IICF Gala Dinner raises over £125,000 for community grants
6th November 2026
IICF Gala Dinner raises over £125,000 for community grants
Two hundred leaders from more than 30 companies across the insurance industry came together at Plaisterers’ Hall in London on 8 October for IICF’s annual Gala Dinner, raising over £125,000 for our community grants programme.
Funds raised will benefit charities including The Children’s Book Project, Chance to Shine and Tutors United. Through access to books, cricket and tutoring, these grassroots charities help young people facing adversity build confidence, develop skills and access opportunities in education and employment.
The evening highlighted IICF’s focus on literacy during the 2026 National Year of Reading. Vitesse CEO Phillip McGriskin reflected on the role reading has played in his professional journey and its power to open doors, encouraging others to give back and create meaningful change.
Guests also heard from Matthew Robinson, Head of Fundraising at Northampton Saints Foundation, and Tom Wood, former Northampton and England rugby player and an ambassador for the charity. Their remarks brought our impact to life, illustrating the difference charitable support can make to young people’s futures.
We were proud to recognise Emma Hodgart of AXA XL with this year’s Above & Beyond Award. Presented by Mark Trumper, IICF Board Chair and CEO of Previsico, the award celebrated her outstanding contribution to IICF’s Associate Board and the community over the past year.
Our special thanks go to sponsors Vitesse, The Hartford and AXA XL for their continued generosity and commitment to our mission. We are also grateful to every guest, donor and supporter whose contribution helped make the evening a success.
Since launching in the UK in 2015, IICF has raised more than £3.2 million for social mobility charities, helping over 8,000 young people facing adversity gain the skills and confidence to succeed at school, find employment and make a new start.
At IICF, we believe the insurance industry can be a powerful, united force for good. This year’s Gala Dinner was a compelling reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose: supporting exceptional charities and helping young people shape their futures.
