The NAIFA Board of Trustees has activated the NAIFA Hurricane Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to insurance and financial advisors impacted by the widespread destruction and flooding in Texas and Louisiana, brought on by Hurricane Harvey.

“Since Harvey made landfall in the early hours of Aug. 26, we have been inundated with harrowing images and stories of those affected by this epic storm,” said NAIFA President Paul Dougherty, LUTCF, FSS. “We’ve witnessed stories of tragedy, and many of bravery, rescue and community. As insurance and financial advisors, NAIFA members are committed to helping Americans in times like these, and it is our privilege to establish this emergency relief fund to assist advisors who are dealing with losses of their own, from flooded homes and businesses to displaced friends, family and employees.”

The NAIFA Hurricane Relief Fund was originally established in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. The NAIFA Board authorized the operation of the fund by the Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, to assist insurance professionals affected by the Gulf Coast hurricanes. CFA continues to maintain a structure for the NAIFA Hurricane Relief Fund, and the fund will be available for use soon in response to Hurricane Harvey.

All donations are tax deductible and may be made directly to CFA, not to NAIFA. All grants will be distributed by CFA. A committee of NAIFA volunteers and executives from Texas and Louisiana will establish certain parameters for the program. NAIFA will allocate $10,000 to the fund. Donations may be made by visiting this page.

“We have been in touch with and are receiving regular updates from our friends and colleagues in the affected areas,” said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. “While they are living through one of the worst disasters in Texas history, they are focused on rebuilding their practices so they can get to work and help their fellow citizens on the road to recovery.”

About NAIFA: Founded in 1890 as The National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU), NAIFA is the oldest, largest and most prestigious association representing the interests of insurance professionals from every Congressional district in the United States. NAIFA’s legacy of leadership and vision has a lasting impact as the founder of multiple organizations now serving the industry. Its mission – to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of its members – is the reason NAIFA has consistently and resoundingly stood up for agents and called upon members to grow their knowledge while following the highest ethical standards in the industry.

About CFA: Community Foundation of Acadiana’s (CFA) is a donor-centric entrepreneurial foundation whose core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting all generous people to the causes they care about. CFA is south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organization. Learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.