Az Business Angels, featured each year in the November issue of Az Business magazine, is an editorial awards program honoring Arizona’s nonprofit community and the business leaders who champion them. These annual recognitions highlight nonprofits, individual leaders and organizations making significant local impact through philanthropy and community engagement. Following an open nomination period in which the public submits nominees, the Az Business magazine editorial board analyzes the nomination forms and determines the individuals and organizations that are honored. By spotlighting those who support essential causes — from education and healthcare to environmental sustainability — Az Business Angels underscores the powerful synergy between business and nonprofit sectors in building a stronger, more resilient Arizona. Here are the companies that were named Business Angels of the Year:
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Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks make a powerful impact through their charitable arm, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. Since its inception, the foundation has donated tens of millions to nonprofit organizations across Arizona. The team supports youth programs, education, veterans and health initiatives. Through grants, player-led efforts, community events and partnerships, the Diamondbacks create meaningful change, using baseball as a vehicle to uplift Arizona communities.
Delta Dental of Arizona
Delta Dental of Arizona invested $1.8 million in 2024 to improve health and wellness, reaching over 426,000 people statewide. Efforts included donations to 135 nonprofits, nearly 452,000 oral care items distributed, 1,100 volunteer hours and 1.5 million meals provided. Through programs with Arizona PBS, St. Vincent de Paul, and Phoenix Children’s, Delta Dental continues expanding access to care and education across Arizona.
Desert Financial Credit Union
Desert Financial Credit Union and its Foundation impacted over 365,000 Arizonans in 2024 through $5.2 million in giving, including $2.25 million to 1 Darn Cool School. In 2025, over $3 million has already been distributed and employees have logged 7,896 volunteer hours. With programs like Adopt-A-Teacher and free financial education, Desert Financial continues to champion education, community well-being and financial empowerment across Arizona.
KeenStack
Thiru Thangarathinam, founder and CEO of KeenStack, exemplifies what it means to be an AZ Business Angel.
His $1 million gift to Banner Children’s advanced pediatric cardiac care, while his leadership empowers KeenStack employees to give back through paid volunteer time. Thangarathinam’s mission-driven approach—rooted in service, impact and compassion — continues to transform communities and inspire a culture of purpose-driven leadership.
Lerner & Rowe
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back extends the firm’s mission beyond the courtroom, supporting accident victims and vulnerable families statewide. A $150,000 donation helped Valleywise Hospital’s Pediatric Burn Unit deliver world-class care and their support of Ryan House also enabled respite care for a critically ill child. Through compassion and philanthropy, Lerner & Rowe helps build a stronger, more supported community for those facing life’s most difficult moments.
Northern Trust
Northern Trust partners in Arizona have contributed 2,995.5 volunteer hours from January 2024 to August 2025, engaging over 300 employees. Through its Achieving Greater Together initiative, the firm supports nonprofits like UMOM, Ronald McDonald House and United Food Bank. With monthly events and Volunteer Time Off, employees give back year-round — donating time, clothing and compassion to strengthen the communities where they live and work.
Plexus Worldwide
Plexus Worldwide champions hope, health and happiness through award-winning philanthropy. Its Nourish One initiative has provided over 44 million meals globally, including 1 million through St. Mary’s Food Bank. Plexus also supports Phoenix Children’s, Junior Achievement, and reforestation via One Tree Planted. With 2,000-plus employee volunteer hours in 2023, Plexus earned top honors for social responsibility and employee giving.
Rafi Law Group
Rafi Law Group, Arizona’s premier personal injury firm, makes giving back a core value through its Rafi’s Hope initiative. With over 2,770 volunteer hours and $500,000 donated to Valleywise Health, the firm supports food drives, backpack giveaways and community celebrations. From Día del Niño to St. Mary’s Food Bank, Rafi’s culture of service proves business success and social impact can go hand in hand.
Southwest Gas Corporation
For over 90 years, Southwest Gas has been Arizona’s trusted energy partner and a catalyst for community impact. Through philanthropic giving, employee volunteerism, and strategic partnerships with nonprofits like St. Mary’s Food Bank and CASS, the company supports hunger, housing, education and sustainability. With deep Arizona roots and a culture of giving, Southwest Gas continues to build stronger, more resilient communities across the state.
WillScot
Headquartered in Phoenix, WillScot champions a culture of giving through its Give Where You Live program, supporting causes in shelter, hunger, education and health. Since 2021, more than 1,000 employees have donated $183,000, matched by $1.6 million in company giving and more than 12,000 volunteer hours. With in-kind donations exceeding $675,000, WillScot partners with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement across North America.
