Desert Financial Credit Union is expanding its partnership with the Arizona Cardinals by serving as a founding partner of the newly launched Arizona Cardinals Foundation, a charitable initiative dedicated to supporting Arizona’s special needs community.
The Foundation, which replaces what was formerly known as Cardinals Charities, is dedicated to supporting individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries.
The expanded partnership between Desert Financial and the Cardinals reflects a shared commitment to creating long-term, meaningful change in Arizona communities.
“The mark of a true partnership is to lift each other up in all spaces,” said Jeff Meshey, President and CEO of Desert Financial Credit Union. “Because Desert Financial and the Arizona Cardinals share a vision of helping to improve the community, it’s much easier to be successful collaborators.”
Named the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals in 2024, Desert Financial launched a multi-year partnership focused on fan engagement, financial education and community outreach. The new Foundation builds on that work, reinforcing the Desert Financial legacy of more than 85 years of dedicated service and community impact.
“We are incredibly grateful to Desert Financial for its tremendous support and collaboration over the years but especially for the way it is enthusiastically embracing Arizona Cardinals Foundation and its mission,” said Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill. “Desert Financial’s partnership will undoubtedly enhance the Foundation’s ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in the special needs community.”
Multi-year funding for four cornerstone nonprofit partners, which include Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), Barrow Neurological Foundation, Special Olympics Arizona and Treasure House, was announced when the Foundation launched.
