The Heffernan Group has been involved in the community since it began in 1988. Over the years, the company has developed a program which helps give back to communities where we work and live.

Heffernan Group believes giving back, whether through volunteer opportunities or donations, is a way to improve our community for the future. We have been included in the Top Greater Bay Area Philanthropists since 2003 and hope to continue the trend for many years.

Employee Volunteer Time

Each employee is allowed up to four days per year, one per quarter to volunteer their time at a local nonprofit. This is paid time off during the work day for employees to give back to the community. This year's sponsored nonprofits are:

Los Angeles - Shelter Partnership
Missouri - Habitat for Humanity
Orange - Human Options
Oregon - Volunteers of American Oregon 
Palo Alto - San Jose & San Mateo Food Banks/West Valley Community Services
Petaluma - Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center & Cultivating Impact
San Francisco - Opportunity Impact
Walnut Creek - Shelter Inc.

Volunteer Week 2009

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) seeks to help communities and enrich lives by combining the collective strengths of the industry to provide grants, volunteer service and leadership. Heffernan Insurance Brokers has been a member of the IICF since 2002 and has participated in their annual volunteer week each year in October. Nonprofit agencies, which receive support from IICF throughout the year and insurance companies, including family members, are able to volunteer on a project together. In 2009 Heffernan chose to work with Canal Alliace in San Rafael, Project Open Hand in San Francisco and the San Mateo County Food Bank.

Adopt A Family

In 2009 Heffernan participated in the Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program throughout several communities. Employees were able to purchase gifts and food items for their specific family or individual, wrap them and donate them for the holiday season. The employees enjoyed the opportunity to assist in giving these families a happy holiday season. In 2009 Heffernan was able to Adopt 14 families.

Heffernan Foundation

The Heffernan Foundation was created in 2006 to support Heffernan Group's dedication and commitment to social responsibility through employee philanthropy, volunteerism and education. We are dedicated to giving generously in the communities where our employees live and work.

The Heffernan Foundation's Mission Statement is to grant funding to charities that provide direct support and services to our local communities in the areas of shelter, food, education and preservation of the environment.

Charitable Contributions - Large Grant Donations

At year end a portion of the Heffernan Group's profits are donated to the Heffernan Foundation for distribution to those charities meeting our guidelines. Grant submissions from local 501(c)3 charities are by Heffernan employee referral only. These grants can range anywhere from $1,000 - $10,000. An application and proof of 501(c)3 status must be submitted by November 1st of each year. The Grant Committee meets in December to review all submissions and make funding decisions.

Application

Charitable Contributions - Employee Matching

Employee Matching - Offers employees the opportunity to donate to a charity of their choice each year. Heffernan matches a portion of their donation. In 2009 Heffernan donated to over 60 charities through the employee matching program.

Garee Lee Smith Scholarship Program

In honor of Garee Lee Smith, a long time colleague who embodied our culture and who was loved by all who knew her, an educational scholarship fund was established in 2006. Each year the Heffernan Foundation awards up to 5 $5,000 scholarships to HG employees or HG employee's family members. Any child, grandchild, relative or dependent of a HG employee may apply. To be eligible the HG employee must be in good standing and employed by HG on a full time, permanent basis for at least a year. A dinner is held each year to honor the recipients.

Outside Donors

The Heffernan Foundation accepts money from any outside donor wishing to support our goals. Donations may be made to the Heffernan Foundation in general  or as an endowment request.

Board Members of the Heffernan Foundation

• F.Michael Heffernan - Chairman
• Robin Newman -Secretary
• Michelle Lonaker - Treasurer
• Jessica Standiford - Member
• Kurt Scheidt - Member