At Northwestern Mutual, we’re committed to doing what’s right for our employees, financial advisors, clients, and the communities we serve. As a mutual company with nearly 170 years of history, we take a long-term view, integrating sustainability and impact principles into every aspect of our business.
Our disciplined focus on governance and risk management through the lens of sustainability and impact protects our financial strength, creates positive economic outcomes, and ensures we remain well-positioned to serve future generations.
Strengthening Our Culture of Belonging
Our long-term success is built on a vibrant and inclusive environment where everyone can contribute, grow, and thrive. Today, we have the largest, most productive, and most diverse network work of advisors in our company’s history – reflecting the communities we serve and the marketplace we support.
And according to a recent internal survey, 83% of our advisors say their office encourages and advocates for a diversity of backgrounds, talents, and perspectives. This reinforces our belief that inclusion drives better outcomes for clients, teams, and communities.
Investing in Our Communities
We invest in transformational, sustainable community outcomes through the Northwestern Mutual Foundation and deep partnerships with nonprofits, our advisors, and employees. Since inception, our foundation has invested more than $500 million in our communities. We remain focused on education, neighborhood revitalization, and cultural vitality—especially in our hometown of Milwaukee. Through this work, we’ve supported more than 20,000 local students, and over 5,700 students have been mentored by 485 employees.
We’re also committed to accelerating the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer while supporting families during treatment and survivors living with long-term effects. In partnership with organizations like Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation—an innovative leader in advancing underfunded childhood cancer research—we help drive meaningful progress fueled by the dedication of our people nationwide. Since 2012, we’ve donated more than $50 million to fund over 810,000 hours of research and awarded $2.6 million in scholarships to more than 300 childhood cancer survivors and their siblings.
Delivering Financial Security and Expanding Financial Access
Helping people achieve financial security is our mission—and it's one we bring to life by reducing financial vulnerability and empowering clients to build and grow wealth.
Our $175 million Impact Investment Fund invests in businesses that support and improve underserved communities. As of 2024, the Fund has supported a total of 97 businesses in underserved communities that created over 1,100 jobs.
Reducing Our Environmental Impact
We’re committed to operating responsibly—and that includes being good stewards of the environment. Across our campuses, we’ve prioritized energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable design. Today, more than 50% of our waste is diverted from landfills, and over 40% of our office space is LEED Gold Certified—reflecting our commitment to long-term impact for people and the planet.
Earning Trust Through Corporate Governance and Accountability
Trust is at the core of our business. For nearly 170 years, we’ve earned that trust through strong governance, transparency, and a commitment to doing the right thing. We’ve earned the highest available financial strength ratings for a U.S. life insurer from all four major credit agencies for 34 consecutive years1 and maintain one of the highest policyowner persistency rates in our industry (97%)2 –a testament to the trust we work hard to earn and keep.
At Northwestern Mutual, our sustainability and impact strategy reflects who we are: a company focused on people, purpose, and long-term value. As a financial advisor, you’ll be part of a business that’s shaping a better future—one client, one community at a time.
Learn more about the impact we’re dedicated to in our full Sustainability & Impact Report.
