
Sep 3, 2026
Community
Fourth annual Gainbridge Assists program carries forward Billie Jean King’s legacy and reaches its widest geographic footprint yet – 20 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico – with first-ever grants in adaptive sports, juvenile justice, boxing, rowing, and skateboarding
Zionsville, Ind. (Sept. 3, 2026) – Gainbridge℠, Parity, and the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF®) today named the 2026 grant recipients of Gainbridge Assists Powered by Parity, awarding $250,000 across 32 organizations expanding access to sports and education for girls and women nationwide.
The 2026 cohort spans 20 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico – with six states represented for the first time – and pushes the program's cumulative investment to almost $700,000 across 87 organizations.
Gainbridge Assists has become a force in advancing equity in sports, directly supporting grassroots leaders and community-based programs that use sport and education as a platform to build confidence, opportunity, and leadership.
What's New in 2026
This year's grant recipients reflect several notable firsts for the program. Four adaptive sports organizations join the class alongside the program's first-ever grantee serving girls in juvenile justice facilities. The 2026 group also includes inaugural grantees in boxing, rowing, and skateboarding, plus investments in STEM, robotics, and engineering education – a deliberate broadening of what sports and education for girls and women can look like.
“When we launched Gainbridge Assists, the goal was to put real dollars behind the organizations operating at the grassroots level,” said Group 1001 Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation Mike Nichols. “Four years in, we're proud to be backing a nationwide cohort that reflects the full spectrum of what leadership on and off the field looks like – from adaptive sports programs to robotics, engineering, and STEM initiatives.”
The Billie Jean King $5,000 Tribute
Most grant recipients will receive $5,000 to fund an event, project, or new program that supports girls and women in sports and/or education – a figure chosen in tribute to Gainbridge ambassador and equality icon Billie Jean King, who founded the Women's Sports Foundation more than 50 years ago with a $5,000 check.
“Gainbridge is a leader in women’s sports around the world,” King said. “Gainbridge Assists demonstrates the importance of supporting grassroots organizations that serve girls and young women regardless of where they live or what they look like. These organizations are the ones doing the real work, and they are delivering a lasting impact in their communities."
Two special grants of $50,000 each will be awarded to City Parks Foundation (New York) and Wildchild Athletics (Michigan).
2026 Gainbridge Assists Grant Recipients
A Place Called Home (California) - Soccer, basketball, volleyball
Ability to Include (Florida) - Adaptive soccer
Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks (Maryland) - Adaptive sports
Bearcat Diamond Academy (Arkansas) - Softball
Black Girls Do Engineer (Texas) - Engineering
Box United (Illinois) - Boxing
Bras for Girls (Washington) - Equipment access
City Parks Foundation (New York) - Tennis
College Skateboarding Educational Foundation (California/New York) - Skateboarding
Dennis Tennis Serving Love (Florida) - Tennis
District Ice Rink Org (Washington, D.C.) - Ice skating
FIRST New Hampshire Robotics (New Hampshire) - Robotics
First Tee – Greater Wichita (Kansas) - Golf
First Tee – Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico) - Golf
Georgia Hi-Lo Trail (Georgia) - Cycling
Girls on the Run Greater Charlotte (and Carolina Ascent) (North Carolina) - Sports, leadership, and confidence
Life Beyond the Ball, Inc. (Texas) - Sports, education, and leadership summit
Matrix Heart Hustle Harmony Foundation (Georgia) - Flag football
New Shoe Day (Indiana) - Volleyball, shoe access
New Youth Leaders (New York) - Soccer, leadership
Phambili Sport Impact Foundation (Massachusetts) - Soccer, leadership, career development
Play Like a Girl (Tennessee) - STEM
Portland Plays Together (Oregon) - Football, coaching
PowerPlay NYC (New York) - Tennis
Rising Phoenix Sports Program (New York) - Youth development with sport for incarcerated girls
RIVERSPORT Foundation (Oklahoma) - Rowing
Snapfinger Elementary: Girls in Gear (Georgia) - STEM, racing
Special Olympics Idaho (Idaho) - Adaptive sports
ThruGUIDANCE (California) - Hockey
West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition (North Carolina) - Well-being, holistic health
Wildchild Athletics (Michigan) - Flag football
Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (Wisconsin) - Adaptive sports
Most grant recipients will execute their events or projects in November 2026. For more information on Gainbridge Assists, visit https://www.paritynow.com/gainbridge-assists.
About Gainbridge
Gainbridge Insurance Agency, LLC (“Gainbridge”) was founded in 2018 as part of Group 1001 with a simple belief: people work hard for their money, and their money should work hard for them. We offer a simple, safe way to save for the future – with clear annuity products, no hidden fees, and support from licensed teammates whenever you need it. Gainbridge is headquartered in Zionsville, Indiana. Learn more at gainbridge.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
About Group 1001
Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC (“Group 1001 Insurance” or “Group 1001”) is a collective that empowers companies to create positive growth. Our insurance and annuities are easy to understand and accessible to all. Our online investing platform gives individuals control over their savings. Our technology and innovation help companies succeed. And our strategic partnerships bring people together through education and sports.
As of March 31, 2026, Group 1001 Insurance had more than 1,500 employees and combined assets under management of $86.1 billion and provides over 540,000 active annuity contracts and life insurance policies. It comprises the following brands: Delaware Life, GainbridgeSM, Clear Spring Life and Annuity Company, Clear Spring Property and Casualty Group, and the RVI Group, among others.
About Parity, a Group 1001 Company
Parity is a women’s sports consultancy specializing in professional athlete partnerships. With a mission to close the gender income and opportunity gap in sports, Parity connects brands with a diverse network of more than 1,600 pro women athletes across 85+ sports, including 300+ Olympians and Paralympians. Through athlete-led engagements, official community partnerships, women’s sports consulting, and custom research, Parity helps brands authentically engage the most trusted voices in sports today. For more information, visit www.paritynow.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
About the Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation® (WSF®) exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate, and a catalyst for tomorrow’s leaders. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we are one of the first organizations to recognize the powerful connection between sports access, equity, and society. For over 50 years, WSF has been changing the game through its research, advocacy, and community programming, investing over $115 million to help girls and women play, compete, and lead – in sports and beyond – without barriers. A leader and champion of the entire women’s sports ecosystem, WSF amplifies the vital societal and cultural impact that is made when girls and women play sports. When girls play, they lead, and we all win!™ To learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation®, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.

Aug 28, 2026
Corporate
In August, we celebrated the conclusion of our Advanced Management Program (AMP) with 10 graduates. This six-month journey was designed to equip future executives with the strategic skills they need to lead at the organizational level.What is the Advanced Management Program (AMP)?Preparing the next generation of senior leaders is central to Group 1001's long-term success. AMP reflects our commitment to providing successful leaders with the opportunity to sharpen their skills to lead at an ev...
Aug 17, 2026
Work Life
At Group 1001, employees are our number one asset. That's why we're proud to celebrate a milestone in our leadership development practices: 36 team members recently graduated from our inaugural Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) – a three-month course designed to equip high-potential talent with the skills and tools to lead the future of our organization.Building a Strong Talent Pipeline at Group 1001As we continue to grow, developing leaders from within is a strategic priority. The ELP cour...

Jul 29, 2026
Work Life
You've closed out the summer – now make the most of what comes after.By Emma See, Senior Talent Acquisition PartnerThe final weeks of an internship come faster than you would expect. You’re wrapping up projects, saying your thank-yous, handing back your access card, and suddenly wondering what happens next. Whether you're hoping for a return offer, heading back to school, or planning to apply for full-time roles, how you close out your internship matters just as much as how you started i...

Jul 27, 2026
Corporate
TrackGuard+ pairs a 21–26% premium bonus with up to 28% penalty-free liquidity, so clients don't have to choose between growth and accessZionsville, Ind. (July 27, 2026) – Delaware Life Insurance Company, a leading provider of innovative and customizable financial solutions, today launched TrackGuard+TM, a bonus fixed index annuity (FIA) that combines a high upfront premium bonus, a strong lineup of index crediting strategies, enhanced in-contract liquidity, and principal protection in a sin...

Jul 14, 2026
Corporate
Zionsville, Ind. (July 14, 2026) – Delaware Life Insurance Company, a leading provider of innovative and customizable financial solutions, has been named as a 2026 Ward’s 50 L&H Top Performer for the seventh consecutive year. "Seven years of recognition by the Ward Group is a testament to the discipline, focus, and care our team brings to this business every day," said Dan Towriss, President and CEO of Group 1001, parent company of Delaware Life. “Our commitment to excellence and u...

Jul 1, 2026
Work Life
This past May, we closed out the 2026 Front-Line Management Program (FMP) with a celebration of 47 graduates who spent four months sharpening the skills that turn good managers into great leaders.The FMP is a cohort-based development program designed for Group 1001 managers and supervisors, each nominated by their own leaders. It's designed to equip our front-line leaders with the foundational skills to lead others effectively, build high-performing teams, and elevate engagement across the o...

Jun 29, 2026
Corporate
Work Life
Chief Information Security Officer Chris Kennedy has been named a winner of the 2026 BostonCISO ORBIE Awards in the Large Enterprise category. The ORBIE Awards honor technology executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact.The recognition reflects Kennedy's leadership and vision in transforming the Group 1001 cybersecurity program, building on his 27-year career that began in the United States Marine Corps and has since included senior security leadership ro...

Jun 11, 2026
Work Life
You've made it through week one – now make the rest count.By Emma See, Senior Talent Acquisition PartnerBy now, you’ve learned your way around and met the people you'll be working with this summer. The first-week nerves have faded, and you're starting to feel more comfortable in your role. This is when the real opportunity begins.The interns who turn a summer role into a launchpad aren't necessarily the ones with the most polished resumes – they're the ones who make every wee...

May 19, 2026
Sponsorship
Gainbridge℠ Brand Ambassador Ready for Epic Race Day ExperienceZionsville, Ind. (May 19, 2026) – Gainbridge℠ brand ambassador and Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark will serve as Grand Marshal of the 110th Indianapolis 500® Presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As Grand Marshal, Clark will give the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars during the official pre-race ceremonies. The command will be shown live on FOX’s Race Day broadcast, ...

May 14, 2026
Sponsorship
Community
For the third consecutive year, GainbridgeSM, a simple, safe way to save, is joining forces with Parity and the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF®) to invest in girls and women through sports and education – awarding $250,000 in grants to organizations across the country.Through Gainbridge Assists Powered by Parity, Gainbridge, Parity, and WSF will award 30 grants of $5,000 – a number with deep meaning in women’s sports history. In 1974, Billie Jean King founded the Women’s Sports Foundation us...

May 12, 2026
Work Life
You’ve landed the internship - now what? By Emma See, Senior Talent Acquisition PartnerAfter rounds of applications, interviews, and anticipation, you've officially landed an internship. But as the start date approaches, questions set in: What should I wear? What if I don’t connect with anyone? How do I make a great first impression?Here is some advice on navigating your first week like a pro and setting the tone for a standout internship experience.Before Day One: Preparation is Your Superp...

Apr 8, 2026
Corporate
Group 1001 announced the successful completion of its first SOC 2 Type II examination with zero exceptions – a rare achievement for a first-time examination that positions the company among the insurance industry's leaders in data security and operational excellence.The certification encompasses Onyx, Group 1001's cloud-native annuity administration system that supports new business for two Group 1001 companies – Delaware Life Insurance Company (“Delaware Life”) and Gainbridge Life Insur...

Mar 9, 2026
Sponsorship
Rising soccer stars join ambassador roster alongside Billie Jean King, Caitlin Clark, Annika Sörenstam, and Briana ScurryGainbridgeSM, a simple, safe way to save, today announced nine brand ambassadors, representing each team in the Gainbridge Super League, a Division One women’s soccer league. This announcement, following International Women's Day, reflects Gainbridge's continued commitment to women's sports, with more than 40% of its sponsorship dollars supporting women's athle...

Feb 4, 2026
Corporate
In this Nasdaq LIVE interview, Colin Lake, President and CEO of Delaware Life Marketing, unveils its L.I.V.E. framework, a new way to reframe how retirees and advisors think about retirement risk through four key dimensions: Longevity, Inflation, Volatility, and Emotion.The conversation begins with Longevity risk: people are living significantly longer than their ancestors did. That’s good news – but it also means retirement can last 20, 30, or even more years, creating a very real risk of outli...

Jan 26, 2026
Corporate
Delaware Life Insurance Company reached a major milestone in its inaugural year in the pension risk transfer (PRT) business, successfully supporting plan sponsors in completing over $1 billion in transactions. This impressive achievement underscores the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and expanding its presence in the institutional market.PRT enables companies to transfer their pension obligations to a life insurance carrier, offering greater security for plan participant...

Jan 20, 2026
Corporate
Launch coincides with Bitcoin's 17th anniversary and the second anniversary of IBITZionsville, Ind. (January 20, 2026) – Delaware Life Insurance Company, a Group 1001 company, today announced the addition of the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index to its fixed index annuity (FIA) portfolio, making Delaware Life the first insurance carrier to offer an index that contains cryptocurrency. This strategic addition enables investors to diversify their portfolios and gain exposure...
Nov 14, 2025
Sponsorship
Community
During its 2025 State of Sports event, Indiana Sports Corp unveiled three annual awards that recognize organizations and individuals who elevate community impact through sports. The organization recognized Group 1001 as the Corporate Partner of the Year, highlighting Group 1001's support and hands-on partnership that expands access to sports for young Hoosiers. Group 1001's partnership with Indiana Sports Corp includes being the presenting sponsor of the organization’s Community Impact P...

Nov 12, 2025
Corporate
Group 1001 Insurance today announced it has been named the Americas regional winner for the 2025 Gartner Eye on Innovation Award for Insurance for its innovative Transfer Automation Packet solution. This recognition underscores Group 1001’s commitment to developing modern technology that drives innovation and delivers transformative solutions in the financial services industry. The Gartner Eye on Innovation Award for Insurance recognizes innovative use of digital technology-enabled capabilities,...

Nov 6, 2025
Sponsorship
Penske Entertainment Corp. and Gainbridge®, an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC (“Group 1001”) that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future, today announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement, reinforcing a longstanding relationship between the two brands. Under the agreement, Gainbridge will continue to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Indianapolis 500®, the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event. Gainbridge invests in impactful s...

Oct 30, 2025
Corporate
Delaware Life’s Colin Lake, President & CEO of Delaware Life Marketing, sits down with Gregg Greenberg to share his insights around one of the most important, yet often overlooked risks in retirement, the Sequence of Returns Risk. Colin explains how this risk can dramatically impact how long your clients’ savings last, especially if they experience market downturns early in retirement.The interview explores:What is Sequence of Returns Risk?Why Should Retirees Care?A Real-World ExampleStrateg...

Oct 24, 2025
Corporate
By Chris Kennedy, Chief Information Security Officer, Group 1001At Group 1001, cybersecurity isn’t just a requirement; it’s a strategic competency that enables our mission as a next-generation financial services company. We understand that technology alone doesn’t secure our future. It’s the people behind it: our employees, our partners, and our customers who form the most integral part of our security supply chain. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity to spark deeper conversations ab...

Oct 10, 2025
Corporate
AM Best has revised its outlook to “Positive” from “Stable” for the following subsidiaries of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC: Delaware Life Insurance Company, Clear Spring Life and Annuity Company, and Gainbridge Life Insurance Company. According to the report from AM Best, the positive outlook reflects the companies’ strong level of risk-adjusted capitalization and consistent execution of their business strategy.“This positive outlook from AM Best is a strong acknowledgement of our financia...

Sep 30, 2025
Corporate
Group 1001 Insurance, a leading financial services company, today announced the appointment of Derek Towriss as President of Gainbridge Insurance Agency, LLC. Towriss has extensive experience in financial services, process improvement, and implementing forward-thinking strategies that align with the company’s growth plans. “Derek’s proven track record of leadership and deep understanding of our annuity products and systems will guide Gainbridge to the next level of success,” said Linda Wang, pre...

Sep 17, 2025
Corporate
In a recent Asset TV Interview, Colin Lake, President and CEO of Delaware Life Marketing, shared how the company is redefining annuity strategies to better serve advisors and clients in today’s evolving market.At the heart of Delaware Life’s success are seven pillars that guide everything employees do: clear processes, transparent messaging, advisor focus, technology, integrity, training, and a winning culture. Together, they’ve driven nearly 50% compound annual growth since 2023—well above indu...