Each year, Az Business magazine, a publication of AZ Big Media, presents the Champions of Change Awards to recognize those dynamic innovators and trailblazers who are changing Arizona’s business landscape through leadership, visionary thinking and philanthropy. The Champions of Change Awards honor both individuals and organizations. The Champions of Change Awards will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Each day leading up to the event, we will preview one category of finalists. Today, meet the Champions of Change finalists for philanthropic business of the year.
Sponsors of the Champions of Change Awards include BOK Financial and Diversified Partners (spotlight sponsors), Optum (dessert sponsor) and Wilde Wealth Management Group (step-and-repeat sponsor).
To learn more about the Champions of Change Awards of to purchase tickets, click here.
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Philanthropic business of the year finalists
Here are the Champions of Change Awards finalists for philanthropic business of the year:
ASM
ASM has embarked on a multi-year, $300,000 partnership with The Nature Conservancy, TNC, to help them fund critical conservation projects in Arizona. A key project is the Restoring Flows program, which allows local farms to modernize their irrigation systems to restore the watershed and flows to Arizona’s Verde River. ASM has also worked with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance on a multi-year $240,000 partnership to support urban tree planting and conservation education.
Avondale Toyota
Avondale Toyota is more than a car dealership — they are a dedicated partner to the West Valley community. Through financial contributions, volunteerism, and sponsorships, the dealership supports over 25 local organizations, including schools, youth sports programs, and nonprofits. In 2024 alone, Avondale Toyota donated to 59 organizations across Arizona. A strong advocate for youth development, Avondale Toyota partners with the Boys & Girls Club AZ Youthforce, providing over 50 paid internships since 2021.
Burch & Cracchiolo
Burch & Cracchiolo demonstrates its philanthropic commitment through various community-focused initiatives. The firm supports numerous organizations, including St. Vincent de Paul, the Arizona Humane Society, and the Anti-Defamation League. Their Star Teacher Program awards $500 monthly to deserving educators, acknowledging their impactful contributions. Additionally, Burch & Cracchiolo partners with Local First Arizona to bolster local businesses and actively sponsors events like Feeding Matters’ “Feed the Cause,” addressing pediatric feeding disorders.
CHASSE Building Team
Since its founding in 2007, CHASSE Building Team has a community champion. In total, CHASSE has contributed more than $4.5 million to local organizations and – on average – CHASSE volunteers more than 3,000 collective hours each year, oftentimes together. Every Thanksgiving, the company hosts CHASSE-giving, purchasing products and together arranging and delivering over 1,500 food boxes for families. CHASSE also works with a K-12 schools to provide hands-on, real-time Project-Based Learning (PBL) classes.
Geneva Financial
Geneva Financial is more than a mortgage lender—it is a company founded on kindness, integrity, and giving back. Central to Geneva’s culture is the Be A Good Human initiative, which started as an idea from its CEO and COO Aaron and Telle VanTrojen. Today, it has grown into a robust mission dedicated to uplifting individuals, supporting meaningful causes, and leaving a lasting positive legacy. In addition, Geneva partners with iHeart Radio to honor everyday heroes through their “Good Human of the Month” award.
Google Fiber
Google Fiber actively and consistently invests in impactful Arizona programs, supporting initiatives that empower individuals through digital access, education and inclusion. They contributed to Hacktivate Mesa, a program fostering innovation and technological advancement, and, recognizing the importance of literacy and lifelong learning, Google Fiber funded adult literacy classes with Mesa Libraries, reaching maximum capacity each class. The company supported the Idea Museum in Mesa, which inspires creativity in young minds.
Sundt Construction
Sundt Construction builds prosperity by sharing it. For 135 years, Sundt has been dedicated to improving the communities where its employee-owners live and work. In 1999, Sundt expanded this commitment by establishing the Sundt Foundation, a nonprofit organization that addresses the unique needs of local communities. To date, the Sundt Foundation has distributed over $16 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, with more than $10 million benefiting Arizona communities. Thousands of volunteer hours have also been contributed.
Plexus Worldwide
At Plexus, community is the culture. Plexus’ Corporate Social Responsibility efforts have been recognized by The American Business Awards and Communitas. Plexus has a philanthropy department that offers 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually to each team member, resulting in over 10,000 volunteer hours since 2019. Plexus has contributed $13.1 million in total monetary donations to organizations such as Cancer Support Community Arizona, Junior Achievement of Arizona and Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care.
WillScot
WillScot has helped build a brighter future for more than 50 nonprofit organizations in Arizona. What’s more, WillScot’s broad footprint of more than 240 branch locations in North America allows the company to scale its positive community impact beyond its home state in four core areas of focus: Shelter; hunger; education; and health and wellness. In addition to financially supporting national partners Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, American Red Cross, and Junior Achievement, WillScot encourages its employees to give their time and talent to causes that are meaningful to them.
Rafi Law Group
Rafi Law Group exemplifies the power of combining business success with a steadfast commitment to community impact. Through its charitable initiative, Rafi’s Hope, the firm has transformed countless lives across Arizona, focusing on empowering children and families in underserved communities. In 2024 alone, Rafi’s Hope donated over $300,000 and logged more than 1,300 volunteer hours, reflecting a deep investment in making a tangible difference. A standout example of Rafi Law Group’s impact is its $500,000 commitment to the Valleywise Health Foundation.
