Royal Neighbors of America celebrates 130 years

The life insurer Royal Neighbors of America celebrated its 130th anniversary Sunday, May 18, with an event attended by more than 100 people to commemorate the company’s growth and commitment to community service.

At the event, Mike Thoms, former Mayor of Rock Island, issued his final City of Rock Island proclamation, praising the company for its job creation, philanthropy and volunteerism.

“Royal Neighbors’ members, employees and philanthropic programs have continuously uplifted Rock Island and beyond, aligning with the city’s mission to create a thriving and connected community,” the proclamation read.

Royal Neighbors of America is a women-led, mission-oriented life insurer based in Rock Island. In 2024, the insurer produced $44 million in “social good impact,” including grants, scholarships and service.

Nine women founded Royal Neighbors of America as a fraternal benefit society in 1895, at a time when women were often barred from taking out life insurance policies. The company found its home in Rock Island in 1908.

While most insurance companies are owned by stockholders, fraternal benefit insurers are owned by the members, or beneficiaries.

Since its founding, the company has grown to around 157 employees serving more than 300,000 members nationwide. Royal Neighbors of America is now one of the largest women-led life insurers in the United States, and the second-fastest growing fraternal benefit insurer.

In September, “Forbes” listed Royal Neighbors of America as one of the best insurance companies of 2025.

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Zarifa Reynolds, President and CEO of Royal Neighbors of America, speaks at the 130th anniversary of the company in Rock Island on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The company has been headquartered in Rock Island since 1908.

In her opening remarks, Zarifa Reynolds, CEO and President of Royal Neighbors of America, thanked attendees and said the company remains committed to serving communities regardless of its growth.

“No matter how much we evolve we remain committed to our mission and to our values,” she said

At the Sunday event, held outside the Royal Neighbors of America offices, employees, retirees, family members and board members gathered to celebrate the anniversary, including many employees who traveled from other states for the celebration.

In an interview with the Quad-City Times, Reynolds said Royal Neighbors of America employees across all levels, from members of the board of directors to interns, are committed to public service.

Around 96% of Royal Neighbors of America employees volunteered in 2024, contributing more than 195,000 volunteer hours.

The insurer administers the Nation of Neighbors grant program, a national $10,000 women’s empowerment grant that goes to women who work to support other women through a nonprofit, business or program. In 2024, Quad-Cities organizations Foster’s Voice, Narratives QC, QC Women Outdoor Club and Barker Farms each received a $10,000 Nation of Neighbors grant.

The insurer also administers a Difference Maker Fund, which funds members $200 for volunteer projects, and provides thousands in scholarships each year.

Royal Neighbors of America has more than 200 community chapters, spanning every state in the United States. Chapters focus on supporting social good, such as chapters dedicated to combating food insecurity, clothing insecurity or domestic violence, Reynolds said.

Royal Neighbors of America provides training, limited funds and other support to the chapters, Reynolds said.

“Individually we can do a lot,” Reynolds said. “But collectively we can do a lot more.”

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