Phoenix (STN) – In one of the most memorable announcements of season four of ‘It Happens at STN’, Arizona Financial Credit Union used the November episode to unveil the new Arizona Financial Foundation. The initiative expands funding, partnerships, and hands-on support for nonprofits across the state.
“In the simplest terms, it means we can do a lot more,” said Jason Paprocki, executive vice president and chief strategy officer. “Every single dollar the foundation receives goes straight back into the community. The credit union covers all expenses.”
Through the new foundation, AZFCU can now raise funds, engage business partners, and build deeper relationships with small, local nonprofits that often go unnoticed. The Local Causes debit card program alone has issued more than 100,000 cards, generating $300,000 in donations to grassroots organizations, including a $25,000 grant to Donkey Dreams Sanctuary.
One beneficiary of the foundation’s work is longtime AZFCU partner the 100 Club of Arizona, which supports families of fallen and injured first responders. CEO Melissa Kowalski said the partnership goes far beyond financial help. “Arizona Financial is way more than a funder. They walk the walk,” she said.
WATCH: AZFCU’s new foundation and a stronger partnership with the 100 Club
The credit union recently donated an entire floor of its corporate office to the Arizona Financial Foundation, providing free office space to select nonprofits, including the 100 Club, the Million Dollar Teacher Project, and others.
For the 100 Club, this extra space increased the organization’s footprint, and helped create a mental health and recovery room for first responders that includes therapy space, a sauna, red light therapy, and a cold plunge. By spring, the remaining space will open as a free coworking area for small nonprofits that need a place to work, meet, or grow.
To other leaders, Kowalski offered a simple call to action. “Start small. Offer what you can. Supplies, space, a connection. Those small steps build real partnerships.”
Paprocki added, “Don’t just support the causes you already know. Look around. There are hundreds of groups doing incredible work, and you might be the connection they need.”
