through its blog and Interactive Financial Education platform, which allows users to take quick lessons or a full playlist on a variety of topics at their leisure.  

Fostering strong relationships with the community.
With a mission of elevating the neighborhoods it serves, MSGCU is committed to giving back in meaningful ways through financial literacy efforts and community support. In 2022, the credit union was humbled to receive statewide recognition by Credit Union National Association, earning first place in the Alphonse Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award for its 16-part educational session with My Virtual Academy, and an honorable mention for the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility and Community Service Award for its Library Grants. MSGCU’s Library Grants initiative was also one of eight winners in the Try a Credit Union Stories Contest, which highlighted Michigan credit unions making an impact in their communities. The credit union’s Library Grants video can be viewed at msgcu.org/2022librarygrants .

In addition, MSGCU was honored to receive a Top Workplaces recognition from the Detroit Free Press for the tenth consecutive year. “The Top Workplaces honor illustrates our commitment to providing an exceptional work environment and culture here at MSGCU,” said Steve Brewer, MSGCU President/CEO. “We strive to ensure our team members enjoy their work, and our members receive excellent service experiences as a result.”

MSGCU also encourages team members to offer their time and talents to organizations in their communities. Throughout last year, credit union team members provided more than 1,400 volunteer hours to over 80 local organizations.

Growing branch offices and enhancing member service.
In November 2022, MSGCU opened a new branch office in Saline, marking its 18th branch location and first in Washtenaw County. Located on Michigan Avenue, the Saline branch office has a lobby complete with café and welcoming spaces where members can connect with the MSGCU team about their financial goals. The credit union is continuing to expand in 2023 and its newest branch office in Canton opened in March. MSGCU is also branching out to Ann Arbor later this year.

The credit union also introduced online appointment scheduling to support its commitment of providing convenient member services. Members can reduce wait times by scheduling an appointment in advance to meet with an MSGCU team member at a day and time that works for them, and can easily reschedule if needed. To minimize wait times, members can notify MSGCU they’ve arrived right from their smartphone.

To help members save money and help protect from overdrafts, MSGCU eliminated and reduced fees for those with $250 or more in monthly direct deposits, including eliminating Non-Sufficient Funds and Overdraft Transfer fees, and reducing the fee to utilize the optional Courtesy Pay service. Courtesy Pay is a protection to help avoid return-check fees if a checking account is overdrawn (learn more about it at msgcu.org/courtesy-pay ). MSGCU also launched early credit of payroll deposits. Those with direct deposit of their paycheck now receive their funds up to two days early. This gives members advanced access to their money to help prevent overdrafts before they occur.

“MSGCU’s business model is strongly rooted in giving back to our members and helping them keep more money in their pockets,” said Brewer. “We achieve this by minimizing our fees and providing market-leading rates, which helps foster financial success for our membership.”

Market-leading rates and a low reliance on fee income amounts to about $318 annually per MSGCU household, according to the industry-recognized research firm Raddon.  

Looking ahead.
The credit union experienced another successful year in 2022 and is looking forward to the new year ahead.

“MSGCU is grateful to all of its members and community partners for placing their trust in the credit union, and we’re honored to continue serving you in 2023 and beyond,” stated Brewer. “We will continue to offer value through exceptional member experiences, convenient services, and market-leading rates, as well as provide support to our communities in meaningful ways.”

About Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union
Founded by a small group of educators, MSGCU has been providing quality financial services to the communities they serve for 69 years and welcomes everyone in Michigan to bank with them. MSGCU offers a full range of loan, deposit, checking, credit card, mortgage, and insurance products for those that live in Michigan. With 19 branch offices in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties, MSGCU has more than 140,000 members, $3.3 billion in assets, and has earned a 95% member satisfaction rating for two decades. MSGCU has also earned five stars, as reported by Bauer Financial, for more than 30 years, and has been honored as a Top Workplace by The Detroit Free Press for the past 10 consecutive years. MSGCU is insured by NCUA and an equal housing lender. Visit msgcu.org for more information.

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