The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) has launched its first Canadian division and appointed Sarah Gladki (pictured above) as its founding executive director.
Based in Toronto, IICF Canada becomes the foundation’s second international branch, expanding its reach beyond the United States and the United Kingdom.
Gladki brings a strong background in the nonprofit sector and will lead the development of IICF Canada’s strategic direction and operations. Her work will focus on strengthening industry-wide engagement in charitable giving, volunteerism, and leadership across Canadian communities.
The foundation’s Canadian board is composed of senior leaders from prominent insurance firms. Marc Lipman, president of Lloyd’s Americas and attorney in fact in Canada for Lloyd’s Underwriters, will serve as chair of the IICF Canada board of directors. Sandra Henkel, independent board director at Tokio Marine Canada Ltd., is acting as strategic advisor.
Founding board companies include Allianz Commercial, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Burns & Wilcox, CNA, Lloyd’s, Markel, and Northbridge Financial Corporation. Companies that confirm their participation during 2025 will be recognized as Founding Board Companies.
“IICF Canada provides a coordinated approach for the insurance sector to support causes that matter to our communities,” said Gladki. “By building a platform for collective action, we aim to strengthen the social impact of the industry nationwide.”
Following an exploratory meeting in March, IICF Canada was officially established in June 2025. Initial grantmaking efforts will focus on addressing food insecurity and supporting children at risk—two areas identified as priorities by the founding board.
The foundation’s expansion into Canada builds on IICF’s 30-year history. Since 1994, IICF has awarded more than $50 million in community grants and contributed an estimated $12 million in volunteer value through partnerships with over 1,000 nonprofit organizations.
Its regional offices in the US and international division in London have supported local initiatives across a wide range of causes, including disaster relief, education, and economic empowerment.
IICF Canada’s first fundraising and networking event is scheduled for autumn 2025. The event will serve as a formal introduction of the division to the broader Canadian insurance community and a platform to promote upcoming philanthropic initiatives.
