CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Jan. 6, 2026) – TrueNorth Companies L.C., a closely and privately held risk management and insurance brokerage firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, announced at its December all-colleague meeting that the firm’s annual community impact efforts reached $1,555,295 in financial giving in 2025, continuing its tradition of consecutively surpassing the million-dollar philanthropic landmark.
These funds were generated through various channels, including TrueNorth and First MainStreet’s community funds, quarterly colleague-led fundraising efforts, the firm’s colleague match program and the TrueNorth Legacy Foundation — ultimately impacting over 300 nonprofit organizations across the United States.
During the annual meeting, TrueNorth’s Legacy Foundation awarded its fourth annual Founders Fund Award, recognizing one TrueNorth colleague for exceptional commitment to a nonprofit through volunteerism and advocacy. The 2025 honoree is Content Specialist Elsabeth Hepworth, celebrated for championing the mission of Catherine McAuley Center (CMC), a Cedar Rapids-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals through education and supportive services. We invite you to watch the video announcement we shared during the year-end meeting recognizing Elsabeth’s work with CMC:
With a mission to offer hope and opportunity to those looking to better themselves, their families and their community, CMC provides educational and supportive services that are intended to promote stability, skill-building and connection.
“The Founders Fund honors colleagues who balance professional excellence with meaningful community engagement,” said Matt Evans, TrueNorth Legacy Foundation Board President. “This award reflects the philanthropic spirit of our six founding members and provides a platform for colleagues to spotlight causes where they have a major role and invite others to join them.”
In addition to colleague recognition, the Founders Fund contributes $10,000 to the chosen cause in recognition of the appointed colleague’s commitment. “Elsabeth’s dedication to Catherine McAuley Center exemplifies the impact one person can have in advancing education and support for those in need,” said Anne Parmley, TrueNorth’s Community Impact Director. “Her leadership inspires others to engage deeply with causes they hold close to heart.”
The Founders Fund completes TrueNorth Legacy Foundation’s 2025 grant cycle. Earlier this year, TrueNorth distributed significant funding to community initiatives aligned with its core pillars: children and education, vibrant communities, and emergency response and preparedness. Grant recipients are selected based on three key criteria:
This announcement reinforces TrueNorth’s longstanding commitment to community stewardship and its quest to positively impact millions of lives.
TrueNorth® Companies, L.C. is a risk management and insurance brokerage firm focused on creating value for our clients, colleagues and communities. The organization is designed to maintain its closely held and privately held business model supported by an organic growth and internal perpetuation strategy. TrueNorth is headquartered in the Midwest with offices in Iowa, Illinois and Colorado and colleagues located in over 20 states across the nation. Learn more at truenorthcompanies.com.
Established in 2021, TrueNorth Legacy Foundation furthers TrueNorth Companies’ commitment to community, honoring and perpetuating the philanthropic legacy of its founders for years to come. Grants are provided to causes demonstrating future vision and transformational projects that enhance organizational impact and address community needs.