Jodie Kaufman-Davis on driving an organization tradition of philanthropy
Picture credit score: Insurance coverage Business Charitable Basis
At its annual profit in Chicago earlier this month, the IICF acknowledged Kaufman Davis for “championing firm tradition” and advancing inclusion initiatives throughout Kaufman’s international crew.
For Kaufman Davis, insurance coverage and philanthropy are inextricable ideas.
“Insurance coverage is about defending what issues most and serving to these in want. It’s vital that we reside as much as that normal,” Kaufman Davis advised Insurance coverage Enterprise. “Since my grandfather began the corporate 55 years in the past, we’ve all the time been powered by a dedication to investing in communities the place we reside and do enterprise.
“My grandfather believed deeply that because the enterprise grew, it was crucial for our associates at each degree of the group to be actively concerned in philanthropy and for insurance coverage professionals to observe what we preach.”
How HW Kaufman Group is participating staff in giving again
The recognition from IICF comes as HW Kaufman Group is celebrating its fifty fifth anniversary as a company.
All through her time at her household’s group, Kaufman Davis is most pleased with serving to set up its worker useful resource teams (ERGs), which empower Kaufman associates to have interaction of their communities and make connections inside the group.
“I constructed and was one of many government sponsors of the Variety Council, which helps the worker useful resource teams. It was positively a particular second when it got here to fruition,” she recalled.
The seven ERGs middle on completely different communities, together with veterans, households, LGBTQ+, Hispanic, African American, and Asian American teams.
Every group is given an annual stipend to fund philanthropic actions aligned with their values and targets whereas selling inclusivity and cultural consciousness amongst staff.
“It’s an enlargement of our household values to make everybody really feel welcome and in a position to convey their genuine self to work,” mentioned Kaufman Davis. “It’s additionally one other method to display our flexibility to have interaction our associates and make investments the place it issues.”
This worker engagement is introduced into focus in September when the group marks a month of giving.
For Kaufman Davis, it’s important not simply to present again however to weave volunteer and giving alternatives into the material of their tradition and present that “giving again is a important a part of being on the crew.”
“We deal with giving again to organizations that assist with meals insecurity, for instance,” she mentioned. “We give volunteer time without work, and our associates are all the time discovering new alternatives [for philanthropy] and bringing them to the desk.”
The facility of partnership – linking the insurance coverage business by means of philanthropy
Past her inner initiatives, Kaufman Davis is enthusiastic about partnering with the broader insurance coverage business to present again and enrich communities. She highlighted IICF’s work to have interaction insurance coverage organizations like HW Kaufman Group and leverage the business’s important assets for good.
“I’m proud to function the chair of the Thirtieth-anniversary marketing campaign; that’s one other nice alternative to amplify our work,” she mentioned. “Over the previous 30 years, IICF has awarded greater than $50 million in grants to local people organizations. It’s thrilling to see the distinction we are able to make locally.”
In accordance with Kaufman Davis, organizations like IICF create alternatives for volunteering and giving again and play a significant function in an business that “doesn’t all the time have one of the best status.”
“Generally folks suppose negatively about insurance coverage firms and the insurance coverage business generally,” she mentioned. “However the insurance coverage business cares concerning the communities it really works in, and the IICF demonstrates that.”
“Giving again is a real a part of the insurance coverage group’s ethos”
What recommendation does Kaufman Davis have for insurance coverage organizations of any dimension that need to be extra concerned in charitable giving?
“Consider one thing that may make a distinction and begin small,” she mentioned. “The IICF is a good place to begin as a result of they create an infrastructure [for outreach activities] and arrange all the pieces.
“There’s additionally the chance for people in any respect profession levels to become involved in committees and take part on the assorted regional boards. It’s an awesome alternative to community and do properly with different business professionals since you’ll be capable to broaden your horizons. I’ve met wonderful insurance coverage professionals over the previous 10 years by means of the IICF.”
As for the way forward for HW Kaufman Group, Kaufman Davis’ imaginative and prescient is obvious.
“Our dedication to giving again stays as robust right now as ever,” she mentioned. “Our plan is to proceed supporting philanthropic, civic and group organizations which might be making a constructive distinction.
“We really feel that it’s our duty as an business chief to be an instance for our colleagues and present that giving again is a real a part of the insurance coverage group’s ethos.”
What’s your group’s method to philanthropy and group giving? Inform us your story beneath.
Associated Tales
Sustain with the most recent information and occasions
Be part of our mailing record, it’s free!
