Home | Brief History | An Executive Update | Some Helpful Links A Brief History of the Griffith Foundation The Griffith Foundation for Insurance Education was founded at The Ohio State University (OSU) in 1947 and was formally affiliated with it until 1992. It was originally known as the Charles W. Griffith Memorial Foundation for Insurance Education in memory of Mr. Griffith, a life insurance underwriter who was killed in World War II. Promoting the Teaching of Risk Management and Insurance When it was initially formed and for a number of years thereafter, the Foundation's primary focus was to support the insurance and risk management program in the College of Business at OSU. Activities included funding for the insurance library, scholarships for students, and funding research programs. Professional education programs were presented through workshops and conferences on management and insurance topics of current interest. Career guidance activities for high school and college students were also developed. In addition, the Foundation took the initiative in formulating and initially funding the Actuarial Science Baccalaureate Degree Program at OSU. A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Education Foundation The Griffith Foundation was incorporated in 1960 as a nonprofit corporation organized under Ohio law. It is a tax-exempt educational entity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Founded the Insurance Hall of Fame The Griffith Foundation has been instrumental in the development and formation of several organizations and programs that are now separate from the Foundation. The Insurance Hall of Fame, for example, was founded by the Foundation and has gained international prominence. It is now sponsored by the International Insurance Society, Inc. Helped Form Gamma Iota Sigma Gamma Iota Sigma was incorporated in 1965 by the Foundation. It is the largest student professional insurance society in the U.S. with chapters at thirty-six colleges and universities. Organized the Society of Insurance Research In 1970, the Society for Insurance Research was organized under the leadership of the Foundation. The Society continues to provide a forum for the active exchange of ideas in all areas of insurance research. Developed Study Courses for State Insurance Financial Examiners In the 1980s the Foundation, at the request of insurance regulators, developed study courses for state insurance department financial examiners. Those courses are now administered by the Society of Financial Examiners. Today, the Griffith Foundation's Mission is Twofold: To promote the teaching and study of risk management and insurance at colleges and universities. To provide education programs for public policymakers on the basic principles of risk management and insurance. The Foundation promotes the teaching of risk management and insurance at colleges and universities by: Funding adjunct professorships to help colleges get risk management and insurance programs started or expand existing programs Providing executive-in-residence programs to introduce students to the real world of insurance Providing faculty interships to profide practical industry experiences for professors of risk management and insurance The Griffith Foundation promotes the study of risk management and insurance by: Providing scholarships to students for the study of these disciplines The Griffith Foundation also provides education programs for public policymakers through: Educational presentations at the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) meetings and Seminars for Insurance Committee Chairs of state legislatures on the basic principles of risk management and insurance presented in cooperation with NCOIL Seminars for insurance committee members of state legislatures and for newly elected legislators The Griffith Foundation Provides Ongoing Support to Other Organizations Promoting the Teaching and Study of Risk Management and Insurance. The Griffith Foundation supports the programs and activities of the insurance academics' professional societies -- The American Risk and Insurance Society (ARIA), the Southern Risk and Insurance Association (SRIA) and the Western Risk (WRIA) and Insurance Association. The Foundation continues to support the Insurance Hall of Fame, Gamma Iota Sigma, and the Society of Insurance Research. For additional information call, write or email: The Griffith Foundation for Insurance Education 623 High Street Worthington, OH 43085 Phone: 614-880-9870 Fax: 614-880-9872 email: info@griffithfoundation.org.			Upcoming Events and Programs Student Scholarships Scholarships are available throughout the year for the study of risk management and insurance. Scholarships Currently Available Adjunct Professorships Call for Proposals The Griffith Foundation can provide funding for adjunct professorships to help get a risk management and insurance program started or expand an existing curriculum. Seminars for Insurance Committee Chairs of State Legislatures An extensive three-day education seminar for insurance committee chairs on the basic principles of risk management and insurance. Information and dates for upcoming seminars