Protecting Your Non-Profit’s Leaders and Mission: Why Liability Insurance Matters

Your non-profit exists to serve others—but that mission can be put at risk if your organization isn’t protected from potential legal or financial threats. From volunteer injuries to data breaches or claims of mismanagement, liability insurance plays a vital role in keeping your team, your reputation, and your mission secure.

If your board members, staff, or volunteers don’t know where your coverage stands—or if your policy hasn’t been reviewed in years—this is the time to act.


Why Non-Profit Liability Insurance Is Essential

Liability insurance provides a safeguard for what your organization has worked hard to build. It’s not just about protecting property or events. It’s about covering your leadership from personal legal exposure, responding to unforeseen incidents, and showing donors and partners that your organization is responsibly managed.

Non-profits often work with limited resources, but one unexpected claim—such as a cyber breach or injury at a fundraising event—can cause financial strain that threatens your operations.


Common Risks Non-Profits Face

Non-profits face a unique set of risks, including:

  • Injuries to volunteers or event attendees
  • Allegations of financial mismanagement or board disputes
  • Cybersecurity threats and data breaches
  • Property damage or third-party liability

In its 2023 report, Verizon found that smaller organizations, including non-profits, are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber threats—often due to limited IT resources. Meanwhile, legal claims involving leadership decisions or board oversight continue to rise in the non-profit sector.

Without the right liability coverage in place, your leadership could be personally named in a lawsuit—and your mission could be sidelined in the process.


Building an Insurance Plan That Fits

Here’s how to create a protection plan that works for your organization:

  1. Assess Your Current Coverage
    If you already have insurance, review what’s included and where the gaps may be.
  2. Focus on the Risks That Apply to You
    Do you store donor data? Host large-scale public events? Serve high-risk populations? Your activities should guide your coverage.
  3. Ensure Leadership Is Covered
    Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance is essential for board protection. It helps cover legal costs and liability arising from management decisions.
  4. Talk With a Specialist
    A tailored policy is more effective and often more affordable than generic coverage. We’ll help you review and refine your plan.
  5. Schedule Regular Policy Reviews
    Your needs evolve. So should your insurance. We recommend annual reviews or anytime your organization significantly grows or changes.

Support Your Board With Confidence

A well-informed board is one of the strongest defenses against organizational risk. When your leaders understand what’s covered—and what’s not—they can make decisions with more confidence and less worry about personal liability.

D&O coverage ensures that leaders don’t have to choose between serving and self-protection. It reinforces a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability.


Ready to Take the Next Step?

We help non-profits like yours identify risks and build the right protection. If you’d like to start with a simple, no-pressure quote or talk it through with someone who understands the non-profit landscape, you’re in the right place.

You’ve worked hard to build trust and serve others. Let’s make sure your organization has the support it needs to keep doing that for years to come.


Key Takeaways

  • Non-profit liability insurance protects your team, leadership, and mission
  • D&O insurance shields board members from personal risk
  • Tailored coverage addresses your organization’s unique needs
  • Annual reviews ensure your policy evolves with your growth
  • Working with a trusted advisor simplifies the process and strengthens your safety net

FAQs: Liability Insurance for Non-Profits

1. What does non-profit liability insurance typically cover?
Legal costs related to claims of negligence, data breaches, injuries at events, and leadership decisions. It often includes General Liability, Cyber and D&O insurance.

2. How often should we update our policy?
At least annually, or after changes in programming, staffing, or size.

3. Is cyber coverage included?
It can be. Many policies now include or offer cyber liability coverage as an add-on. It’s especially important if you store donor or member data. Higher limits can always be purchased as a stand-alone policy

4. What does D&O insurance protect against?
It protects your board and executives from personal liability related to decisions made on behalf of the organization.

5. What’s the first step to getting covered?
Start with a short risk review and a quote. From there, we can tailor coverage to your needs and budget.


Let’s make sure your non-profit is protected—so you can keep doing the work that matters most. Reach out today.

Would You Like Us To Review Your Policies?

Request Your Proposal Here

Are you ready to save time, aggravation, and money? The team at Tom Hamsher Insurance Agency is here and ready to make the process as painless as possible. We look forward to meeting you!

Call Email Claims Payments