Do volunteers count as employees for insurance purposes?

Volunteers aren't employees, so they aren't covered by workers' comp, but they can be injured or can injure others — which general liability addresses. Some nonprofits also add volunteer accident coverage to help with volunteer medical costs.

Why would a small nonprofit need D&O insurance?

Directors & officers (D&O) coverage defends your board and staff against claims tied to how the organization is run — employment decisions, mismanagement allegations, or disputes with donors. Even unfounded claims carry defense costs a small nonprofit can't easily absorb.

We run youth programs — what extra coverage should we consider?

Organizations working with children or vulnerable adults should look at abuse and molestation coverage, which responds to misconduct allegations that general liability often excludes. Funders and facilities frequently require it for such programs.

Our grant requires us to carry insurance — what does that usually mean?

Grants and government contracts commonly require general liability at set limits and proof via a certificate of insurance, sometimes naming the funder as additional insured. Read the agreement's insurance section closely, since it may also require D&O or workers' comp.

Industry Expertise

Nonprofits & Social Services

Nonprofits are expected to carry general liability and directors & officers coverage before most foundations, government contracts, or facility landlords will fund or host them, and California requires workers' comp once staff are hired. Because volunteers, clients, and donated funds are all in play, a single injury, employment claim, or governance dispute can threaten a mission that runs on tight margins.

Coverage to Consider Schedule Consultation

Who this coverage is for

This fits charities, foundations, faith-based organizations, and social-service agencies serving vulnerable populations. It also suits community groups, youth programs, and volunteer-driven organizations of all sizes.

What it can help protect

Nonprofit coverage protects the people served, the board, and the organization's funds:

General liability — covers a client, volunteer, or visitor injured at an event or program, or third-party property damage.
Directors & officers (D&O) — defends board members against claims that their governance decisions caused harm.
Abuse and molestation — responds to allegations of misconduct in programs serving children or vulnerable adults.
Employment practices — defends against staff and volunteer claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment.
Injured employees — workers' comp for medical bills and lost wages, required by California law once you hire.

Key industry risk considerations

A licensed review will usually focus on programs, volunteers, events, and populations served, board governance and funds handling, and transportation, field work, and client records.