Foundations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from U.S. foundations.
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Walton Family Foundation: New Poll - Majority of Americans are Experiencing Climate Change in Their Lives
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Walton Family Foundation issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
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Taking action to protect water and nature has strong support across partisan lines
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The Walton Family Foundation today released new polling conducted by Morning Consult showing most Americans (60%) believe they are experiencing the impacts of climate change in their lives right now.
"Climate change makes itself known through water. We see it in floods, droughts, wildfires and rising and warming seas. The experience of climate change is crystal clear in people's lives through the
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WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Walton Family Foundation issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
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Taking action to protect water and nature has strong support across partisan lines
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The Walton Family Foundation today released new polling conducted by Morning Consult showing most Americans (60%) believe they are experiencing the impacts of climate change in their lives right now.
"Climate change makes itself known through water. We see it in floods, droughts, wildfires and rising and warming seas. The experience of climate change is crystal clear in people's lives through thelens of water," said Moira Mcdonald, director of the Walton Family Foundation's Environment Program.
"What's eyebrow-raising here is we are seeing a real shift. The majority of Americans are experiencing climate change right now. That means climate has moved from a future problem to being present right now. This is a call to action today."
The poll also showed unity among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents for action now to protect water and nature:
Climate resilience has strong support and Americans think the federal government should do more.
* After learning about the concept, 71% support further actions to increase climate resilience. That includes 40% who strongly support more climate resilience actions.
* Only 12% oppose further action.
* A solid bipartisan majority backs further action to increase climate resilience. That includes 84% of Democrats, 66% of Independents and 65% of Republicans.
Three-quarters (76%) of Americans agree that "when we invest in clean air, water and healthy rivers and forests, people and communities thrive."
* Democrats (84% agree),
* Independents (73% agree), and
* Republicans (71% agree) all understand the importance of people and nature working in concert.
Fully 78% agree that "we need to prioritize protecting soil and water while growing food so that we can feed people now and for generations to come." (85% of Democrats, 74% of Independents and 73% of Republicans).
Most Americans have personally experienced some form of climate change.
* Eighty percent say they have experienced extreme heat and 75% have experienced extreme or excessive rain.
* One-quarter (23%) say that they have experienced extreme heat frequently.
* A majority of American adults have also experienced flooding (61%) and poor air quality from wildfires (59%).
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About the Walton Family Foundation
The Walton Family Foundation is at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of our founders, Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. We work in three areas: improving education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in our home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta.
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REPORT: https://8ce82b94a8c4fdc3ea6d-b1d233e3bc3cb10858bea65ff05e18f2.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/5b/78/5af3cf434dff8045c26d9adb8611/wff-climate-resilience-deck-v2.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/new-poll-majority-of-americans-are-experiencing-climate-change-in-their-lives
Setting The Pace: Thurgood Marshall College Fund's The PITCH Heads to Atlanta, Georgia, Driving Education and Diversity in Entrepreneurship
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 1 -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund issued the following news release:
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is thrilled to announce that their renowned business competition The PITCH(TM) will be hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, for 2024, under the theme "Setting The Pace." Scheduled from May 18 to May 23, 2024, The PITCH(TM) will include 200 scholars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) for an immersive entrepreneurial experience.
In a strategic move, TMCF has chosen Atlanta, Georgia, as the vibrant backdrop
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ATLANTA, Georgia, May 1 -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund issued the following news release:
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is thrilled to announce that their renowned business competition The PITCH(TM) will be hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, for 2024, under the theme "Setting The Pace." Scheduled from May 18 to May 23, 2024, The PITCH(TM) will include 200 scholars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) for an immersive entrepreneurial experience.
In a strategic move, TMCF has chosen Atlanta, Georgia, as the vibrant backdropfor The PITCH(TM) 2024, marking a significant shift from its previous locations. This change aims to foster a dynamic environment conducive to innovation and collaboration, reflecting TMCF's commitment to empowering diverse talent in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Under the guidance of TMCF's Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) team and presidential sponsors Wells Fargo, CBRE and Coca-Cola, participants will embark on a five-day journey of venture ideation, team building, business model development, prompt engineering, and pitching. The competition will challenge student innovators and emerging entrepreneurs to generate solutions addressing business, social, or educational challenges and develop minimally viable products (MVPs) for evaluation by a panel of industry experts.
"The relocation of The PITCH(TM) to Atlanta signifies our dedication to cultivating a thriving ecosystem for diverse innovators," said George Spencer, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer at TMCF. "By embracing this dynamic city as our host, we aim to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills and resources needed to drive transformative change in various sectors."
Furthermore, The PITCH(TM) 2024 marks TMCF's continued foray into Web 3.0 and emerging technologies with the top 10 MetaScholars participating alongside the in-room competitors. Every participant will engage with immersive platforms and customized generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs), exploring new dimensions of innovative collaboration and creativity.
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Original text here: https://www.tmcf.org/events-media/tmcf-in-the-media/setting-the-pace-thurgood-marshall-college-funds-the-pitch-heads-to-atlanta-georgia-driving-education-and-diversity-in-entrepreneurship/
Prevent Cancer Foundation Responds to New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, May 1 -- The Prevent Cancer Foundation issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new breast cancer screening guidelines, recommending that women of average risk receive mammograms every other year starting at age 40. Previously, the guidelines said to discuss the benefits and risks of breast cancer screening beginning at age 40 and begin biennial (every other year) mammograms by age 50. The finalized guidelines come nearly a year after the USPSTF released draft recommendations of lowering the breast
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, May 1 -- The Prevent Cancer Foundation issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new breast cancer screening guidelines, recommending that women of average risk receive mammograms every other year starting at age 40. Previously, the guidelines said to discuss the benefits and risks of breast cancer screening beginning at age 40 and begin biennial (every other year) mammograms by age 50. The finalized guidelines come nearly a year after the USPSTF released draft recommendations of lowering the breastcancer screening age from 50 to 40 after citing increased rates of breast cancer in younger adults.
Despite confusing and shifting recommendations in recent years, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has always stood firm in encouraging women to begin annual breast cancer screening at age 40. Annual screening is essential for all people with breasts, especially for Black women who are at increased risk of breast cancer at earlier ages and have higher mortality rates from breast cancer compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Black women are 40% more likely than white women to die from breast cancer.
The updated recommendations have the potential to impact insurance coverage for women ages 40-49 if current legislation should expire. With the new recommendations, insurers will be required to cover biennial screenings for this age group per the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Currently, insurers must cover annual breast cancer screening for this age group under the Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screenings (PALS) Act, which is set to expire on January 1, 2026.
Lowering the age of breast cancer screening to begin at 40 is a win for cancer prevention and early detection; however, the Foundation is disappointed the guidelines recommend a biennial time interval for screening. To catch newly developed cancers or stop previously missed cancers before they have too much time to grow, those getting screened for breast cancer should do so annually.
Screening for breast cancer beginning at an earlier age will allow health care providers to find more cancers in earlier, more treatable stages, which is crucial because Early Detection = Better Outcomes. Breast cancer is highly curable if found in its early stages before it has spread to surrounding areas of the breast. According to the USPSTF, a group of primary care professionals who establish recommendations on certain health services (such as cancer screenings), the updated guidelines could result in 20% more lives being saved compared to previous recommendations.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation supports following the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for breast cancer screening:
* Beginning at age 25, talk with your health care provider at least once every three years for risk assessment, risk reduction counseling and a clinical breast exam.
* For those of average risk, get screened annually with 2D or 3D screening mammography beginning at age 40.
* For those at high risk, talk with your health care provider about annual screening with mammography and supplemental imaging, such as breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
While the updated guidance will result in catching more cancers in earlier stages, continuing to educate people about screening and eligibility requirements is necessary to address low screening rates seen across the country. According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation's 2024 Early Detection Survey, 1 in 3 women ages 40 or older say they are not up to date on their breast cancer screening. Additionally, more than 1 in 5 women ages 40 or older who are not up to date on their breast cancer screening say it is because they don't have symptoms and don't feel a need to get a breast cancer screening.
Regardless of signs or symptoms, all people with breasts should begin screening at age 40 if they are of average risk--routine cancer screening can detect cancer in early, more treatable stages.
Discover the importance of early detection and routine cancer screenings (https://www.preventcancer.org/early-cancer-detection-better-outcomes/2024-early-detection-survey-prevent-cancer-foundation/).
Find ways to reduce your breast cancer risk (https://www.preventcancer.org/preventable-cancer/breast-cancer/).
Learn the routine cancer screenings you need at every age (https://www.preventcancer.org/resource/cancer-screenings-and-prevention/).
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Original text here: https://www.preventcancer.org/2024/04/prevent-cancer-foundation-breast-cancer-screening-guidelines-u-s-preventive-services-task-force/
NEEF Announces Awardees of 2024-2025 Veterans and Nature Grant
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The National Environmental Education Foundation issued the following news:
By Michael Pope
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service (USFS), proudly announces the grantees of the 2024-2025 Veterans and Nature: Enhancing Well-being through Outdoor Experiences. This grant aims to help veterans' communities access the physical and mental health benefits of nature through outdoor activities on USFS sites and other public lands. A total of $100,000 was made available for projects that meet specific criteria, including
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WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The National Environmental Education Foundation issued the following news:
By Michael Pope
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service (USFS), proudly announces the grantees of the 2024-2025 Veterans and Nature: Enhancing Well-being through Outdoor Experiences. This grant aims to help veterans' communities access the physical and mental health benefits of nature through outdoor activities on USFS sites and other public lands. A total of $100,000 was made available for projects that meet specific criteria, includingengaging Black, Indigenous, and veterans of color, as well as gender diverse and veterans with disabilities.
The following 10 projects were selected to receive up to $10,000 each:
VITW Wilderness Warriors: Veterans' Path to Nature's Healing (This Is My Quest; Wellsboro, Pennsylvania)
The Wilderness Warriors project aims to support veterans' transition to civilian life through nature-based therapy and community engagement. Activities will include hiking, fishing, wildlife observation, and guided nature walks, as well as wellness workshops covering topics like outdoor survival skills, environmental education, and the benefits of nature on mental health.
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Connecting Veterans to Outdoor Peer Support Activities to Improve Their Quality of Life (Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY; Buffalo, New York)
This project will partner with the US Forest Service in nearby Hector, New York, to take local veterans on a weekend retreat filled with guided outdoor activities such as backpacking, rafting/kayaking/boating, horticulture, and fishing. Team- and skill-building activities such as building a fire, open-fire cooking, and nature guides with a USFS field biologist will also be included. Veterans will also have access to the agency's comprehensive set of services that include health benefit assistance, housing stabilization, mental health and suicide prevention, financial counseling, and employment assistance.
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Military Mobility Resiliency & Stewardship Project (Military Mobility; Cody, Wyoming)
Military Mobility's Resiliency & Stewardship program will focus on improving the mental health and wellness of veterans by providing inspirational learning opportunities and outdoor challenges in a rugged environment. Through activities like off-road vehicle navigation, teambuilding exercises, and stewardship projects in natural settings, the program will foster resilience, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose among participants, ultimately leading to improved mental health and well-being. Participants will also work with US Forest Service staff on stewardship projects in nearby Bighorn National Forest such as trail condition and wildlife management area assessments, trail maintenance, and improving trail access for people with mobility challenges.
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Outdoor Therapeutic & Recreational Day Program for Veterans with Disabilities at Greenwell State Park (Greenwell Foundation; Hollywood, Maryland)
This free program aims to recruit veterans from rural Southern Maryland, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel County, and Washington, DC, offering therapeutic recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, guided hikes, and equine-assisted therapy at the Francis Knott Lodge in Greenwell State Park. Funding will support day-long sessions serving 10 military veterans each, providing opportunities for outdoor engagement and indoor therapy activities to promote well-being and connection.
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Warriors in the Wild: Empowering Veterans to Connect with Nature (Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges; Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado)
The Warriors in the Wild project aims to increase access for veterans in the Denver metro area to their closest wildlife refuge to participate in recreation and stewardship which will boost their emotional well-being, give them more freedom and independence, and encourage positive relationships between youth and veterans through the Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) program, which will teach leadership skills in adaptive fishing. This will be accomplished through 12 fishing and archery clinics, two volunteer stewardship events, and free veteran passes to other public land sites.
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Another Summit (Guardian Revival; Beacon, New York)
This project will feature 23 day hikes (2-6 hours each) for veterans, their families, and friends at two New York State Parks: Hudson Highlands in Cold Spring, and Fahnestock in Carmel. Park Rangers will provide information about park history, trails, trail markers, and safety. Trained outdoor leaders from Another Summit will teach veterans how to locate and access state parks; make sound decisions regarding trails based on their difficulty rating and the ability of hikers; read maps and understand trail blazes; and honor the seven practices of Leave No Trace.
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Veterans' Healing Garden Program (Trellis Horticultural Therapy Alliance; Decatur, Georgia)
The Veteran's Healing Garden Program connects veterans to recreational gardening and nature as a tool for improving mental wellness through fun and engaging projects focused on horticulture and organic gardening at no cost. The program is in partnership with the Shepherd Center's SHARE Military Initiative, with its veterans attending monthly at Trellis's Ability Garden, a fully wheelchair accessible garden and greenhouse. The SHARE program is a short-term residential program serving veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild brain injury.
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Operation Anacapa (Mission FISH: Fishing, Interacting, Sharing and Healing; Oxnard, California)
Operation Anacapa offers a free therapeutic experience for Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, First Responders, and Gold Star Families. Beginning with a meet and greet dinner, the event will allow participants to develop relationships and build community before they embark on an 8.5-hour sportfishing trip to the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary, where they will receive specialized instruction, support from experts, and therapeutic interaction with licensed therapists. The event will culminate in a post-trip BBQ for debriefing and relaxed socializing.
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Force of Nature (Mojave Desert Land Trust; Joshua Tree, California)
The Mojave Desert Land Trust will host a number of activities for veterans throughout the year, including a welcome event where staff will present on land stewardship, the desert's unique ecology, and an overview of military heritage and places of interest; a birding tour of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, an internationally recognized birding site with ADA accessible trails; and personalized opportunities for veterans to volunteer on public land stewardship and plant conservation projects, and to attend additional outdoor community activities, based on their interests and feedback.
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Joy in Nature at the US National Arboretum (Friends of the National Arboretum; Washington, DC)
Funding from this grant will cover a number of activities throughout the year, including free registration for veterans for the Arboretum's fall and spring 5K races; two 2-hour forest bathing events with a certified nature and forest therapy guide; and two volunteer days at the Washington Youth Garden, a one-acre children's garden and urban farm on the Arboretum's grounds, where veterans will help with cultivation and distribution of produce for low-income families.
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Original text here: https://www.neefusa.org/news/neef-announces-awardees-2024-2025-veterans-and-nature-grant
Heritage Experts Issues Statement on FCC's Reinstatement of Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Heritage Foundation issued the following statement on April 30, 2024:
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Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reinstated an Obama-era "net neutrality" order that subjects internet service providers to more stringent regulations.
Annie Chestnut Tutor, policy analyst, and Daniel Cochrane, senior research associate in the Tech Policy Center at The Heritage Foundation, made the following statement:
"The Biden FCC's Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet rule was adopted to ostensibly preserve a "free and open internet" by preventing internet
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WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Heritage Foundation issued the following statement on April 30, 2024:
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Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reinstated an Obama-era "net neutrality" order that subjects internet service providers to more stringent regulations.
Annie Chestnut Tutor, policy analyst, and Daniel Cochrane, senior research associate in the Tech Policy Center at The Heritage Foundation, made the following statement:
"The Biden FCC's Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet rule was adopted to ostensibly preserve a "free and open internet" by preventing internetservice providers from blocking or throttling content in a discriminatory fashion. But the order virtually ignores today's biggest offender--Big Tech--while threatening to impose burdensome red tape on new entrants.
"As we pointed out in our 2023 comment in opposition to the rule, this order potentially opens the door for the FCC to impose future rate regulations on internet delivery services.
"By regulating broadband providers under Title II of the Communications Act, the FCC risks harming non-conventional providers like SpaceX's Starlink. One-size-fits all rate requirements could hinder new entrants that need flexibility to increase broadband coverage using cutting edge technologies, such as low earth orbit satellite systems.
"Competition between internet delivery services has enabled more connectivity options, including higher speeds and bandwidth. This is just one way the order could hamper innovation moving forward.
"The Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet rule threatens American dynamism and fails to address the real threat to a free and open internet."
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Original text here: https://www.heritage.org/press/heritage-experts-comment-fccs-reinstatement-net-neutrality
As You Sow Foundation: Big Tech Employees Missed Out on $5 Billion in Returns Due to 401 Fossil Fuel Investments, New Report Finds
BERKELEY, California, May 1 (TNSres) -- As You Sow Foundation issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
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Study spans 12 tech companies, including Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta, and highlights financial risk from investments in high-carbon industries such as oil and gas
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Today, researchers at the University of Waterloo (Canada), in partnership with As You Sow, released a new report (https://www.asyousow.org/reports/the-impact-of-energy-sector-investments-on-the-financial-value-of-tech-401ks) finding more than 2 million employees from 12 tech-sector companies could have
... Show Full Article
BERKELEY, California, May 1 (TNSres) -- As You Sow Foundation issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
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Study spans 12 tech companies, including Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta, and highlights financial risk from investments in high-carbon industries such as oil and gas
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Today, researchers at the University of Waterloo (Canada), in partnership with As You Sow, released a new report (https://www.asyousow.org/reports/the-impact-of-energy-sector-investments-on-the-financial-value-of-tech-401ks) finding more than 2 million employees from 12 tech-sector companies could haveearned an estimated $5.1 billion in additional returns had their companies moved to decarbonize their retirement plan holdings 10 years ago. The report analyzed the 401(k) plans of the Big Five tech companies - Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft - and seven additional tech companies: Adobe, Broadcom, Intuit, Netflix, Oracle, Qualcomm, and SAP America.
Despite these companies publicly announcing climate goals and often asserting climate-friendly branding, they continue to invest billions of dollars of employee savings into fossil fuels and other industries accelerating climate change. For example:
* Google markets its "third decade of climate action" on its main landing page and clearly states on its sustainability landing page that it is critical to "track our progress and be transparent with what we've accomplished and where we're going."
* Amazon encourages consumers to "discover and shop for more sustainable products" as part of its "Climate Pledge Friendly" program.
* Apple's 2030 plan commits to using "recycled and renewable materials, clean electricity, and low-carbon shipping" to bring its net emissions to zero.
Fossil fuel stocks have underperformed the broader stock market over the last decade and are an increasingly risky long-term investment. This underperformance means that employees have missed out on returns by remaining invested in fossil fuels.
"Investing in high-carbon industries is fueling the climate crisis and exposing investors to financial risk. These 12 companies have a responsibility to their employees, investors, and consumers, who want to see broad, consistent climate action," said Andrew Behar, CEO of As You Sow. "Addressing the systemic risk of investing in high- carbon companies is a proven win-win strategy for companies looking to reduce their financed emissions while protecting their employees from climate-related financial losses."
Looking at the fund options offered by 12 tech-sector retirement plans, the report estimated cumulative 10-year returns with and without fossil fuel energy sector investments and found a difference of +8.9%, or +0.86% per year invested in favor of fossil fuel-free portfolios. The funds analyzed were equity funds and target date funds, using data from company filings with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Nearly 50% of the assets analyzed were in target date funds from Vanguard and BlackRock, the world's largest investors in fossil fuels. Both asset managers' target date funds showed higher 10-year returns without fossil fuels. Target date funds are often used as the default investment option for corporate 401(k) plans, which means that many employees may be unknowingly investing in fossil fuels.
The lost potential returns per company analyzed in the report, over 10 years, amount to (in millions of dollars):
* Adobe Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: $129
* Amazon 401(k) Plan: $570
* Apple 401(k) Plan: $476
* Broadcom U.S. 401(k) Plan: $207
* Google LLC 401(k) Savings Plan: $1,152
* Intuit Inc. 401(k) Plan: $89
* Meta Platforms, Inc. 401(k) Plan: $304
* Microsoft Corporation Savings Plus 401(k) Plan: $898
* Netflix 401(k) Plan: $46
* Oracle Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan: $719
* Qualcomm Incorporated Employee Savings and Retirement Plan: $230
* SAP America, Inc. 401(k) Plan: $271
"We know fossil fuels have underperformed over the last decade, so the results shouldn't be surprising," said Behar. "What's surprising is that nearly every retirement plan is invested in the extractive economy, which runs counter to the values of the people who earn the money while reducing their retirement savings. The solution is very simple: big tech companies could easily ask asset management firms like Vanguard and BlackRock to offer sustainable target date and index fund options so their employees can avoid these underperforming and risky holdings."
In recent years, employees across the U.S. have mobilized to pressure their employers to take climate issues seriously. In 2023, nearly 2,000 members of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice staged a walkout demanding that Amazon stand behind its climate commitments and take responsibility for its climate harm. Employees at Microsoft also recently pushed their company to address the climate impacts of its retirement plan investments.
Similarly, investors in recent years have sought to hold companies accountable to addressing their climate impacts. To this end, As You Sow has filed shareholder resolutions at Amazon, Comcast, Microsoft, Campbell, FedEx, Intuit, and Alphabet, Google's parent company. The Alphabet proposal highlights that investments in high-carbon and deforestation-intensive industries are poor long-term investments, particularly for younger beneficiaries whose retirement benefits are likely to be harmed due to climate-related financial losses. This proposal faces a vote at Alphabet's annual general meeting this summer.
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As You Sow is the nation's leading shareholder representative, with a 30-year track record promoting environmental and social corporate responsibility. Its issue areas include climate change, ocean plastics, pesticides, racial justice, workplace diversity, and executive compensation. As You Sow, also publishes monthly report cards rating mutual funds and retirement plans as part of its Invest Your Values initiative. Click here (https://www.asyousow.org/resolutions-tracker/) for As You Sow's shareholder resolution tracker.
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Original text here: https://www.asyousow.org/press-releases/2024/4/30-big-tech-employees-5-billion-401k-fossil-fuel-investments
Alliant Insurance's Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray to Be Honored at Spencer Educational Foundation Gala
NEW YORK, May 1 -- The Spencer Educational Foundation, a group that focuses on funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders, issued the following news:
The Spencer Educational Foundation, a premier organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of future risk management and insurance leaders, will celebrate its annual Funding Their Future Gala in New York City on Thursday, September 12, 2024. This highly anticipated event will take place at the iconic Cipriani 42nd Street, bringing together insurance leaders and industry supporters to recognize and
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, May 1 -- The Spencer Educational Foundation, a group that focuses on funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders, issued the following news:
The Spencer Educational Foundation, a premier organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of future risk management and insurance leaders, will celebrate its annual Funding Their Future Gala in New York City on Thursday, September 12, 2024. This highly anticipated event will take place at the iconic Cipriani 42nd Street, bringing together insurance leaders and industry supporters to recognize andcelebrate excellence in risk management and insurance.
This year's gala honors Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Alliant Insurance Services, for her dedication and leadership in promoting diversity and shaping the future of the industry.
"Lilian embodies the best in class when it comes to championing programs which develop minds and shape futures. Her vision, leadership, and collaboration have been instrumental in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, which has played a critical role in leading our organization forward," added Greg Zimmer, Chief Executive Officer of Alliant Insurance Services.
"We are thrilled to honor Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray at this year's gala," said Spencer Board Chair and EVP, Chief Operating Officer of Surety at Chubb, Teresa Black. "She is a true leader in our industry and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. We are grateful for her contributions to developing the next generation of talent and for Alliant's commitment to Spencer."
Spencer's Funding Their Future Gala serves as a platform to acknowledge exceptional individuals like Vanvieldt-Gray, who has been a driving force for positive change and progress throughout her career. Her forward-thinking approach and commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry have set a high standard for excellence, making her the ideal recipient of this prestigious award.
"I am excited about this year's gala and the opportunity to celebrate Lilian and her many accomplishments," said Duncan Ellis, Chair of Spencer's Fundraising Committee and Head of North American Retail Property at AIG. "We are proud to see her receive this much-deserved recognition, and we look forward to welcoming attendees to an exciting night of celebration, inspiration, and collaboration."
In 2023, the Spencer Educational Foundation awarded $1.6 million, providing 103 scholarships, 52 grants, and 32 internships. Since Spencer's founding 44 years ago, the Foundation has provided over $9.5 million in scholarships and more than $8 million in grants that have directly impacted the availability of risk management and insurance education and the quality of talent entering Risk Management and Insurance professions.
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About the Spencer Educational Foundation:
The Spencer Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to fostering the education and professional development of risk management and insurance students. Since its establishment in 1979, the foundation has been helping students succeed by providing scholarships, grants, and internships to talented individuals pursuing careers in these fields.
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Original text here: https://www.spencered.org/news-blog/2024/4/30/alliant-insurances-lilian-vanvieldt-gray-to-be-honored-at-spencer-educational-foundation-gala
