In a remarkable display of community commitment, Desert Financial Credit Union has generously supported Arizona nonprofits. In 2024, they disbursed $320,000 in grants to local charities, marking their largest grant cycle to date. But the celebration didn’t stop there. To honor their 85th anniversary, each nonprofit received an unexpected $8,500 surprise gift during an in-person Grant Recognition ceremony on August 16. The total impact? A staggering $541,000 in giving.
Empowering Education, Youth, and Workforce Development
Desert Financial’s mission extends beyond financial services—it’s about uplifting lives. This year’s grant recipients, carefully selected through a formal application and review process, are dedicated to making a difference in education, youth, and workforce development across Arizona. Here are some of the remarkable organizations that benefited:
- A New Leaf: $15,000 for early childhood education, supporting low-income children in the Phoenix Metro area.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona: $15,000 to enhance STEM programs for ages 6-17 in Prescott and Prescott Valley.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale: $15,000 invested in workforce training for teens in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley: $15,000 to bolster academic programs in Phoenix and Yuma.
- Candelen: $15,000 supporting childhood caregiving in the Phoenix Metro area.
- Catholic Charities Community Services: $15,000 for tutoring or tuition assistance for unaccompanied refugee minors in central Phoenix.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix: $15,000 empowering the Workforce Opportunities program.
- Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates: $15,000 dedicated to career and college readiness programs.
- Laptops 4 Learning: $15,000 providing laptops to students in the Phoenix Metro area.
- Earn to Learn: $15,000 for a matched savings scholarship program in Maricopa County and rural Arizona.
- Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center: $15,000 supporting an inclusive preschool program for children with autism in Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale.
- Tynkertopia: $15,000 mentoring youth from low-income families in Flagstaff.
- Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters: $15,000 expanding youth services in Yavapai County.
- Lowell Observatory: $12,500 advancing STEAM education for 4th-8th graders on Navajo, Hopi, and Apache nations.
A Legacy of Compassion
Desert Financial’s commitment to Arizona communities echoes their motto: “People Before Profits.” As they celebrate 85 years in business, they continue to uplift, empower, and create positive change. Let’s applaud their legacy of compassion and look forward to brighter tomorrows.
Source: DESERT FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION AWARDS $541,000 TO ARIZONA NONPROFITS