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Principal® Foundation launches award program to honor Principal® Financial Network Professionals driving community impact

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December 09, 2025

Principal® Foundation launches award program to honor Principal® Financial Network Professionals driving community impact

Des Moines, Iowa, Dec. 9, 2025 – Principal® Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Principal Financial Group®, today awarded $205,000 to more than a dozen nonprofit organizations through its first annual Principal® Financial Network Community Service Awards. 

The 2025 Principal Financial Network Community Service Awards celebrate 15 members of the Principal Financial Network who demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service through long-term volunteerism and commitment to nonprofit organizations in their communities. Each award includes a charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization chosen by the recipient. 

“Members of the Principal Financial Network are deeply engaged members of their communities—through the work they do with clients, as well as the time and energy they dedicate to causes that matter,” said Jo Christine Miles, director of Principal® Foundation and Community Relations. “Principal Foundation is proud to recognize their leadership and elevate the impact they are making nationwide.” 

“I’m grateful to Principal Foundation for presenting these awards and recognizing the incredible impact our financial professionals make—both in their work and in their communities,” said Candy Bidler, vice president of Principal® Financial Network. “The culture of Principal Financial Network is what truly sets us apart. Giving back—to one another and to the causes we care about—is at the heart of who we are.” 

Honorees of the Principal Financial Network Community Service Awards are recognized at three levels based on their impact: Pillar Award ($25,000 donation), Builder Award ($15,000 donation), and Shaper Award ($5,000 donation). These levels reflect the scope and impact of each professional’s community involvement—from transformative leaders whose sustained service and leadership have been helping create enduring community change (Pillar), to dedicated volunteers helping drive measurable growth within organizations (Builder), to emerging leaders helping make measurable contributions (Shaper). 

The three $25,000 Pillar Awards this year will support Rhea County Community Center (Tennessee), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting health and wellness for families and seniors; Kids and Canines (Florida), which pairs service dogs with children and teens to build confidence and life skills; and Meals on Wheels Delaware and St. Anthony’s Senior and Community Center (Delaware), which provides nutritious meals and social support to older adults across the state. For a full list of honorees and nonprofit recipients, see below. 

Pillar Award Honorees ($25,000 donation): 

NameLocationNonprofit Recipient
Manuel Carril IIISales Creek, TennesseeRhea County Community Center
Daniel GoldbergLutz, FloridaKids and Canines
Raymond IanniWilmington, DelawareCityFare Meals on Wheels 

Builder Award Honorees ($15,000 donation): 

NameLocationNonprofit Recipient
Ashley CallSpringville, UtahThe Magic Yarn Project
Lisa HunterChattanooga, TennesseeDr. Carol B. Berz Family Justice Center City of Chattanooga
Jim McCannBloomsburg, PennsylvaniaCentral Susquehanna Sight Services
Marco RodriguezElk Grove, CaliforniaMexican Cultural Center of Northern California 
Thomas VetranoTucson, Arizona911 Tower Challenge Foundation
Andrew WidmanOverland Park, KansasMidwest Transplant Network
Inaam ZiyadehEl Paso, TexasEl Paso Children's Hospital Foundation

Shaper Award Honorees ($5,000 donation):

NameLocationNonprofit Recipient
Conor BoffeliDes Moines, IowaUnited Way of Central Iowa 
Ryan FloreLockport, New YorkArts Services Inc. 
Daniel O’ConnellAddison, TexasTexas CASA
Jeff RiegleWoodbury, MinnesotaMinnesota Assistance Council for Veterans
Brad StephensButler, MissouriBig Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

To be eligible, Principal Financial Network members must have invested at least three years of sustained service with a nonprofit organization. 

The Principal Financial Network Community Service Awards are part of the broader philanthropic efforts of Principal Foundation, supporting nonprofit organizations where Principal Financial Network financial professionals live and serve their communities. 

About Principal® Foundation

Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal Foundation”) is a duly recognized Section 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so. Established in 1987, Principal Foundation works with organizations that are helping to shape and support the journey to financial security by ensuring access to essential needs, fostering social and cultural connections, and promoting financial inclusion. Principal Foundation supports a diverse community of 85 charitable organizations across the globe.  

Principal Financial Network

The named financial professionals are representatives of Principal National Life Insurance Company and Principal Life Insurance Company®. They are also Principal Securities Registered Representatives. The named financial professional is a representative of Principal National Life Insurance Company and Principal Life Insurance Company®. The representative is also a Principal Securities Registered Representative, and Financial Advisor. Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., Member SIPC and/or independent broker-dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.  

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