Adopt-A-Teacher program FAQs

About

Desert Financial was founded in 1939 by a group of educators who believed in sharing success with the community. One way we continue to share success is by giving back to Arizona teachers! We recognize the hard work of our educators by giving them the opportunity to be part of our annual Adopt-A-Teacher program.

How much funding can I apply for?

Each selected teacher will be awarded $1,000 to use for classroom supplies and other teaching materials.

Who can apply?

Any teacher in Arizona can apply! Priority selection will go to teachers at Title I schools.

Do I need to be a member to apply?

No. Applications will be accepted from both members and non-members.

Where do I apply?

The application is located on our website (desertfinancial.com/adoptateacher) on the Adopt-A-Teacher page starting July 7 until July 24, 2026. It is an electronic form. Make sure you can complete the application in one sitting. Information on partially completed applications will not be saved or accepted.

What information is required in the application?

You will be required to fill out your first and last name, contact information (phone number and email), the county where your school is located, school and grade level(s) you teach, proposed project or supplies and type of supplies needed and the number of students the supplies will impact. The application will take approximately five minutes to complete.

If I am selected, what will be required of me as a recipient of the Adopt-A-Teacher program?

As a recipient of the program, we will ask that you submit a more detailed list of supplies in alignment with the program or project for which you are requesting funding. We will ask if you are interested in receiving Financial Education resources for your classroom and if you are comfortable with Desert Financial visiting your classroom. We will require receipts, photos, and completed post-program forms (due electronically) in October. After supplies have been received and post-program forms have been collected, if a visit is not applicable, your participation will conclude.

After I submit my application, what are the next steps?

Your application will be reviewed by Desert Financial. If your application is chosen for the Adopt-A-Teacher prgram, you will be notified via email. At that time, you will fill out our brief acceptance packet. If you are not selected this year, you will also be notified and are encouraged to apply again next year.

What is included in the acceptance packet?

Once you have been selected as a recipient for our Adopt-A-Teacher program, you will receive a Rules and Regulations form to sign and date, an ACH bank information form, a link to add your detailed wish list and an area to upload your headshot and a brief bio.

Will you visit my classroom?

If you are selected, we will ask if you are willing to allow us to visit your classroom. We enjoy seeing you and your students in action, and we would love to take a few pictures or film a short interview with you to showcase your hard work and dedication to improving education in Arizona. While we’d love to visit all classrooms, capacity is limited. If you are selected, we will contact you in advance to discuss more details.

How do I receive the supplies from my wish list?

If selected, and after submitting your acceptance packet, funding will be sent via ACH transfer. You will purchase supplies based on your wish list and upload receipts as proof of purchase.

What if my supply needs or wish list items change?

If your needs change after submitting your detailed wish list, you must email updates for approval to ensure alignment with funding requirements. Additional details will be provided during mandatory virtual program orientation meetings in September.

How do I receive the ACH transfer?

You will provide your bank account and routing number in the acceptance packet, along with your Social Security Number for identity verification. This information will be submitted through secure, encrypted documentation.

Will I receive an IRS Tax Form 1099?

Desert Financial Credit Union does not issue Form 1099s for this program. Funds are considered charitable assistance to support classroom needs, not compensation. Recipients must submit receipts for purchases made with program funds by October 1, 2026.

What if I cannot receive funding directly?

If your school or district requires funding to be sent directly to the institution, contact teacherappreciation@desertfinancial.com after applying. Note that funding is not provided to PTAs, booster clubs, or similar organizations. The program is designed to support teachers and curriculum-based classroom needs.

What if I cannot meet or exceed the $1,000 funding?

If you cannot meet the $1,000 amount, contact us to find a solution. If your needs exceed $1,000, you are responsible for covering the additional costs.

What are examples of projects funded in the past?

Funded projects include STEAM activities (such as electric toy boat races), math supplies, musical instruments, whiteboards, headphones, garden kits, hygiene supplies, physical education equipment, and materials supporting neurodivergent students, including inclusive and adaptive learning tools.

Brief Timeline

July 7 – Applications open
July 24 – Applications close
August 11–18 – Application review process
August 20 – Recipients announced via email
August 28 – Acceptance packets due
September – Mandatory virtual orientation
Late September – Funding distributed
October – Post-program form and evaluation due
*All dates may be subject to change