Press Releases

Royal Neighbors of America Celebrates 130 Years

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (May 27, 2025) — Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation’s fastest growing fraternal life insurance organizations is celebrating its 130^th anniversary. Founded in 1895 by nine visionary women at a time when life insurance was largely inaccessible to women and children, Royal Neighbors has grown to serve nearly 300,000 members nationwide. The organization is now the second-fastest growing fraternal life insurance organization in the United States.¹

On May 18^th, more than 200 attendees—including employees, retirees, board members, community leaders, and industry supporters—gathered outside Royal Neighbors’ Rock Island headquarters to honor its legacy and celebrate its continued growth and impact. The event featured remarks from CEO and President Zarifa Reynolds and American Fraternal Alliance CEO Allison Koppel who both emphasized the organization’s mission-driven approach and dedication to community support.

“For 130 years, we’ve shown what’s possible when compassion, community, and business intersect,” said CEO Reynolds.

Former Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms issued his final official proclamation at the event. “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.

In a letter of congratulations, Illinois Congressman Eric Sorenson stated, “Earning a spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Insurance Companies for 2025 shines a light on what so many already know: Royal Neighbors leads with both heart and excellence. You serve as a catalyst for positive change, advancing opportunity and equity for women and families nationwide.”

With more than 200 member-led chapters across the U.S., Royal Neighbors continues to invest in programs that support women and serve communities through volunteer and philanthropy programs. In 2024 alone, Royal Neighbors delivered more than $43 million in social good impact, including grants, scholarships, and community service programs. “That’s the power of service, of giving back, and of what it means to be Insurance with a Difference℠, said CEO Reynolds.

In 2025, Royal Neighbors has been named a Forbes America’s Best Insurance Company and rated “A Excellent” by the AM Best Company.

More About Royal Neighbors of America

In 1895, nine founding women created a membership community. They were one of the first to make life insurance accessible to women. Now, 130 years later, Royal Neighbors remains committed to its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The organization’s 280,000+ members, chapters, employees, and appointed agents across the country drive the mission through localized volunteerism and philanthropy programs making social impact the cornerstone of their work.

Royal Neighbors members experience Insurance with a Difference℠ through their tailored life insurance and annuity products, opportunities to make an impact in their communities, savings on prescriptions, health screenings, grief support, and more.

In 2020, Royal Neighbors was upgraded to “A Excellent” (3rd highest out of 13) by the AM Best Company for overall financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to certificate holders. The rating was affirmed in December 2024. In 2024, Royal Neighbors delivered $43.85 million in Social Good impact and record revenue. In 2024, Royal Neighbors received its eighth Great Place to Work® certification and was rated as a 2025 Best Insurance Company by Forbes.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org.

To read inspiring member stories, visit our member magazine theroyalneighbor.org.