“In this most unprecedented year we have seen the insurance industry’s philanthropic resolve and dedication to community in so many meaningful ways, including an enthusiastic embrace of virtual volunteering,” said Bill Ross, IICF CEO. “Although it may look a bit different this year with fewer in-person options, IICF has worked closely with our nonprofit partners to identify and adapt safe and creative volunteer projects to ensure that our Week of Giving, now in its twenty-second year, will continue to make a positive and lasting impact in our communities.”
Volunteers from leading insurance companies and related firms throughout the US and UK will team up in support of nonprofits addressing early literacy and education, children and families at risk of food insecurity and homelessness, veteran causes and more. The 2020 Week of Giving volunteer projects include food and essential items drives, virtual tutoring, letter writing to seniors and active duty servicemen and servicewomen, virtual 5Ks to raise funds for nonprofits, socially distanced meal preparation, and many more. Since its inception in 1998, IICF’s Week of Giving has welcomed well in excess of 110,000 volunteers who have served more than 300,000 volunteer hours.
IICF continues its focus on helping children made vulnerable by the pandemic, with Week of Giving contributions building upon the 1 million meals delivered to children in need and $1.3 million raised through the COVID-19 Crisis: IICF Children’s Relief Fund. IICF provides support to nonprofit and charitable organizations serving children at risk of food insecurity, educational disruption, family homelessness and other circumstances exacerbated by the pandemic.
IICF recently concluded its newest philanthropic initiative, the IICF International Step Up Challenge, the proceeds of which also benefitted the IICF Children’s Relief Fund. With 178 teams and nearly 1,000 insurance professionals participating, this 6-week exercise challenge offered a safe, fun opportunity to promote wellbeing with virtual teambuilding, while raising more than $45,000 for fourteen nonprofits serving children at risk. Winners of the Step Up Challenge in the US and UK had the privilege of designating a grant to the charities of their choice, further giving back to those in need in our local communities. The second annual IICF International Step Up Challenge is planned for April 2021.
Visit www.volunteer.iicf.org to learn more about IICF Week of Giving, register for volunteer projects and register a volunteer team. When volunteering, be certain to follow all local health and safety guidelines.
About the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF)
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is a unique nonprofit that unites the collective strengths of the insurance industry to help communities and enrich lives through grants, volunteer service and leadership. Established in 1994, IICF has served as the philanthropic foundation of the insurance industry for more than twenty-five years, contributing $40 million in community grants along with 300,000 volunteer hours by more than 110,000 industry professionals. IICF reinvests locally where funds are raised, serving hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations, for maximum community impact. 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 @doubleicf.