Pacific Life Foundation Makes $1 Million Transformational Contribution to the American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality

Announced at the 15th annual Conference for African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP), this significant gift is one of the first The College received in support and celebration of our commitment to close the racial wealth gap with lasting, collective, community-focused solutions. For its leadership, the Pacific Life Foundation will be recognized as a Founder’s Circle donor. 

“The critical support of the Pacific Life Foundation and other industry leaders will allow the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to collaborate with those seeking to change our history’s narrative around economic equity,” said George Nichols III, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “We are tremendously grateful to the Pacific Life Foundation for this generous investment toward measurable impact in our collective efforts to partner with underserved communities and promote economic justice.” 

This important seed grant from the Pacific Life Foundation will help with the expansion of the Center’s Four Steps Forward initiative and programs to reach underserved communities and increase their opportunities for economic mobility. The funding will help the Center educate and empower Black financial professionals as they start and grow their careers. The Pacific Life Foundation’s commitment will help to expand the Center’s financial education programs for Black women, bolster the Center’s scholarship programs for Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and early-career financial professionals, and implement a new approach to study groups for Black financial professionals. 

“Addressing the racial wealth gap and creating economic mobility starts with uplifting underserved communities and committing to lasting community-focused solutions,” said Jim Morris, chairman, president and CEO, Pacific Life and chairman of the Pacific Life Foundation. “The education and empowerment of Black financial professionals and the Black community is of paramount importance to the financial services industry’s future and growth. We’re proud to partner with the American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality in support of its efforts as it writes a new narrative around economic equity." 

Pacific Life and the Pacific Life Foundation are committed to ensuring an inclusive workplace and strengthening the communities where its employees live and work. The Pacific Life Foundation has a long history of focusing its giving on uplifting communities and investing in programs and organizations whose specific mission is to empower and provide stability to underrepresented individuals and families, with more than $2 million in annual funding and support toward these efforts. 

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

ABOUT PACIFIC LIFE AND THE PACIFIC LIFE FOUNDATION 

For more than 150 years, Pacific Life has helped millions of individuals and families with their financial needs through a wide range of life insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and pension plans. Pacific Life counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S. companies as its clients and has been named one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute. For additional company information, including current financial strength ratings, visit PacificLife.com. 

The Pacific Life Foundation (the Foundation) was established in 1984. Together with Pacific Life, the Foundation has contributed $131 million to community and national nonprofit organizations. Grants are made to organizations that address a broad spectrum of social needs. 

Pacific Life refers to Pacific Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, including Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Client count as of June 2021 is compiled by Pacific Life using the 2021 FORTUNE 500® list.