Desert Financial Deepens Partnership with Arizona Cardinals as Founding Partner of New Cardinals Foundation

Credit union’s commitment supports Arizona families with special needs through new charitable initiative

PHOENIX (Aug. 5, 2025) – 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.

For more information or to support the Foundation, visit AZCardinals.com/foundation.

To learn more about how Desert Financial gives back, visit DesertFinancial.com/Community-Involvement.

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About Desert Financial Credit Union

For more than 85 years, Desert Financial has been Arizona’s most trusted local credit union with more than 475,000 members and nearly $9 billion in assets. With 50+ locations across Arizona and top-rated digital banking, it’s easy for members to click, call or come in. In 2025, members received $16 million back 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.