Phoenix, December 3, 2025
The Az Business Angels Awards have celebrated the vital role of Arizona’s nonprofit sector, recognizing outstanding organizations and their corporate partners. Honorees include Arizona Financial Credit Union for its Local Causes Visa debit card program, which has supported over 80 nonprofits, along with Burch & Cracchiolo’s Star Teacher program, which rewards educators. Other notable contributions came from Delta Dental, The Joy Bus, and TheSmileZone, all exemplifying the power of philanthropy in enhancing community well-being. These awards underline the importance of corporate responsibility in driving community investment.
2025 Az Business Angels Awards Shine a Light on Nonprofits
Celebrating Charitable Contributions that Enrich Arizona Communities
Phoenix, Arizona – The 2025 Az Business Angels Awards have showcased the remarkable contributions made by Arizona’s nonprofit sector and the corporate leaders supporting them. These awards not only honor exceptional organizations and individuals but also highlight the profound impact of philanthropy and community engagement in enhancing local well-being. In an era where innovation and corporate responsibility are essential, these recipients stand as a testament to the resilient spirit of Arizona’s community.
As small businesses continue to drive the economy forward, the synergy between nonprofits and corporate partners reveals a promising pathway towards greater community investment, which, when supported by limited regulation, can lead to accelerated growth and forward-thinking initiatives. The Az Business Angels Awards align perfectly with the ethos of entrepreneurship that characterizes Phoenix’s business landscape.
Outstanding Community Impact
Arizona Financial Credit Union received accolades for its Local Causes Visa debit card program, which has donated over $300,000 to more than 80 nonprofits since its launch in 2020. This program allows member-owners to contribute to charitable causes, underscoring how businesses can connect consumer engagement with community support.
Burch & Cracchiolo has made significant strides in education through its Star Teacher program, which recognizes outstanding educators in Maricopa County. Established in 2019, this initiative has awarded over 45 teachers with monthly awards of $500 for the educator and $250 for their respective schools, demonstrating commitment to fostering educational excellence.
Delta Dental of Arizona made a remarkable $2.1 million contribution in 2023, benefiting 252,094 individuals across all 15 counties in the state. Their efforts included distributing more than 178,000 toothbrushes and nearly 170,000 tubes of toothpaste, reflecting a commitment to public health and wellness in the community.
The Joy Bus operates a unique nonprofit restaurant that donates all proceeds to deliver fresh meals to homebound cancer patients. Operating four days a week, this innovative approach exemplifies how businesses can creatively support those in need while promoting community nourishment.
TheSmileZone focuses on increasing access to quality dental care in rural and underserved areas, having provided services to over 700 children through its dental outreach program. This emphasizes the critical role of healthcare accessibility in improving the overall health of communities.
Additional Recognitions
ASM, a leading supplier of semiconductor wafer processing equipment, was honored for its collaboration with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance, marking a pivotal point in merging business operations with environmental accountability.
Desert Financial Credit Union committed $300,000 over three years to empower the Latino community in Arizona, supporting various initiatives that encourage economic growth and social development.
Waymo has also made waves in community engagement, partnering with three Phoenix-based nonprofits in 2017 to launch a public education campaign about autonomous driving technology. With 30,000 followers and over 100,000 website visitors monthly, this initiative illustrates the importance of public awareness in advancing technology responsibly.
About the Az Business Angels Awards
The Az Business Angels Awards, presented by AZ Big Media, serve to recognize and honor the efforts of Arizona’s nonprofits and the corporate leaders backing them. These awards highlight the significant contributions of organizations and individuals dedicated to enhancing the social and economic fabric of the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Az Business Angels Awards?
- The Az Business Angels Awards, presented by AZ Big Media, recognize and honor Arizona’s nonprofit community and the corporate leaders who support them. The awards aim to highlight the significant contributions made by organizations and individuals in enhancing the state’s social and economic well-being.
- Who were the recipients of the Outstanding Community Impact award in 2025?
- The recipients include Arizona Financial Credit Union, Burch & Cracchiolo, Delta Dental of Arizona, The Joy Bus, and TheSmileZone. Each organization was recognized for their significant contributions to the community.
- What is the Local Causes Visa debit card program?
- Arizona Financial Credit Union’s Local Causes Visa debit card program allows member-owners to participate in philanthropy through their purchases. A portion of each transaction is donated to nonprofits with operating budgets under $2 million. Since its inception in 2020, the program has contributed over $300,000 to more than 80 nonprofits.
- How does Burch & Cracchiolo support education?
- Burch & Cracchiolo established the Star Teacher program in 2019, honoring teachers in Maricopa County with monthly awards of $500 for the educator and $250 for their school. To date, over 45 teachers have been recognized.
- What initiatives has Delta Dental of Arizona undertaken?
- In 2023, Delta Dental of Arizona donated $2.1 million, benefiting 252,094 individuals across all 15 counties. Their contributions included distributing 178,352 toothbrushes and 169,790 tubes of toothpaste, among other health and wellness initiatives.
| Organization | Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Financial Credit Union | Local Causes Visa debit card program | Over $300,000 donated to more than 80 nonprofits since 2020 |
| Burch & Cracchiolo | Star Teacher program | Over 45 teachers honored with monthly awards since 2019 |
| Delta Dental of Arizona | Health and wellness initiatives | $2.1 million donated in 2023, benefiting 252,094 individuals across all 15 counties |
| The Joy Bus | Nonprofit restaurant supporting homebound cancer patients | Provides fresh meals to homebound cancer patients through restaurant proceeds |
| TheSmileZone | Dental outreach program | Provided dental services to over 700 children in rural and underserved areas |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
