LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — December 9, 2025 — Thanks in part to a generous donation match challenge issued by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL), the Selected Educational Trust raised more than $40,000 in donations from Selected member firms, individuals, and supporting organizations between September 15 and October 31. With NGL’s commitment to match donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000, total contributions surpassed $50,000.
“The future of funeral service depends on engaged funeral home owners and staff, supportive vendors and organizations that offer robust resources for education and growth,” said Leigh Klemencic, Assistant Vice President – Marketing Communications. “The Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust is one such organization, and NGL is delighted to participate in this gift match. As a member of the Board of Trustees, I’ve had the honor of seeing firsthand the incredible work this organization does and know these funds will go to very good use.”
“We are sincerely grateful to NGL for championing this effort and to every donor who answered the call,” said Stefanie Favia, Executive Director of the Selected Educational Trust. “This match challenge inspired remarkable generosity across our community and directly strengthens the resources we can offer to independent funeral service professionals. By working together, we are advancing education, supporting career development, and investing in the future of our profession.”
With these funds, the Selected Educational Trust will continue its important work of empowering funeral service professionals to thrive in their careers and better serve their communities. This includes connecting independent funeral homes with the next generation of the profession and providing scholarships and progressive skill-building opportunities for funeral service professionals at all stages of their careers.
For more information about the Selected Educational Trust, visit www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org.
About the Selected Educational Trust
The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science students and funeral service professionals, online education through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral Service powered by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers.
About NGL
Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.
National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.
