IICF Western Division Awards $670,000 in Community Grants at 2026 Horizon Award Gala

The event brought together insurance leaders and nonprofit partners from across the Western United States to recognize community impact and charitable contributions.

Published on May 1, 2026

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The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) marked a significant milestone in its philanthropic efforts during its 11th annual Western Division Horizon Award Gala, held April 29 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The event brought together insurance leaders and nonprofit partners from across the Western United States to recognize community impact and charitable contributions.

More Than $670,000 Awarded to Nonprofits

IICF awarded more than $670,000 in Community Grants to 78 nonprofit organizations across the region. These grants support initiatives focused on children at risk, education, and human services. The gala’s theme, “The Art of Giving,” highlighted the collaborative efforts between the insurance industry and nonprofit partners to strengthen local communities.

Since 2014, IICF’s Western Division has distributed more than $6.3 million to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. The foundation continues to reinvest in communities through a network of boards and committees across California, Arizona, the Mountain States, and the Pacific Northwest.

Loren Nickel Receives Golden Horizon Award

During the event, IICF presented the Golden Horizon Award to Loren Nickel, FCAS, CFA, MAAA, Director of Business Risk and Insurance at Alphabet, Inc. The award recognizes individuals in the insurance industry who demonstrate leadership and philanthropic excellence.

Nickel has nearly 30 years of experience in risk and insurance. His career includes recognition as a recipient of the Business Insurance Innovation of the Year Award in 2011 and 2022. In 2017, RIMS named him Risk Manager of the Year.

Tierra del Sol Highlighted as Featured Nonprofit

The gala also recognized Tierra del Sol as the featured nonprofit organization. Based in Sunland, California, Tierra del Sol supports individuals with developmental disabilities through workforce development, education, and arts programs. The organization emphasizes that every individual has unique contributions that strengthen communities.

Ongoing Community Impact and Volunteer Efforts

Proceeds from the gala support the IICF Community Grants Program. In addition to grantmaking, IICF engages in volunteer initiatives, including the Insuring the Children Steering Committee, which focuses on child abuse prevention through education, fundraising, and volunteer work.

IICF leadership emphasized the importance of collaboration among volunteers, sponsors, and nonprofit partners. These combined efforts continue to expand the foundation’s impact across local and regional communities.

Industry Support Through Sponsorships

The 2026 gala received support from multiple sponsors across the insurance industry. Platinum sponsors included Aon, Starr, and Zurich. Gold sponsors included Alliant, BHSI, Brown & Riding, Burns & Wilcox, Chubb CNA, Confie, Liberty Mutual Insurance, RT Specialty, and WTW. Silver sponsors included AIG, Allianz, Arch Insurance, Gallagher, HUB, Lockton, Marsh, and The Surplus Lines Association of California, as well as additional event sponsors.

About IICF

Founded in 1994, IICF serves as the philanthropic foundation of the insurance industry. The organization has contributed more than $55 million in community grants and logged 400,000 volunteer hours from over 130,000 professionals. IICF operates across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, partnering with hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year.

IICF is a registered nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Learn more at www.iicf.org or follow us on social media at LinkedIn and Instagram

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