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Insurance for Nonprofits
Directors and Officers insurance covers your nonprofit organization’s board, who may be personally liable for financial losses, employee discrimination, wrongful dismissal, and more. Get a quote and buy Nonprofit Directors and Officers Liability insurance online in less than five minutes.
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There are three kinds of insurance a nonprofit needs
Directors & Officers Liability Insurance
Directors and Officers insurance protects against losses caused by negligence or honest mistakes made by your organization’s directors and officers. Not only will it cover any amounts you’re required to pay should you lose a lawsuit, the insurance company will even pay for your legal fees and court costs.
General Liability Insurance
Commercial General Liability insurance — also known as CGL — is the cornerstone of any nonprofit’s business’ risk management strategy. It protects an organization against liability claims that may arise from injuries or damage that could occur at the business itself, or caused by employees in the course of doing their job.
Contents Insurance
Every business owns property, and that includes nonprofits. Nonprofits spend a lot of money on tangible assets like equipment and inventory. Without contents insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace any damaged equipment. This could negatively impact your finances and any delays can be disruptive to your organization’s operations.
Nonprofits Deliver Essential Services to Their Communities
As a nonprofit leader or volunteer, you play a vital role in your community.
You run programs, raise funds and help those in need. People trust you to make a difference.
Protect that trust and your organization’s future with the right insurance.
You’re not just a good cause. You’re running an organization.
Insurance is essential to operating a nonprofit. Donors trust you with their money and volunteers trust you with their time, and that comes with legal responsibilities.
Directors & Officers, general liability and contents coverage help you meet those obligations and safeguard everything you’re building.
FAQs About Nonprofit Insurance
What is nonprofit insurance?
Nonprofit insurance is a bundle of coverages designed to protect charitable and community organizations from the risks they face, like lawsuits, property damage, or cyber threats. It includes general liability, Directors & Officers (D&O) liability, and contents coverage.
Do nonprofits really need insurance?
Yes. Even if your team is made up of volunteers, your organization can still be held legally and financially responsible for accidents, disputes, or mismanagement. Insurance protects your board, your staff, and the mission you’re working hard to fulfill.
What does Directors & Officers insurance cover?
D&O insurance protects board members and executives from personal liability if they’re accused of things like mismanagement, discrimination, or breach of duty. Without it, their personal assets could be at risk.
What happens if someone gets injured at our event?
If a guest, volunteer, or staff member gets hurt on-site, general liability insurance helps cover the cost of medical bills or legal action. It’s essential if you host events, run programs, or welcome the public into your space.
Does my nonprofit need contents coverage?
If you own equipment, furniture, or technology, contents insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacements due to fire, theft, or water damage. It protects the tools you rely on every day.
How much does nonprofit insurance cost?
Premiums vary based on your size, operations, and coverage needs. Some small nonprofits pay under $500 per year, while larger organizations with more exposure may pay more. Get your personalized quote within minutes on our online platform.
Can I get coverage online?
Yes! With APOLLO, you can get a quote, customize your coverage, and buy your policy entirely online. Coverage starts as soon as you need it, and your documents are delivered instantly, right to your inbox.
How Much Does Nonprofit Insurance Cost in Canada?
In short: less than the cost of one legal dispute, and far less than losing your board’s trust.
Most nonprofits can expect to pay between $40 to $125 per month, depending on your organization’s size, scope, and coverage needs. Whether you run a grassroots community group or a growing registered charity, your rate is based on your unique risk profile.
Just like your programs are tailored to your mission, your insurance policy should be tailored to your operations.
Here’s what impacts the cost of your policy:
What Your Organization Does
Run public events? Offer counselling services? Operate facilities?
The type of work you do affects your risk, and your premium.
Size of Your Board or Staff
All-volunteer team or a full-time staff and executive board?
The more people involved, the more protection you may need.
Annual Revenue or Funding Volume
Operate on a few thousand dollars or manage major grants?
Higher revenue can mean higher exposure, which may affect your rate.
Where You Operate
Community centre? Leased office space? Mobile services across regions?
Your location, along with whether you own, rent, or travel, can influence pricing.
Coverage Limits
Many funders or landlords require $2M in liability coverage.
You can choose higher limits depending on your needs and partnerships.
Where Nonprofits Operate Matters
From community centres to public parks, nonprofit organizations work wherever they’re needed. But these diverse environments come with real risks. Whether you're hosting events, operating programs, or managing shared spaces, location-based hazards can lead to costly claims, especially for mission-driven organizations with tight budgets.
Examples of weather-related incidents and how insurance can protect you:
Icy Walkways at a Community Food Bank in Edmonton
Cold snaps and freeze-thaw cycles can leave entrances and sidewalks dangerously slick.
Example: A donor slips while delivering supplies to your Edmonton food bank, fracturing their wrist. They sue your organization, claiming unsafe conditions.
Insurance Solution: General liability insurance helps cover legal and medical expenses from accidents on your property, protecting your mission as well as your bottom line.
Water Damage at a Coastal Arts Nonprofit in Vancouver
Heavy rain can take a toll on leased spaces and stored equipment.
Example: After a weekend storm, water leaks into your nonprofit’s office, ruining digital cameras, stage props, and laptops.
Insurance Solution: Contents insurance reimburses you for damage to essential tools and equipment, so programming doesn’t have to pause.
Heat Exhaustion at a Summer Youth Program in Toronto
Outdoor events come with heat-related risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children or seniors.
Example: A teen faints during a heatwave at your nonprofit’s day camp. Their family files a complaint, claiming staff didn’t provide proper hydration or supervision.
Insurance Solution: Directors & Officers liability insurance protects board members and staff from legal claims tied to program oversight and policy decisions.
Slippery Trails at a Nature Fundraiser in Halifax
Wet leaves and foggy conditions can turn beautiful trails into safety hazards.
Example: During a fall fundraising hike, a participant slips on a muddy path and sprains their ankle. They hold your organization liable for poor site planning.
Insurance Solution: General liability insurance helps cover injury-related costs from public events, so a single accident doesn’t threaten your work.
What Funders, Landlords & Partners May Require from Nonprofits
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Certificate of Insurance (COI)
This document proves your organization has active coverage. Many landlords, grant providers, and event venues won’t sign agreements without it. With APOLLO, you’ll receive your COI instantly after purchasing your policy online.
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Additional Insured
Funders, municipalities, or venue owners may ask to be added to your policy as an “additional insured.” This extends liability protection to them in case a claim is filed during your programs or events.
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Minimum Liability Requirements
Most landlords and funders require at least $2 million in general liability coverage, though some may request more. APOLLO’s nonprofit policies can scale to meet the exact requirements of your lease, partnership, or funding agreement.
Real Claim Stories We've Helped With
Costly Coffee Spill at a Fundraiser
During a fundraising event, a volunteer accidentally spilled hot coffee on a guest. The guest suffered second-degree burns and required medical treatment. They filed a personal injury claim, alleging negligence in event setup and volunteer training.
General Liability Insurance covered $18,000 in lost wages, rehabilitation, and legal representation.
It also covered $7,000 in settlement for pain and suffering.
Total insured loss: $25,000.
Faulty Tax Return
An accountant filed a corporate tax return that inadvertently omitted a crucial deduction, resulting in a significantly higher tax bill for her client. The client was audited and penalized, and held the accountant responsible for the additional tax burden and fines.
E&O insurance covered $22,000 in legal defense costs.
It also paid out an additional $38,000 in settlement and penalties.
Total insured loss: $60,000.
Liability Quiz for Nonprofits
Am I liable if a donor slips on the steps before our fundraiser?
Yes. Even if the venue is rented, your organization could be held responsible for unsafe conditions.
Am I covered if a volunteer damages a borrowed venue?
Not automatically. Without general liability coverage, you may have to pay for repairs or replacement out of pocket.
What if someone claims our board made a bad financial decision?
Directors & Officers insurance protects board members from personal liability if they’re named in a claim related to decisions or governance.
Are we covered if a participant gets injured during an outdoor event?
Yes, with the right coverage. General liability helps cover medical costs and legal claims tied to public programming.
The Cost of Not Having Nonprofit Insurance
Scenario | Out-of-Pocket Cost (Without Insurance) | Covered By Insurance? |
A volunteer is injured during an event setup and sues for lost wages | $5,000–$25,000+ (depending on legal outcome) | ✔ General Liability |
A laptop with donor records is stolen from your office | $2,000+ | ✔ Contents / Cyber Coverage |
A participant sues after being hurt during a community program | $10,000–$50,000+ (legal + settlement) | ✔ General Liability |
A board member is named in a lawsuit over program funding decisions | $20,000–$100,000+ | ✔ Directors & Officers (D&O) |
Your leased office floods and damages key equipment | $1,500–$10,000 | ✔ Contents Coverage |
Insurance Is an Essential, Not Just a Backup Plan
Nonprofit Insurance is more than a checkbox, it’s a tool that builds trust, strengthens operations, and helps you grow. Here’s how:
Qualify for more funding and partnerships – Many grants and rental contracts require proof of liability coverage and a Certificate of Insurance.
Protect your board – D&O insurance gives board members peace of mind, making it easier to recruit experienced, qualified leaders.
Secure your space – Whether you lease an office, book event venues, or use shared community space, most landlords and municipalities require $2M+ in liability coverage.
Support future growth – Want to expand programming or apply for government funding? Insurance is often a prerequisite to scale confidently.
Prepare for the unexpected – From accidents to legal claims, insurance gives you the protection you need to stay focused on your mission—even when things don’t go as planned.
PRO TIP: Keep your Certificate of Insurance (COI) saved and accessible.
You may need it for funding applications, lease agreements, or venue bookings. Save it to your cloud storage or member portal for easy access.
Top 5 Mistakes Nonprofits Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Assuming your venue’s insurance covers you
If you’re renting space, you still need your own liability policy.
2. Waiting until after an incident to get coverage
Insurance only protects you from future claims, not past ones.
3. Skipping coverage for contents and equipment
Laptops, gear, and supplies add up fast, but contents insurance protects your tools.
4. Not adding funders or partners as Additional Insured
Many partners require this status in case they’re named in a claim tied to your activities.
5. Thinking small nonprofits don’t need insurance
Even volunteer-run organizations can face lawsuits or property damage. Protection matters at every size.