Desert Financial Credit Union was founded by educators in 1939 with a modest sum of $78.75. Rooted in the principles of cooperation and community, this not-for-profit credit union has grown over 85 years while maintaining its foundational mission of sharing success with members, the community and its team. Strengthening education throughout Arizona remains a core focus for Desert Financial, a testament to its origin and ongoing commitment to community upliftment.
Desert Financial’s impact is most evident in its community initiatives and partnerships, which aim to promote financial well-being and education. Jeff Meshey, president and CEO of Desert Financial, encapsulates this mission: “You can’t have financial well-being without knowing a little about finance, and we’re excited to be bringing that to schools and to parents through our partnership with Gnosis. The earlier we can teach children the basic financial concepts, the better, and the more success they’ll have in life.” Through the Gnosis IQ partnership, Desert Financial reaches more students, teachers, schools and parents across Arizona, providing essential skills and education for financial well-being.
Founded in 2015, the Desert Financial Foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting organizations and individuals to enhance financial capability through education and scholarships. The foundation’s continuous growth is fueled by the generosity of its donors, and its programs reflect Desert Financial’s broader mission of giving back. One of the standout programs supported by the foundation is the “1 Darn Cool School” at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. With more than $10 million raised, this fully accredited K-12 school employs eight full-time master-level teachers who provide both classroom and bedside instruction to hospitalized children. This initiative ensures that children fighting illnesses and injuries can continue their education, a crucial element of maintaining normalcy and hope during challenging times.
Scholarships are another vital component of Desert Financial’s philanthropic efforts. Since 2017, the Desert Financial Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to Arizona residents. These scholarships are not limited to traditional high school students; they also support adults pursuing certificates or degrees and student-athletes who have overcome significant obstacles. This broad scope ensures that educational support is available to a diverse array of individuals, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
In addition to financial support, Desert Financial emphasizes hands-on community involvement. In 2022 alone, Desert Financial team members volunteered more than 15,000 hours across various community projects. An impressive 92% of team members are engaged in volunteering and monetary giving, demonstrating a collective passion for helping others. Whether through team projects, virtual volunteering opportunities or individual efforts, Desert Financial’s employees embody the organization’s commitment to community service.
Desert Financial’s corporate social responsibility extends to awarding grants to nonprofit partners. In 2023, $300,000 in community grants were distributed to 26 nonprofit organizations, addressing critical areas such as education, housing and human services, hunger and food insecurity, and youth education. Since 2013, more than $1.5 million has been awarded to Arizona nonprofits, supporting vital education programs and workforce development initiatives.
The credit union’s commitment to financial well-being is further evidenced by its workshops and webinars. These educational resources are designed to empower members, the community and nonprofit partners with the knowledge needed to achieve financial stability. The partnership with Gnosis IQ is particularly impactful, as it allows Desert Financial to leverage an existing educational platform to reach more students and their families. This initiative ensures that financial literacy starts at a young age, laying the groundwork for a stronger and more financially savvy Arizona.
Desert Financial also encourages its executive and senior management teams to serve on nonprofit boards, contributing their expertise and leadership to organizations such as the American Heart Association, Greater Phoenix Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Boys & Girls Club of Scottsdale. This involvement not only benefits the nonprofits but also aligns with Desert Financial’s ethos of active community engagement and leadership.
Desert Financial’s corporate philanthropy and community initiatives exemplify a deep-seated commitment to making Arizona a better place for all. Through strategic partnerships, generous scholarships, dedicated volunteerism and robust educational programs, Desert Financial continues to honor its founding principles while adapting to the evolving needs of the community. As the credit union looks to the future, its passion for helping others and strengthening community bonds remains unwavering, ensuring that the legacy of giving back continues to flourish.
Learn more about how Desert Financial Credit Union provides support to communities by visiting here.
Tyler Butler is a chief social impact officer for a publicly traded corporate portfolio where she leads programs that positively impact humanity. She is also the founder of 11Eleven Consulting, and she is often cited as a subject matter expert by Forbes, SHRM, Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report and more.
