Whether through foundations, corporate giving programs, employee contribution matches or other methods, many insurance industry companies are significant participants in the world of philanthropy and support a range of charitable endeavors. Here's a look at some industry firms' philanthropic undertakings and some of the activities they support. Source: The Foundation Center

Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America Corporate Giving Program

Sponsoring company: Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America; Minneapolis

Company Web site: www.allianzlife.com

Purpose and activities: Allianz makes charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations involved in education, animals, health and human services, and religion.

Fields of interest: Education, general charitable giving, health care, human services, religion, youth development.

Limitations: No support for political organizations.

Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Foundation Inc.

Sponsoring company: WellPoint Inc.; Indianapolis

Company Web site: www.anthem.com

Purpose and activities: Priority given to health care, education and/or human services initiatives.

Fields of interest: Education, federated giving programs, health care, human services.

Limitations: Giving on a national basis.

FM Global Foundation

Sponsoring company: Factory Mutual Insurance Co.; Johnston, R.I.

Company Web site: www.fmglobal.com

Purpose and activities:

The foundation supports health associations and organizations involved in arts and culture, education, wildlife and human services.

Fields of interest: Animals/wildlife, arts, Canada, education, federated giving programs, health care, health organizations, secondary and higher education, human services.

Limitations: Applications not accepted, giving on a national basis, no grants to individuals.

Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. Corporate Giving Program

Sponsoring company: Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc.; New York

Company Web site: www.mmc.com

Purpose and activities: Marsh & McLennan makes charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations on a case-by-case basis. Support is given on a national basis.

Fields of interest: General charitable giving.

Limitations: Giving on a national basis, with emphasis on New York. No support for organizations that are political, religious, fraternal tax-supported or supported by the United Way. No grants to individuals.

MetLife Foundation

Sponsoring company: Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.; New York

Company Web site: www.metlife.com

Purpose and activities: The foundation primarily supports organizations involved with education, health, human services, and arts and culture including public broadcasting.

Fields of interest: Civic affairs, culture, education, employee matching gifts, employee-related scholarships, health, medical research awards, public broadcasting.

Limitations: Among the limitations, the foundation does not support private foundations; religious, fraternal, athletic, political, social or veterans' organizations; or make grants to individuals except medical research awards.

The Zurich U.S. Foundation

Sponsoring company: Zurich American Insurance Co./Zurich Financial Services; Schaumburg, Ill.

Company Web site: www.zurichna.com

Purpose and activities: The foundation supports organizations involved with education, health, children and youth services, and human services.

Fields of interest: Children and youth services, education, federated giving programs, health care, human services.

Limitations: Given primarily in areas of company operations. No support of arts, political or strictly sectarian organizations. No grants for benefit events or advertising.