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Principal Foundation Introduces Community Service Awards

The Principal® Foundation, which serves as the charitable division of Principal Financial Group®, has recently launched its first annual Principal® Financial Network Community Service Awards. This program is set to acknowledge the efforts of its financial network professionals who have made significant contributions to their communities. In this inaugural year, over $205,000 has been distributed across more than a dozen nonprofit organizations nationwide.

The awards emphasize the remarkable commitment of 15 financial professionals who have demonstrated persistent volunteerism and support for local nonprofits. Each recipient awarded not only receives recognition but also selects a designated nonprofit organization to receive a financial contribution based on their award level.

As Jo Christine Miles, Director of Principal® Foundation and Community Relations, expressed, “Members of the Principal Financial Network are fundamental to their communities—both through their client engagement and their dedicated community service.” This program aims to highlight their leadership roles and foster greater community impact across the nation.

Award Categories and Recipients

The Principal Financial Network Community Service Awards feature three distinctive categories, each defined by the level of community impact: Pillar Award, Builder Award, and Shaper Award. These honors not only validate the achievements of the professionals but also serve as a means of financial support for the nonprofits they champion:

1. Pillar Award ($25,000 donation):
- Manuel Carril III from Sales Creek, Tennessee, chosen for his contributions to the Rhea County Community Center.
- Daniel Goldberg from Lutz, Florida, recognizing his efforts with Kids and Canines.
- Raymond Ianni from Wilmington, Delaware, awarded for his work with CityFare Meals on Wheels.

2. Builder Award ($15,000 donation):
- Recipients include professionals like Ashley Call from Springville, Utah, and Jim McCann from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, each applauded for their dedication to organizations such as The Magic Yarn Project and Central Susquehanna Sight Services respectively.

3. Shaper Award ($5,000 donation):
- This category highlights emerging leaders, with honorees including Conor Boffeli from Des Moines, Iowa, associated with the United Way of Central Iowa.

This tiered recognition system encapsulates both the depth of involvement and the varying scales of contributions made by each financial professional to their communities. Recipients were chosen based on their eligibility and commitment, requiring at least three years of sustained service with a nonprofit organization.

Commitment to Philanthropy

The Principal Foundation is committed to fostering financial security and inclusion in communities. By raising awareness and supporting significant community initiatives through the awards program, Principal Foundation aims to continually uplift and empower the diverse range of organizations within its regions of operation. This initiative is an extension of a broader vision, which prioritizes social responsibility and contribution among financial professionals affiliated with Principal.

“Through this award, we are not just honoring our professionals, but also enabling them to create lasting change within their communities,” added Candy Bidler, Vice President of Principal® Financial Network. The initiative underscores the cultural ethos of Principal, where community service is woven into the fabric of professional excellence.

The Principal Foundation remains dedicated to supporting over 85 charitable organizations worldwide, committed to ensuring individuals and families can attain financial security and prosperity.

For more insights into this commendable initiative, including a full list of award recipients and their nominated nonprofits, interested individuals can explore the Principal Foundation’s platforms. Through recognition and funding, the Principal Foundation's first annual Community Service Awards not only inspire individual professionals but also serve to foster a collaborative spirit among financial network partners, consequently bettering communities nationwide.