Arizona Teachers Invited to Apply for Classroom Funding From Desert Financial Credit Union

K-12 educators can receive up to $1,500 through the 2025 Adopt-A-Teacher program

PHOENIX, Ariz. (July 21, 2025) – Arizona teachers have the opportunity to apply for a $1,500 grant to support their classrooms through Desert Financial Credit Union’s Adopt-A-Teacher program.

Through its sixth annual Adopt-A-Teacher program, the credit union will award $45,000 to 30+ deserving K-12 teachers across the state. Each selected teacher will receive between $500 and $1,500 to support classroom projects and student success.

“Desert Financial was founded by teachers, and more than 86 years later, we’re still proud to support Arizona’s educators,” said Jeff Meshey, president and CEO of Desert Financial Credit Union. “When teachers have the tools they need, students thrive – and when students succeed, our community grows stronger.”

Applications are open from Monday, July 21 to Friday, August 8 at DesertFinancial.com/AdoptATeacher. The short application asks for the teacher’s name, school, district and a brief description of how the funds will be used. Priority will be given to teachers at Title I schools and proposals that create long-term impact for students or can be used for years to come.

K-12 teachers in Cochise, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima Pinal, Yavapai or Yuma counties are eligible to apply. Being a member at Desert Financial Credit Union is not necessary.

During the past six years, Adopt-A-Teacher winners have used their funding to purchase math manipulatives, science kits, classroom technology, flexible seating, robotics equipment and more — bringing creativity and hands-on learning to life for their students.

“I want to give a huge thank you to Desert Financial, and their Adopt-A-Teacher program. It has truly made a difference in my life personally, and in my classroom,” said Heather Bender, a teacher at Prescott Mile High Middle School and Adopt-A-Teacher recipient in 2024.

This year’s recipients will be announced on or around Tuesday, September 2nd.

In 2024, Desert Financial Credit Union, Desert Financial Foundation and our team members invested more than $3.4 M to support education in Arizona through programs such as the School Supply Drive, Teacher Appreciation events, financial literacy education, college scholarships and 1 Darn Cool School at Phoenix Children’s.

To learn more or to apply, visit DesertFinancial.com/AdoptATeacher.

About Desert Financial Credit Union

Celebrating more than 86 years in Arizona, Desert Financial is the state's most trusted local credit union with over $8 billion in assets, 480,000+ members and over 50 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2024, members received $20 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert Financial is the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University® and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.