Phoenix, Arizona, December 4, 2025
The Az Business Angels awards celebrated ten exemplary organizations in Arizona for their remarkable philanthropic contributions. Honorees include the Arizona Diamondbacks and Delta Dental, which have made significant impacts in community health, education, and wellness. Their efforts illustrate the positive effects of corporate responsibility and community engagement across the state, highlighting a thriving culture of support for various local causes.
Phoenix, Arizona – The 2025 Az Business Angels awards have placed a spotlight on ten outstanding organizations based in Arizona that have made significant contributions to the nonprofit sector. These honorees exemplify the power of philanthropy, community engagement, and unwavering support for various causes throughout the state, highlighting a growing culture of corporate responsibility and the positive impact of local businesses.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks, through the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, have made considerable strides in philanthropy, donating tens of millions of dollars to numerous nonprofit organizations across Arizona. Their support targets critical areas such as youth programs, education, veterans’ services, and health initiatives, using baseball as a means to uplift communities statewide.
Delta Dental of Arizona
In a remarkable demonstration of community health commitment, Delta Dental of Arizona allocated $1.8 million in 2024 to enhance wellness initiatives that reached over 426,000 individuals across the state. Their outreach included contributions to 135 nonprofits, the distribution of nearly 452,000 oral care products, 1,100 volunteer hours, and the provision of 1.5 million meals, thereby expanding healthcare access and education in Arizona.
Desert Financial Credit Union
Desert Financial Credit Union, through its foundation, impacted more than 365,000 Arizonans in 2024 with $5.2 million in donations, including a significant $2.25 million contribution to 1 Darn Cool School. In 2025 alone, they have already distributed over $3 million and logged nearly 8,000 volunteer hours. Their initiatives like Adopt-A-Teacher and free financial education embody their commitment to education and community development.
KeenStack
KeenStack, led by founder Thiru Thangarathinam, has made philanthropy a cornerstone of its mission, notably contributing $1 million to advance pediatric cardiac care at Banner Children’s. The company fosters a workplace culture that encourages employee volunteerism, showcasing the impact of leadership committed to social responsibility and community engagement.
Lerner & Rowe
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back extends the firm’s ethos beyond legal advocacy by aiding accident victims and families in need. Notably, their $150,000 donation to Valleywise Hospital’s Pediatric Burn Unit significantly contributed to providing high-quality care. Their initiatives support vital services that strengthen community resilience in challenging times.
Northern Trust
Contributing nearly 3,000 volunteer hours from their employees between January 2024 and August 2025, Northern Trust’s Achieving Greater Together initiative has shown a cooperative spirit in supporting organizations like UMOM and Ronald McDonald House. Their structured support, including employee engagement and resource donations, embodies a proactive partnership approach to community well-being.
Plexus Worldwide
Plexus Worldwide stands out for its broad-reaching philanthropy, especially through its Nourish One initiative, which has provided more than 44 million meals globally. Their local impact includes partnerships with organizations such as St. Mary’s Food Bank, showcasing the company’s commitment to health and sustainability through extensive volunteer efforts and charitable initiatives.
Rafi Law Group
The Rafi Law Group exemplifies community-focused initiative through its Rafi’s Hope program, dedicating over 2,770 hours to volunteering and donating $500,000 to Valleywise Health. Their commitment extends to food drives and community events, harmonizing business success with social impact to create meaningful change in the lives of Arizonans.
Southwest Gas Corporation
For over nine decades, Southwest Gas has been an integral part of the Arizona community, leveraging philanthropic giving alongside strategic partnerships to support various causes, including hunger, housing, and education. Their culture of giving has maintained a robust community presence, showing how businesses can drive positive change through commitment and resource allocation.
WillScot
Headquartered in Phoenix, WillScot embraces corporate giving through its Give Where You Live initiative. Their efforts have raised $183,000 through employee donations—augmented by a remarkable $1.6 million from the company, alongside extensive volunteer hours. By partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the company demonstrates the significant impact of corporate community engagement.
Background
The Az Business Angels awards, celebrated annually in Az Business magazine, recognize the nonprofit community and the business leaders championing them. The recognition process involves open nominations, culminating in selections made by the Az Business magazine editorial board. This initiative highlights the crucial intersection of business and nonprofit sectors, essential for fostering a resilient Arizona.
What are the Az Business Angels awards?
The Az Business Angels awards are annual recognitions that honor Arizona’s nonprofit community and the business leaders who support them. These awards highlight organizations and individuals making significant local impact through philanthropy and community engagement.
How are the Az Business Angels honorees selected?
After a public nomination period, the Az Business magazine editorial board analyzes the nomination forms and determines the individuals and organizations that are honored. This process ensures that those who support essential causes—from education and healthcare to environmental sustainability—are recognized for their contributions.
What types of organizations are recognized as Az Business Angels?
Organizations recognized as Az Business Angels include nonprofits, individual leaders, and businesses that make significant local impact through philanthropy and community engagement. These entities support various causes, such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and more.
Can individuals be recognized as Az Business Angels?
Yes, individuals can be recognized as Az Business Angels. The awards honor individual leaders who make significant local impact through philanthropy and community engagement, alongside organizations and businesses.
How can an organization or individual be nominated for the Az Business Angels awards?
Organizations and individuals can be nominated during the open nomination period announced by Az Business magazine. The public is encouraged to submit nominations, which are then reviewed by the editorial board to determine the honorees.
| Organization | Contribution Highlights |
|---|---|
| Arizona Diamondbacks | Tens of millions in donations supporting youth, education, and health initiatives. |
| Delta Dental of Arizona | $1.8 million to improve health and wellness, aiding over 426,000 individuals. |
| Desert Financial Credit Union | $5.2 million in giving, impacting 365,000 Arizonans in 2024. |
| KeenStack | $1 million gift to pediatric cardiac care, promoting employee volunteerism. |
| Lerner & Rowe | $150,000 for Valleywise Hospital’s Pediatric Burn Unit, aiding vulnerable families. |
| Northern Trust | Nearly 3,000 volunteer hours supporting community organizations. |
| Plexus Worldwide | Over 44 million meals provided, with significant local distributions. |
| Rafi Law Group | $500,000 donated to Valleywise Health alongside extensive community service. |
| Southwest Gas Corporation | Decades of dedicated community support through various philanthropic efforts. |
| WillScot | Supported numerous community initiatives through employee engagement and donations. |
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