### Overview of Security Benefit Life Insurance Charitable Trust
The Security Benefit Life Insurance Charitable Trust (also referred to as the Security Benefit Charitable Trust) is a private nonprofit foundation headquartered in Topeka, Kansas. It operates as the philanthropic arm of Security Benefit, a financial services company specializing in retirement solutions, which was founded in 1892 in Topeka as "The Knights and Ladies of Security." The trust embodies the company's long-standing commitment to community support, particularly for vulnerable populations, education, health, and the arts. Established in 1976, the foundation is managed by a committee of 13 employee leaders from Security Benefit and focuses on grantmaking to enhance quality of life in the Topeka area and beyond.
- **Legal and Contact Information**:
- **EIN (Employer Identification Number)**: 48-6211612
- **Address**: 1 SW Security Benefit Place, Topeka, KS 66636-1000, United States
- **Telephone**: 785-438-3000
- **Type**: Private foundation (classified as a charitable organization under IRS guidelines)
- **Fiscal Sponsor/Affiliation**: Trustee is Security Benefit Life Insurance Company; it is closely tied to the company's operations but functions independently for philanthropic purposes.
The foundation does not have a publicly listed website separate from Security Benefit's main site (
securitybenefit.com), where its charitable activities are detailed under the "About Us" section.
### Mission and History
The trust's mission is to support organizations that address critical community needs, aligning with Security Benefit's founding ethos of mutual aid and protection for those in need. Over its 25+ years of active grantmaking (building on the company's 130+ year history), it has prioritized initiatives that promote equity, education, and well-being. Security Benefit's roots in Topeka—a city where the company has been a major employer and community pillar—drive its local focus, though it extends support nationally through partnerships like the National Education Association (NEA). The trust has invested significantly in education, honoring over 3,000 Kansas teachers through the Kansas Teacher of the Year program and contributing more than $500,000 to such efforts.
### Focus Areas
The foundation supports a wide range of causes, emphasizing aid for underserved groups. Key focus areas include:
- **Human Services and Vulnerable Populations**: Assistance for low-income and at-risk individuals, including victims of child abuse, human trafficking, homelessness, poverty, food insecurity, and mental health challenges. It also supports economically disadvantaged people, women, and the homeless.
- **Education**: Promotion of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs, scholarships, and enrichment opportunities for students, particularly in underserved communities. This ties into Security Benefit's role serving educators across 4,500+ school districts and 3.2 million NEA members.
- **Health**: Funding for cancer research, HIV/AIDS initiatives, hunger relief, and behavioral health programs. Examples include support for emergency assistance during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- **Arts and Culture**: Advancement of diversity and access through programs like ballet for elementary students, theater for disadvantaged youth, and employment opportunities for developmentally disabled adults.
- **Other**: Veteran support, community development, and holiday aid initiatives.
The geographic focus is primarily local (Topeka and greater Kansas area), but it includes national efforts through partnerships.
### Types of Support and Programs
- **Grants and Donations**: The trust provides direct financial grants to nonprofits. It supports over 100 organizations annually, with a emphasis on human services and education. Types of support include general operating funds, program-specific funding, scholarships, and emergency aid.
- **Employee-Driven Initiatives**:
- **Dollars for Hours Program**: Employees who volunteer 50+ hours per year receive a company contribution of $150+ to a nonprofit of their choice.
- **Matching Gifts**: Matches employee donations to schools and universities up to $3,000 per associate annually.
- **Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts**:
- **United Way of Kaw Valley**: Employee volunteer days (e.g., Nancy Perry Day of Caring) for tasks like painting community centers and packing food.
- **Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka**: Year-round STEAM programs.
- **Kansas Ballet Company, TARC Inc., Capper Foundation, Topeka Performing Arts Center, Lawrence Arts Center, Jayhawk Theatre**: Arts and employment programs for diverse and disabled groups.
- **Veterans Community Project**: Tiny house developments for veterans in Kansas City.
- **Junior Achievement of Kansas**: Financial literacy education for students.
- **Meals on Wheels (via Midland Care)**: Meal delivery for elderly and homebound individuals.
- **National Teachers Hall of Fame**: Recognition and scholarships for educators.
- **Kansas Universities**: Scholarships for higher education.
No formal application process is publicly detailed on the company's site, but organizations typically reach out through Security Benefit's community relations team. Grants are awarded based on alignment with focus areas and community impact.
### Financial Information and Grantmaking History
- **Assets and Scale**: Specific current assets are not publicly detailed in recent sources, but the foundation has a history of substantial giving. For context, Security Benefit as a company manages billions in retirement assets, enabling robust philanthropy.
- **Recent Grant Examples**:
- In a 2020 initiative (exacerbated by the pandemic), the trust donated $74,800 to 11 Topeka-area human service organizations to address food insecurity, poverty, and mental health:
- Stormont Vail Hometown Heroes Fund: $20,000 (emergency employee assistance).
- Family Service & Guidance Center: $10,000 (mental health programs).
- Valeo Behavioral Health Care: $10,000 (mental health programs).
- Harvesters: $8,000 (24,000 meals for food insecurity).
- Ronald McDonald House: $8,000 (shelter and meals for families).
- Washburn University: $5,000 (student financial aid).
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka: $4,300 (after-school programs).
- LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center: $4,000 (child abuse treatment).
- Salvation Army: $2,000 (holiday initiatives).
- United Way of Greater Topeka: $2,000 (holiday initiatives).
- Toys for Tots: $1,500 (holiday drive).
- Ongoing support includes half a million dollars+ for teacher recognition and scholarships to Kansas universities.
- **Charity Evaluation**: The foundation is not currently rated by Charity Navigator due to insufficient data for their Impact & Measurement, Accountability & Finance, or other methodologies. It is recognized as a legitimate 501(c)(3) entity.
### Operations and Impact in Topeka
The trust operates entirely from Topeka, leveraging Security Benefit's 500+ local employees for volunteerism and decision-making. Its work has a tangible local impact, such as reducing homelessness through collaborations, providing meals to thousands, and enriching arts access for youth. The company's presence in Topeka since 1892 has made it a cornerstone of the community's nonprofit ecosystem, with the trust amplifying employee-driven giving to foster long-term social change.
For the most up-to-date information or to inquire about support, contact Security Benefit directly at the provided phone number or via their website's contact form.
Henry McClure
785.383.9994
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