Nominate Your Favorite Charity: The Power of Small Acts – And a Simple Way to Make a Big Difference
By Lisa Lounsbury, Big I NY President & CEO
One of the things I value most about our industry is that, at its core, insurance is about service. Every day, we show up for people in moments that matter—helping them recover, rebuild, and move forward. That same spirit of service extends far beyond our day jobs and into the communities we call home.
I’ve seen firsthand how deeply many of you are connected to local organizations—quietly volunteering, supporting causes, and lifting up neighbors in need. These are often small, community-based nonprofits doing extraordinary work with limited resources. And sometimes, a relatively modest amount of funding can make a truly meaningful difference.
That’s why I’m especially excited to share an opportunity through the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF). For more than 30 years, IICF has brought our industry together to support communities and enrich lives—contributing over $55 million in grants and hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours. Once again, we are expanding our reach across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, with a particular focus on communities outside major metropolitan areas. As part of this effort, we are offering local grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000—and I would love your help identifying where those funds can have the greatest impact.
I’m asking you to nominate a charity you care about. Think about the organizations you’re personally connected to—the food pantry that stretches every dollar, the youth program changing the trajectory of young lives, the shelter providing stability and hope. If an additional $2,500 to $5,000 could help them launch a project, expand their reach, or better serve their community, this is a chance to make that happen.
All grant applications must be sponsored by an insurance professional – You!
The application process is straightforward.
1) Simply complete this application (word doc download)
2) Submit it with the requested corroborating documentation electronically to Rachel Boulton at rboulton@iicf.org by 5:00 p.m. on June 12, 2026.
Our industry is filled with good people doing important work—not just in business, but in the communities we serve every day. This is one more way we can come together and amplify that impact.
If a charity comes to mind, I encourage you to take the next step. Sometimes, the smallest acts of support create the biggest ripple effects.
Let’s make a difference together.