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 Thursday, May 16, 2024. 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 (impact sponsor), Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona (spotlight sponsor), Stearns Bank (step-and-repeat sponsor), Maricopa Corporate College at Maricopa Community Colleges (photo booth sponsor), Lerner & Rowe Gives Back (name tag sponsor), REDW Advisors and CPAs (floral sponsor) and Center for the Future of Arizona (dessert sponsor).
To learn more about the Champions of Change Awards, click here.
Philanthropic business of the year
ALINE Architecture Concepts
ALINE is working with the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, creating a space that will support the organization’s need to create a better environment for children going through cancer treatments. ALINE also recently provided pro bono design work to Rosie’s House, a nonprofit music academy for children.
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
Established in 1997, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) has earned international recognition as a nonprofit organization committed to pioneering research, implementing evidence-based practices, delivering effective training, and fostering inclusive communities across our state.
Baker Tilly
Baker Tilly Wishes brings the resources of the firm and its people together to impact our communities now, for tomorrow. In 2023,
15 Baker Tilly team members received $10,000 and up to 40 hours
of additional volunteer time for the not-for-profit organization of
their choice.
Bankers Trust
Bankers Trust strongly believes in supporting organizations that strengthen the communities it serves. Bankers Trust gives more than $1 million annually in charitable contributions. Adding to this, Bankers Trust employees volunteer more than 13,000 hours of service each year.
Salt River Project
SRP’s corporate contributions ensure that nonprofits have the resources they need to support the members of the community who need it most. SRP donates more than $4.5 million every year to support basic needs, education and community enrichment programs to help
the future workforce grow.
Desert Financial’s dedication to giving back is evident in its significant contributions, totaling $4.5 million through corporate, foundation and employee giving, with $1.15 million raised for the 1 Darn Cool School at Phoenix Children’s and over 18,000 volunteer hours dedicated to community service.
The firm’s dedication to societal betterment is woven into its operational fabric through its philanthropic initiative, Rafi’s Hope. Through Rafi’s Hope, Rafi has pledged over $625,000 to various causes within Arizona, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education and community welfare for families in need.
Sundt Construction
To date, the Sundt Foundation has distributed more than $14 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in multiple cities. In Arizona specifically, the Sundt Foundation has distributed nearly $10 million to local nonprofit partners and donated thousands of volunteer hours.
Wespac Construction
Wespac brought the M3F Festival to life in 2004 as a way to give back to the community. Unlike other music festivals, M3F is a registered nonprofit that donates 100% of its proceeds to charity. Since it started in 2004, $4.4 million has been donated.
