Since launching the Local Causes Visa debit card program in 2020, Arizona Federal Credit Union has supported more than 60 nonprofits throughout Metro-Phoenix.

The local credit union announced the latest group of 10 nonprofit organizations that will receive grants to support community-based initiatives.

This round of grants amounts to a total of $44,000. Overall the program has provided nearly $200,000 to nonprofits with annual operating budgets under $2 million.

The Down Syndrome Network of Arizona was granted $10,000, the largest single amount in the Local Causes program history, and additional grants were awarded in the amounts of $7,500, $5,000 and $1,000.

This year's selection process was different as it involved a public vote to determine the finalists and funding amount based on total votes. The organizations were given a chance to share their missions through video features to the public.

Below are this year's winners and grant amounts:

• $10,000 grant: Down Syndrome Network of Arizona, 1445 E. Guadalupe Road, Suite 103, Tempe
• $7,500 grant: Families Raising Hope
• $7,500 grant: Natural Restorations
• $5,000 grant: Afri Soul Education Center, 1145 E. Washington St., Phoenix
• $5,000 grant: Friends of the Quartzsite Food Bank
• $5,000 grant: Live and Learn AZ, 326 E. Coronado, Suite 201, Phoenix
• $1,000 grant: Arizona Ghostbusters
• $1,000 grant: Career Concepts For Youth Inc, Phoenix
• $1,000 grant: Hey Babe Group
• $1,000 grant: QCAMELS

Each time a credit union member makes a purchase with their debit card, they donate to a community fund that supports the grant program.

To join the group of nonprofits supported by the Local Causes initiative, each organization must have an operating budget under $2 million and meet the criteria surrounding Arizona Financial’s focus on education, community services, equality/social inclusion, children and youth, and sustainability.