Creating Better Futures
We believe the insurance industry can be a united force for good.
2026: A Defining Year for Literacy in the UK
At IICF, we believe the insurance industry can be a united force for good, and that literacy unlocks opportunity at every stage of life. In 2026, we are building on the momentum of our 2025 milestone year, refocusing our efforts on literacy across all ages — from the youngest learners to adults whose reading skills shape their day-to-day lives. This year also brings a broader national moment: 2026 has been announced as the UK’s National Year of Reading, a campaign designed to revitalise reading culture for children, families and adults alike — a chance to put reading back at the heart of the nation.
In 2026, we aim to raise £30,000 to significantly expand our literacy programme reach.
Why Literacy Matters — For Every Generation
The need for action is clear. One in four children in the UK leave primary school unable to read well, placing them at an immediate disadvantage as they move through education. At the same time, literacy challenges do not disappear in adulthood — around 1 in 6 adults in England have very poor literacy skills, struggling with everyday reading tasks many of us take for granted, while other UK nations face similarly high rates of adult literacy challenges. Together, these figures highlight a persistent literacy gap that can limit life chances, job opportunities and social mobility across generations.
Through our Better Futures literacy campaign, IICF is raising funds to support projects that nurture reading and communication skills for people of all ages, helping break cycles of disadvantage and opening doors to lifelong learning and opportunity.
Your support will help us empower more people — we are helping children develop a love of reading and supporting adults to build the literacy skills they need to thrive. In insurance, we often talk about protecting the future — through Better Futures, we are helping to build it, one page at a time
Your support can really help change lives
£25
Can gift five books to an underfunded school to inspire children to read.
£100
Can help train 20 volunteers to deliver 1-on-1 support to a child and help re-write their story.
£500
can fill a library shelf in a deprived area with stories waiting to be discovered.
How You Can Help Reach Our £30,000 Goal
Our goal is to raise £30,000 this year. Here’s how you can help:
Make a personal or corporate donation
One-off or regular gifts — the cornerstone of our success. Make a donation.
Fundraise with your workplace
From bake sales and fitness challenges to festive campaigns, there are endless ways to get involved. Visit our fundraising page, click Fundraise for this appeal and consider matched donations to double your impact.
Spread the word
Invite colleagues, friends and networks to donate and help amplify the difference we can make together.
Volunteer
You can also volunteer as a reading mentor or donate books to schools and literacy charities supported by IICF.
Every donation helps someone read with confidence. Let’s help build a better future, one page at a time.