California State Legislature honors Chapman with Lifetime Achievement Award
September 14, 2009

During challenging times when daily struggles seem to create a kind of myopic, self-centered drive, altruism has become a rarity.  Terry Chapman is one of those remarkable gems, making it his life’s work to “step up and step in.”  Most notably, Chapman founded Pasadena-based Chapman Insurance and Risk Management, which has been providing insurance exclusively for nonprofit groups since 1973.  His time has also been spent fundraising for the nonprofit sector through his Chapman Charitable Foundation while participating in a host of other altruistic efforts.  Fittingly, the California State Legislature has presented Chapman with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated community service, philanthropy and groundbreaking innovations for nonprofits, which have saved millions of dollars.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Chapman grew up with a strong sense of community.  Always passionate about sports, he coached younger kids when he was in high school, demonstrating an inherit generosity of spirit.  His father, an insurance broker who worked out of the family’s home, inspired Chapman to get into the business.  In 1965, he followed in his dad’s footsteps and, after working for various companies, he set out on his own.  Soon, he discovered the deep rewards of the nonprofit industry and made the leap to sell all his for-profit clients.

“I always knew I was doing the right thing,” states Chapman.  “There were some tough financial times, but I was committed to forging ahead because I clearly saw the benefits of my work.”

Although Chapman Insurance started small, the family-run company quickly moved to the forefront of its field, ultimately becoming one of the nation’s leading providers of insurance and risk management in the nonprofit and social service community.  The company’s client service and innovative policies have always served to conquer the continuous challenges facing nonprofit organizations, proving that insurance should be more than product or policy.  Today, Chapman has passed the company and its impressive philosophies on to his son, Greg, maintaining the family spirit that has long been his core value.

Chapman has built a company culture based on the concept of giving back.  As part of a socially conscious organization, his loyal staff routinely provides meals to a local homeless shelter.  In addition, employees are strongly encouraged to participate in regular volunteer work.

Chapman’s generosity clearly extends beyond his business.  In 2000, the Chapman Charitable Foundation was established as part of the company to offer grants to nonprofit and boasts over $7 million in donations to a host of California nonprofit organizations.  In addition to Chapman’s donations, the foundation raises money for its dedicated clients in order to fund various sectors of the nonprofit community.

The California State Legislature’s honor surrounds Chapman’s contributions, specifically to the state’s Community Health Centers, a consortium of social service clinics for those in need.  Chapman also helped found the Clinic Mutual Insurance Co. (CMIC), a nonprofit company owned by all the Community Health Center policyholders.  Since its inception, CMIC has saved California nonprofit clinics over $25 million dollars in premium.  This dramatic savings has allowed hundreds of thousands of uninsured or underinsured people to receive much needed healthcare.

“Terry’s original concept has translated into a vitally important and ongoing approach to delivering quality care to a population often ignored,” states Hermann Spetzler, a founder of Clinic Mutual and CEO of Open Door Clinic in Arcata, CA.

The award also cites Chapman’s involvement in other community services, such as the White House Task Force on Paratransit Services, which works with the state’s bus system to provide transportation for the disabled.  His countless involvements include the Consortium for Human Services, San Marino Schools Foundation, Boy Scouts, Little League, and Knights of Malta.  Chapman Insurance has also been given the Business Partner of the Year Award by the L.A. County Association of Community Human Services Agencies.

Charming, good-natured, and decidedly humble, Chapman is highly regarded as an industry authority.  He co-authored the book, Am I Covered For ...? A Comprehensive Guide to Insuring Your Nonprofit Organization, which is often called "The Nonprofit-Insurance Bible."  An in-demand speaker, Chapman leads insurance seminars for the United Way.  What’s more, he recently joined forces with the LAPD to develop a mentorship program for troubled youths that allows mentees to benefit from time riding horses – one of Chapman’s hobbies.

Married for 43 years, Chapman and his wife Paulette have 3 children and 5 grandchildren.  While enjoying more family time, Chapman is thrilled to watch Greg’s success with the company legacy.

“It’s exciting to know that I have helped those who are helping others,” states Chapman.  “The people who work in nonprofit are really good human beings.”

Undoubtedly, the California State Legislature would say the same thing about him.

*****

Chapman is recognized as a leading provider of insurance and risk management in the nonprofit and social service community. Representing a vast number of social service agencies throughout the Western United States, Chapman has built a reputation of unparalleled knowledge, expertise, and service.  For more information on Chapman, please visit www.chapmanins.com where you can learn more on the company history, Terry's book and the business approach.

Media Contact: Copia Creative, Inc.
Michelle Adelson / Tori Caldera Young