Travelers Announces Community Support of More than $21 Million

In recognition of International Corporate Philanthropy Day, The Travelers Companies, Inc. today released its first digital Community Giving Report, “In Their Own Words,” reinforcing the company’s commitment to economic opportunity through interviews with employees, nonprofits, students, and executives.

Published on February 28, 2012

“While the economy continued to challenge many of the nonprofits supported by Travelers, our commitment to breaking down barriers to success and creating opportunity through education, arts, culture and community development has been steadfast,” said Marlene Ibsen, Travelers Vice President of Community Relations and CEO of the Travelers Foundation. “We recognize and place high value on this important work, and that’s why, from our executive offices to the classroom, we are committed to helping others succeed. This report reiterates that we take seriously our responsibility to do right and shows that our company and employees are committed to serving our communities.”

Highlights of the 2011 Community Annual Giving Report include:

    •    Travelers and the Travelers Foundation provided approximately $21 million in community support in 2011.
    •    Approximately $9.5 million — the largest percentage of our giving for any category — was focused on educational organizations and activities.
    •    Travelers employees logged more than 31,000 corporate and personal volunteer hours, up from 22,000 in 2010.
    •    Travelers funded 35 Habitat for Humanity volunteer builds in 22 states, with approximately 2,000 employees volunteering to help create homes for low-income families.

Sam Gray, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford also talks about the role Travelers plays in the community as a corporate partner. “From monetary support to human capital, Travelers’ generosity is critical to the success of our organization and so many others,” he said. “The company not only exemplifies what it means to be a good corporate citizen, but also recognizes their role in developing today’s youth, who are tomorrow’s workforce.”

A number of Travelers executives are featured in the report, including Jay Benet, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer; Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer; and Michael Klein, Senior Vice President of Business Insurance and President of Travelers Middle Market.

“As we reflect on 2011, so many heartwarming and impactful stories come to mind,” Ibsen continued. “Rather than try to explain our work ourselves, we asked the students, our colleagues and nonprofits to tell you – in their own words – what community leadership means to them, and how Travelers has impacted their lives and organizations.”