Local Northwestern Mutual Advisor Awarded $15,000 Grant to Benefit Big Shoulders Fund
Each year, Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company, recognizes the leadership of its financial advisors who are making a difference in their own communities through exemplary volunteerism. As part of these efforts, the company, through its Foundation, is awarding $310,000 in grants to nonprofits nationwide through its 2022 Community Service Awards.
This year's program recognizes 17 of the company's financial advisors for their commitment to positively impacting their communities through dedicated volunteer service. Each winner has been awarded a grant to benefit a local nonprofit he or she is involved with. Evanston resident Fred O'Connor, a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual-Chicago, has been named a 2022 Community Service Award winner, receiving a $15,000 grant for Big Shoulders Fund.
"Making a positive impact in the community is what our advisors do every day while they serve their clients. Their passion for giving back is demonstrated by their dedication to incredible causes that are making a real difference in their own backyards," said Steve Radke, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. "At Northwestern Mutual, we're proud to have a network of advisors who are committed to bettering the lives of those around them."
For more than 35 years, Big Shoulders Fund has helped Chicago's children in need achieve their dreams through access to a quality education by investing in financial support to Catholic schools. Its expenses are uniquely supported by an endowment and other income, which ensures 100% of funds raised go toward programs that benefit the students' academic enrichment, schools' operational improvements, and teachers' professional development.
O'Connor's involvement with the organization runs deep, as his father founded Big Shoulders Fund. For more than two decades, O'Connor has volunteered his time, as a mentor to high school students at Holy Trinity High School, successfully supported recruiting efforts and provided financial literacy education to eighth graders. He also helped start the Chairmen's Emergency Scholarship, which provides financial support to students and their families facing a sudden crisis such as an illness, death of a loved one or recent job loss.
"The schools supported by Big Shoulder Fund are beacons of hope that serve and strengthen entire communities throughout Chicago, beyond just meeting the nurturing and educational needs of the children in the building," said O'Connor. "This grant will help provide children in need with educational opportunities, ensuring they are set up for long-term success."
The company has donated more than $6.6 million to nonprofits nationwide through the Community Service Awards program since the program's inception in 1995. The 2022 winners will present their grants to their nonprofits throughout the country this spring.
Learn more about Big Shoulders Fund and how to get involved here.
About Northwestern Mutual Foundation
The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $400 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination. Visit Northwestern Mutual Foundation to learn more.
About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With $308.8 billion in total assets, $31.1 billion in revenues, and $2 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.75 million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages more than $200 billion in investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual ranks 90 on the 2021 FORTUNE 500 and is recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2022.
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).