Collaborating with nonprofit organizations is essential for businesses and business leaders seeking to positively impact the community. This collaboration fosters a culture of social responsibility while addressing critical local issues such as poverty, education, healthcare and environmental sustainability. When businesses partner with nonprofits, they leverage their resources, expertise, and networks to support causes that benefit society, creating a ripple effect of positive change. That’s why the individuals and organizations that have been naked Az Business Angels for 2025 are so important.
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One of the key advantages of such partnerships is the pooling of resources. Businesses bring financial strength, operational efficiency and strategic thinking, while nonprofits contribute specialized knowledge, community connections and a deep understanding of social issues. This synergy allows for more effective problem-solving, enabling both parties to make a more substantial and sustainable impact than they could achieve independently.
These collaborations also enhance a company’s reputation and brand image. Consumers are increasingly drawn to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. By supporting nonprofit initiatives, companies show they care about the well-being of the community, which strengthens their relationship with customers and builds brand loyalty. This commitment can also improve employee morale and retention, as people tend to feel more connected to organizations that actively contribute to the greater good.
Additionally, partnerships with nonprofits allow business leaders to engage with the community in meaningful ways. These collaborations offer valuable opportunities for networking, leadership development and fostering a sense of purpose.
By addressing social challenges, business leaders not only improve the lives of those in need but also contribute to building a stronger,
more resilient community.
Ultimately, when businesses collaborate with nonprofit organizations, they play a crucial role in driving social progress. These partnerships create a win-win situation where businesses grow, communities thrive and nonprofit missions are advanced, leading to lasting positive change.
Meet the Arizona Business Angels for 2025. They are the leaders and organizations that champion the causes that are most important to Arizonans.
Business Angels of the Year: Company
Desert Financial Credit Union
Under its Give and Grow strategy, Desert Financial impacts the community through corporate giving, volunteering, financial well-being initiatives, Random Acts of Kindness and teacher appreciation. Highlights include nearly 13,400 Random Acts of Kindness, $300,000 in community grants and more than 55,878 individuals impacted through funded programs. The organization’s impact is further exemplified through its employees’ dedication to giving back. So far in 2024, employees have volunteered 5,805 hours, which are valued at $180,599.
EleeHub
Nonprofit marketing advocate and results-driven leader Todd Vigil is the founder of EleeHub, a digital marketing partner that assists 501(c)(3) organizations in maximizing Google’s generous Ad Grant program, which provides qualified nonprofits up to $10,000 per month in free advertising. The name was inspired by the word ‘eleemosynary’, an adjective describing things that are related to or supported by charitable actions, while the ‘-hub’ suffix reflects Vigil’s goal to be a digital transformation destination for nonprofit organizations.
The Foster Group
Troy Foster, founder of The Foster Group, and his family founded Henry’s Hope, a nonprofit created to provide necessary resources to families with children facing terminal or life-threatening illnesses, helping them to obtain diagnoses, medications, and vital treatments in addition to patient advocates that help them navigate the system. Henry’s Hope was inspired by the families that Foster encountered during hospital stays for son Henry, who has chronic mitochondrial disease along with Foster’s other son, Luke.
United Contracting Group
Jarod Huston, founder of United Contracting Group, and his team gift at least two complete roof replacements each year to families in need and are actively working to support a number of nonprofits. Since founding United Contracting Group in 2020, Huston’s approach transcends the ordinary, focusing on comprehensive solutions that not only repair damages to roofs, but fortify the property’s structural integrity. He has also improved industry processes for the benefit of hard-working roofers and customers alike.
Wilde Wealth Management Group
Team members from Wilde came together to support Child Crisis Arizona and its preschool program, sponsoring the student’s graduation events through the donation of clothing and backpacks filled with school supplies to prepare the children for the kindergarten year ahead. Members of the firm were on hand to congratulate the children with roses and other goodies during the graduation ceremonies and also sponsored lunch for the teachers to show their thanks for all of their dedication.
Business Angels of the Year: Individuals
Jeff Anthony, Wilde Wealth Management Group
Anthony is an appointed member of PCH 50, inspired to action after Phoenix Children’s Hospital saved his son’s life. Through fundraising efforts since 2016, PCH 50 has raised more than $6.7 million for Phoenix Children’s as it continues to deliver innovative and impactful pediatric care to children.
Susan Brichler Trujillo, Quarles
An active supporter of the Girl Scouts, Trujillo has served many years as a board member and is serving a three-year term as chair of the Arizona Cactus Pine Council, the council where she participated as a Girl Scout, giving back to the council that gave her so much.
Justin Naber, Keeley Construction
Naber, director of business development for Keeley Construction, selflessly gives of his time, talent, and treasure to countless organizations. Since 2018, Naber has served as a Yellow Jacket Volunteer for Fiesta Bowl Charities. He was named committee member of the Year in 2021, serving in various chair roles for the Fiesta Bowl.
Henry Rivero, Coulter Infiniti
Rivero works with several Valley nonprofits and charitable projects personally and on behalf of Coulter Infiniti in Mesa. They sponsored the Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe golf tournament in 2023 and 2024, and put a focus female empowerment and the sales team on the floor is uniquely 50% women.
Rich Yado, Rafi Law Group
Under Yado’s leadership, Rafi’s Hope has supported numerous local charities, including Ryan House, St. Mary’s Food Bank and St. Vincent De Paul. In addition, the firm made a multi-year commitment to the Valleywise Health Foundation in support of its pediatric intensive care unit and has contributed 1,000 volunteer hours so far this year.
Collaboration of the year
ASM and The Nature Conservancy
ASM, a leading supplier of semiconductor wafer processing equipment with a hub Phoenix, and The Nature Conservancy are collaborating on significant water restoration projects in Arizona’s Verde Valley. ASM and TNC are embarking on a multi-year partnership where ASM has donated $131,000 as part of a multi-year commitment to fund TNC’s Restoring Flows program. The goal of the program is to restore the Verde River flows and riverside health while supporting agriculture in the Verde Valley.
CHASSE Building Team and Arizona communities
Each year the employee-owned and operated general contractor that oversees more than $530 million in construction projects across Arizona annually, kicks off the holiday season early by coming together for “CHASSE-giving,” an annual giving event wherein employees volunteer together to help the local community. In 2023, more than 60 team members from CHASSE’s Tempe and Tucson locations took part, helping put together nearly 1,600 holiday meal boxes for local families’ Thanksgiving celebrations.
Girl Scouts and State Forty Eight Foundation
On March 1, 2025, Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council and State Forty Eight Foundation will the Bring Home the Cookies 5K at the Westgate Entertainment District. The community walk/run, benefiting both charitable organizations, will celebrate and empower Arizona entrepreneurs of all ages toward a sweeter future. All area residents and families, whether directly connected to the Girl Scouts or not, are welcome to take part in the joyful event.
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Delta Dental of Arizona
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Delta Dental of Arizona are partnering to create the Oral Health In Medicine Initiative. The partnership — made through a $850,000 investment by the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation — will increase oral health education for all medical students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and is expected to launch in the 2024-2025 academic year, which commenced in July.
Wilde Wealth Management Group and Child Crisis Arizona
Throughout June, team members from Wilde Wealth Management Group came together to support Child Crisis Arizona’ss preschool program. “Child Crisis Arizona’s preschool program helps children prepare for kindergarten while providing wraparound services for their low-income families to overcome economic inequities as they aim to break the cycle of generational poverty,” says Trevor Wilde, CEO of Wilde Wealth. “We are honored to help celebrate these kids and their families.”
Nonprofit leaders of the year
Katherine Cecala, president, Junior Achievement of Arizona
Cecala is passionate about creating strong communities through service and education. It’s a passion that started when she was a child, working to make her neighborhood or school better. It’s become a decades-long journey working in the nonprofit sector, impacting hundreds of thousands of people across Arizona. As a fourth-generation Arizonan, Cecala is deeply invested in supporting and empowering the people of our state.
Luis De La Cruz, president and CEO, Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation
De La Cruz leads Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, which provides foster care support by closing critical funding and service gaps. De La Cruz grew up in Arizona’s foster care system, so the mission is personal. Having experienced the barriers that foster youth face first-hand, he is focused on leveraging his business experience to change the way the child welfare system impacts youth in Arizona.
Adriana Murrieta, president, The Pharos Foundation
Murrieta spearheads the foundation’s work funding and implementing systemic changes to improve access to quality educational opportunities for all students, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Her drive for education reform stems from her own childhood experiences as a young immigrant from Colombia, and her want to improve the educational opportunities for her children and their peers, especially those facing educational disadvantages like the ones she faced.
Daniel Stellar, state director, The Nature Conservancy in Arizona
Stellar provides overall management and leadership for TNC’s work and is recognized as a top conservation expert in Arizona. During Stellar’s tenure, TNC has expanded and accelerated its work, focusing on four comprehensive themes: Conserving our Lands and Waters, Restoring our Forests, Building Healthy Cities, and Taking Climate Action. TNC is at the forefront of mitigating the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Mark Young, CEO, Azura
Young helped create Azura’s “Foster 360” program, which provides safe housing and trauma-informed services to children who have aged out of the foster care system. Young and his team discovered that the children aged out of foster care who they serve are more vulnerable to experiencing traumatic brain injuries. He collaborated with Barrow Neurological Institute to determine how many residents unknowingly suffer with TBI so more progress can be made to improve young lives.
Nonprofit Organizations of the year
A New Leaf
A New Leaf’s dedication to empowering individuals and families in need through comprehensive support services is truly inspiring. For more than 50 years, A New Leaf has been a beacon of hope, providing critical assistance in housing, financial literacy, workforce development and health and wellness. A New Leaf operates numerous programs across the Valley, including homeless and domestic violence shelters, affordable housing solutions, behavioral health services and community outreach initiatives.
This past 12 months have been the most impactful in Child Crisis Arizona’s history. In late 2023, the organization announced the completion of its $25 million Fostering Bright Futures Campaign to support the construction of the Child Crisis Arizona Center for Child & Family Wellness. Set to open in fall 2024, the 38,000-square-foot, net-zero campus brings the organization’s foster care, adoption, counseling and family education into one space and enables CCA to colocate six nonprofits onsite.
Circle the City
Circle the City is revolutionizing healthcare for those facing homelessness in Maricopa County. Circle the City’s standout IV hydration program has set a new national standard, ensuring the most vulnerable get the urgent care they need. Circle the City’s success has captured national attention. Cities across the country are now looking to Circle the City as a blueprint, eager to replicate Circle the City’s holistic, street-level care approach.
In May 2023, Compudopt launched its services in Arizona to bring greater opportunity, accessibility and economic mobility to Maricopa County. Through partnerships with the City of Mesa, Mesa Public Schools, Santander Consumer USA and Motorola, Compudopt has provided 7,500 no-cost computers to underserved families, connected 10,000 households to free or low-cost internet, offered digital skill-building resources to over 24,000 individuals and delivered workforce-aligned technology education programs to 300 youth.
FSL
FSL got its start in 1974, serving Maricopa County and has grown to a $53 million organization that reaches across the state. Serving at the intersection of healthcare and housing, FSL owns and operates 25 apartment communities offering affordable rents, two adult day health centers, 21 adult foster care homes, 17 residential treatment facilities in homelike settings, the Wickenburg Senior Center, Peoria Senior Center and the Southwest Building Science Training Center.
One Step Beyond, Inc.
OSBI provides programming and services for adults (18+) who have intellectual disabilities, breaking down barriers and empowering independence in participants, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities in the workplace and in the community. OSBI’s innovative programming and person-centered focus have set the bar for what programs and services for this community should be here and nationwide. OSBIs foster an inclusive community, where participants are empowered to achieve their full potential
and thrive.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Helios has been a crucial supporter of students across Arizona, investing in numerous education organizations, including its own Education Forward Arizona. With more than $350 million invested in partnerships and initiatives in Arizona and Florida, Helios goes beyond traditional grantmaking through research, data and policy advocacy. The organization fosters collaboration to create more opportunities for students through its Helios Education Campus and ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence.
Televerde Foundation
The Televerde Foundation has transformative impact on the lives of incarcerated women. Since its inception in 2020, the foundation has provided comprehensive personal and professional development programs, facilitating successful reintegration into society. With a maintained 0% recidivism rate and 96% employment rate among its program graduates, the foundation’s success is a testament to its innovative approach and effective programming. The foundation’s programs focus on self-efficacy, workplace readiness, financial literacy and personal wellness.
White Tank Mountains Conservancy
White Tank Mountains Conservancy (WTMC) inspires all to conserve and enjoy the natural and cultural resources of the White Tank Mountains, promoting sustainable development while conserving an important regional wildlife corridor. WTMC promotes responsible development and aims to address potential problems proactively. Earlier this year, via its Connectivity Initiative that establishes collaborations with landowners and land use decision-makers, WTMC fostered a partnership with Howard Hughes Holdings to promote thoughtful development that incorporates conservation.
Wildfire
For more than 50 years, Wildfire has worked to get resources into the hands of Arizonans who need them most — whether providing financial aid to help low-income families pay utility bills and afford appliance repairs or making it easier for vulnerable people to access life-saving benefits. Just this year, a Wildfire campaign raised more than $2 million, which will go toward replacing about 150 air conditioning units for households most vulnerable to the dangers of Arizona’s hot summers.
Business Angels: Outstanding Community Impact
Arizona Financial Credit Union
Arizona Financial Credit Union’s community impact is exemplified by Local Causes Visa debit card program, in which member-owners can be a part of the philanthropic culture through their debit cards. With each purchase made with their cards, a portion of that purchase goes into a und that is distributed to nonprofits that have an operating budget under $2 million. Since its inception in 2020, Arizona Financial has gifted more than $300,000 to more than 80 nonprofits.
Burch & Cracchiolo
In 2019, Burch & Cracchiolo created the Star Teacher program, in which a teacher in Maricopa County is honored each month with a check for $500 and his or her school is given an additional check for $250. To date, Burch & Cracchiolo honored more than 45 teachers and now feel it is the crux of the firm’s philanthropy. In addition, Burch & Cracchiolo support those organizations where attorneys and staff are involved.
Delta Dental of Arizona
Delta Dental of Arizona contributed $2.1 million in 2023 alone, positively impacting 252,094 people. Here’s a look at Delta Dental’s community impact by the numbers:
• $2.1 million donated to improve health and wellness in Arizona
• 178,352 toothbrushes given away
• 169,790 tubes of toothpaste donated
• 112,354 dental floss pods provided
• 252,094 Arizonans across all 15 counties receiving oral health education and/or services
• 33,081 Arizonans receiving food insecurity/nutrition education programs
• 946 hours of volunteer service by DDAZ employees.
The Joy Bus
The Joy Bus is a nonprofit restaurant open to the public four days a week. All proceeds go toward supporting the mission of The Joy Bus, a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to relieve the daily struggles of homebound cancer patients with a fresh and healthy meal delivered by a friendly face. By delivering not only nourishment but also a sense of joy and companionship, The Joy Bus brings hope and comfort to those in need.
TheSmileZone
The TheSmileZone’s mission is to provide access to quality dental care in rural and underserved areas in the State of Arizona. TheSmileZone is addressing the dental healthcare gap that exists existing in Arizona, but targeting underserved communities and those communities impacted by socioeconomic disparities through a dental outreach program. TheSmileZone has provided more than 500 children with dental services and provided oral hygiene education and supplies to 500 children.
Outstanding Corporate Responsibility
In May, the Arizona Diamondbacks gave $1 million to the Banner Health Foundation to help make professional-level baseball training available to young players from across the Valley at Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale. This is one of the team’s largest charitable donations in the team’s history and the Diamondbacks’ support will allow talented baseball players at all levels to access the same expert performance training that professional Major League Baseball players experience.
Copperpoint Insurance Companies
CopperPoint holds four Giving campaigns for employees each year. Copperpoint starts its year by assisting 3,562 students at Title 1 schools by providing 17,514 school supplies. Copperpoint’s United Way campaign raised over $339,000 in 2023, and over two-thirds of Copperpoint’s employees participated in its “Step Up Challenge” benefiting Kids’ Chance. Copperpoint’s holiday giving project once again engaged employees across the company to assemble 25,000 “kindness kits” for homeless veterans and families.
CHASSE Building Team
CHASSE Building Team has been a strong supporter of local charities since its inception in 2007. Since its founding, CHASSE Building Team has contributed more than $4.5 million to local organizations and — on average — CHASSE Building Team volunteers more than 3,000 collective hours each year, oftentimes together. When working with a K-12 school on a project, CHASSE provides hands-on, real-time Project-Based Learning (PBL) classes as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and presentations on construction.
Geneva Financial
Geneva Financial’s “Be A Good Human” initiative is like a super-charged kindness generator, energizing its entire team to dive into community projects. Geneva Financial is not just partnering with local news stations to highlight Valley charities — they are shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes who make our community awesome. And let’s not forget Geneva Financial’s rock star collaboration with iHeart Radio, where it awards $969 each month to a “Good Human.”
United Contracting Group
In 2020, armed with a builder’s mind, Jarod Huston founded United Contracting Group. His approach since day one transcends the ordinary, focusing on unparalleled workmanship standards coupled with unwavering commitment to the community it serves. He and his team actively support dozens of nonprofits, including the Chandler Compadres and American Legion, among others, but beyond this work on a large-scale program to gift at least two complete roof replacements each year to families in need.
Volunteers of the year
Barbara Achten, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Achten’s dedication to community service is exemplified through her role as HERO Committee Chair at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. Spearheading the property’s community involvement efforts, Achten manages the investment of time and financial resources through donations and various activities both on-property and within the community. Under her leadership, the HERO program consistently strengthens local organizations and programs where Harrah’s employees and their families live and work. Achten’s efforts have led to Harrah’s being recognized in The Civic 50 as one of the country’s most community-minded companies. She leads by example, volunteering at least 10 hours a month and financially supporting several nonprofit organizations.
Mistie Hague Weishaar, Greenberg Traurig
Weishaar embodies the spirit of altruism and community betterment. Weishaar’s decade-long commitment to advancing health and well-being has positioned her at the forefront of critical initiatives, including providing clean drinking water, vaccines, healthcare and housing to underserved communities. Her efforts have driven sustainable, meaningful progress and offered hope to many. She has secured funding and mobilized volunteers to deliver healthy meals and teach sustainable agricultural practices, among other vital contributions. And as senior manager of diversity, equity and inclusion at Greenberg Traurig, Weishaar balances professional responsibilities with volunteer commitments. Her ability to motivate others exemplifies volunteerism and underscores her capacity to inspire and lead.
Taylor Perkins, CHASSE Building Team
Perkins is director of business development at CHASSE, focused on the firm’s award-winning K-12 division. She is also co-chair of CHASSE’s community giving arm, leading philanthropic and volunteer efforts ranging from CHASSE school STEM programming to the firm’s CHASSE-Giving Meal Program. Perkins serves on the boards for the Arizona Association for School Board Officials; Education Foundation for the Buckeye Elementary School District; Nadaburg Unified Elementary School District Foundation; and A4LE, helping bridge architecture and learning spaces with education. She is also a member of Urban Farming Education, helping create urban gardens at schools to teach children how to cultivate their own food.
