Two Arizona organizations at the national forefront for autism research, support and services — Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) and First Place® AZ — have teamed up to introduce Arizona’s first specialty autism license plate: "Driving Support for Autism." Designed to raise awareness and generate support for autism-related programs and services … [More]
M Culinary Combats Food Waste
Following the recent WM Phoenix Open, M Culinary Concepts donated 30,764 pounds of unused food from the event — that would otherwise have rotted in landfills — to Waste Not, which distributed the food to more than 30 nonprofit organizations. Phoenix-based M Culinary, which provides the culinary experience at the WM Phoenix Open, is Arizona's largest catering and hospitality … [More]
Babbo Italian Funds Pancreatic Cancer Research
At its recent fourth annual Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving as part of its ongoing campaign, Babbo Italian Eatery raised $203,501 to support pancreatic cancer research — giving 100% of restaurant profits to the Seena Magowitz Foundation, benefiting groundbreaking research at HonorHealth Research Institute. The total includes a $50,000 match from the Pollack family, a … [More]
Desert Financial Funds 1 Darn Cool School
For children facing lengthy hospital stays, health recovery involves more than medicine. Addressing this, Phoenix Children’s created 1 Darn Cool School, a program that provides educational sessions in person, virtually and at various Phoenix Children’s locations, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for all patients. The 1 Darn Cool School is fully funded by Desert … [More]
Apathy’s Spillover into Fundraising
How nonprofits navigate today’s societal lethargy
Donors and volunteers once filled with energy, enthusiasm or indignation for social causes have gone a bit silent. Their new mantra: Wait and see what happens. Psychologists suggest that an increase in apathy is to be expected in a world filled with uncertainty. To be sure, there’s a lot of it to go around: global political upheaval, regional warfare, rising costs for basic … [More]
Phoenix Rising FC’s ‘Reading with Rising’ Program
Inspiring young minds through literacy
Phoenix Rising FC is leaving a lasting mark both on and off the field with its signature community program, “Reading with Rising.” This innovative initiative inspires young readers and fosters a love for literacy while deepening the club’s ties to the vibrant Phoenix community. By blending the excitement of professional soccer with the power of storytelling, the program … [More]
Benevilla Names New Chief Operating Officer
Benevilla, a leading nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristen Wilson as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit financial management, operations, and strategic planning, Wilson will play a key role in driving the … [More]
Arizona Financial Donates Computers
In 2024, Arizona Financial Credit Union cycled its internal tech refreshing into a significant community impact by donating more than 920 refurbished laptops and PCs primarily to local and international nonprofits as well as the credit union’s employees. These donations not only support the missions of the chosen nonprofit organizations but also contribute to reducing … [More]
Feedback: March 2025
Q: How does employee involvement in your company’s philanthropic activities impact their engagement at work? Kamal Charef General Manager Avondale Toyota Sector: Automobile Dealer Avondale Toyota fosters a culture of community engagement, empowering employees to both recommend and participate in meaningful philanthropic initiatives. Since 2005, giving back has been a core … [More]
March 2025 Guest Editor: Richard Tollefson, The Phoenix Philanthropy Group
What Gives? Philanthropy strengthens our community. Philanthropy strengthens the businesses that practice it. In 2023, Americans gave more than $557 billion in philanthropic support to nonprofit institutions. Individuals accounted for 67% of that total, foundations 19%, bequests 8%, and corporations 7% — more than $36.5 billion. While the level of corporate support is … [More]
Serving More Than Plates: M Culinary’s Philanthropy in Action
How a culinary giant is nourishing the community and transforming lives
From its humble beginnings as a fine dining establishment, M Culinary has grown into the Southwest’s largest privately held catering and hospitality provider. However, this journey isn’t just about culinary excellence or national recognition; it’s about a deep-seated commitment to community impact. Beyond the mouthwatering menus and iconic events, M Culinary stands as a model … [More]
Good Business: Growing the Corporate Model through Community Engagement
“We want our neighbors to see TSMC Arizona as a big contributor to the growth and prosperity of the community,” says a spokesperson for the microchip manufacturing giant that has established a (huge) campus in Northwest Phoenix. Noting that thousands of jobs will be created to run the semiconductor fabs in the coming years, with talent recruited here in the state, she goes on … [More]
Credit Union Donates Record $2.25M to Phoenix Children’s School
Desert Financial Foundation and Desert Financial Credit Union announced a record-breaking $2.25 million donation to the 1 Darn Cool School at Phoenix Children’s. The fully accredited K-12 school, staffed by seven full-time master’s level teachers, provides children hospitalized for five days or more with bedside education to ensure they stay on track academically, while facing … [More]
Windows of Impact: Renewal by Andersen’s Commitment to Community
Through compassion and connection, building a brighter future one family at a time
Renewal by Andersen, the replacement window division of Andersen Corporation, has long been known for its superior craftsmanship and innovation. However, the company’s charitable efforts, powered by its affiliate group Esler Companies, showcase a side of the organization that prioritizes people over profit. Esler Companies’ “With LOVE” philosophy serves as the foundation of a … [More]
OneAZ Awards State Forty Eight Foundation with $30,000 Grant
OneAZ Credit Union and the OneAZ Community Foundation recently awarded the State Forty Eight Foundation with a $30,000 Legacy Grant. This grant will help elevate the State Forty Eight Foundation’s Entrepreneur Speaker Series, which aims to encourage and inspire Arizona’s small business owners. … [More]
Chamber Gets Its Own Brew – For Charity
On Tuesday, February 4th, local Tempe Brewery, Catalyst Crafted Ales will begin the brewing process for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce beer. Tempe Chamber President and CEO Robin Arredondo-Savage explains, “We’re thrilled to partner with Catalyst Crafted Ales to bring this special brew to our community in support of the Tempe Chamber Foundation. This collaboration is a perfect … [More]
Arizona Builders Alliance Seeks Nonprofits for $100K Pro-Bono Project
Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA), the state’s leading construction industry association, has extended the deadline to submit applications for its annual Community Service Project. The ABA will select one Valley nonprofit to receive free construction and renovation services valued up to $100,000. The ABA will accept applications from local nonprofits until this Friday, January … [More]
PXG Issues $1 Million Matching Challenge for California Wildfire Relief Efforts
Scottsdale-based PXG, the global golf equipment and apparel brand, has announced a significant commitment to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million for Team Rubicon to aid in the ongoing efforts to combat the devastating impact of recent wildfires in California. This initiative underscores PXG’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves, especially … [More]
