Harleysville Insurance has offered an additional $100,000 to the North Penn United Way's 2011-2012 community campaign in the form of a "Step-Up Challenge Match." This special program allows current and new donors to gradually "step-up" their giving level to the local United Way. The challenge provides community leaders with the opportunity to transition to the next Leadership or Tocqueville Society level over a three-year period, and provides donors with full membership benefits beginning in the first year of participation.

"Leadership Circle and Tocqueville Society members are philanthropic leaders within our community. They are important donors, advocates and volunteers," explained Michael L. Browne, Harleysville's president and chief executive officer, who also is serving as the chairman of the North Penn United Way's 2011-2012 community campaign. "The nearly 300 Leadership Circle and Tocqueville Society members represent the largest donor group for the United Way, and serve as the foundation for the future growth and success of this important organization in the North Penn and Indian Valley areas."

"Harleysville Insurance's decision to offer this challenge grant is yet another example of the many ways the company seeks out and supports the needs of our community," noted Sarah Whetstone, executive director of the North Penn United Way. "This first-ever 'Step-Up Challenge Match' has been offered to our organization at the very time we are working to grow our revenue to support our new community impact direction. It will allow us to have more money to invest in quality programs and partnerships that will make a true difference in the North Penn and Indian Valley communities. And what's even more significant about the grant is that the $100,000 gift is in addition to the generous employee giving and company matching contribution the 'Good people to know' at Harleysville will contribute as part of their annual company campaign, which currently is the largest employee campaign within the bounds of the North Penn and Indian Valley communities."

Individuals who contribute $1,000-$9,999 to the United Way each year qualify as members of the Leadership Circle, while those who donate at least $10,000 a year qualify for the Tocqueville Society. Through this new Step-Up Challenge Grant, an individual pledges to become a member of the Leadership Circle or Tocqueville Society over a three-year period. Donors choose their increments with only two requirements: In year one, he or she agrees to contribute at least 50% of the amount necessary to meet the level of choice, while in year three, the individual agrees to contribute the entire amount necessary for membership. In years one and two, the Step-Up Challenge Grant pays the difference needed to meet the donor's level of choice. Both the Leadership Circle and Tocqueville Society have membership rewards that include opportunities to connect with other donors, receive public recognition and obtain regular updates.

Harleysville Insurance is a leading super-regional provider of insurance products and services for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as for individuals, and ranks among the top 60 U.S. property/casualty insurance groups based on net written premiums. As a Trusted Choice® company partner, Harleysville distributes its products exclusively through a network of independent agents primarily across 32 states. Harleysville is ranked in the most recent InformationWeek 500, the publication's annual listing of the most innovative information technology organizations in the U.S., and has been included on the list in each of the last six years. Harleysville Mutual Insurance Company owns approximately 54 percent of Harleysville Group Inc. (NASDAQ: HGIC), a publicly traded holding company for eight regional property/casualty insurance companies collectively rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Harleysville Group is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which is comprised of the top third of all NASDAQ member companies and has the highest initial listing standards of any exchange in the world based on financial and liquidity requirements. Further information can be found on the company's website at www.harleysvillegroup.com.

The North Penn United Way is a volunteer-driven organization that works to increase the financial resources for the community's non-profit organizations. Founded in 1960 by the business community, the North Penn United Way improves people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of donors, volunteers and communities. Through collaboration, programming and a tradition of leadership, United Way focuses on: producing results that strengthen families, and nurture children and youth; meeting basic needs/building self-sufficiency; promoting health and wellness/meeting special needs; enriching the lives of seniors; and empowering neighborhoods and communities. The North Penn United Way is one of approximately 1,400 affiliated United Ways nationwide. Each United Way is independent, separately incorporated and governed by local volunteers. The North Penn United Way can be reached at 215.855.3002, info@npuw.org or via its website (www.npuw.org).

Harleysville Insurance
Randy Buckwalter
215-256-5288 (office)
267-718-3766 (cell)
rbuckwalter@harleysvillegroup.com