Sometimes the best use for a piece of land is to simply leave it alone.
For nonprofit land trusts and conservancies, protecting nature is at the center of their missions.
In practice, these missions can include habitat preservation for native plants and animals, watershed protection for vital waterways, space for trails and parks, and a myriad of other community uses.
Like all nonprofits, land trusts and conservancies need insurance to operate in compliance with the law, but because their missions are different than other types of organizations, their insurance needs are often different, too.
So, what do nonprofit land trusts and conservancies need most from their insurance? Let’s find out.
Meet some nonprofit land trusts and conservancies insured by NIA.
We asked some NIA-insured land trusts and conservancies to share their missions, what matters most to them when it comes to their insurance, and why they count on NIA to provide it.
Here’s what they had to say…
San Benito Agricultural Land Trust (San Juan Bautista, CA)
“We permanently conserve regionally significant lands that sustain productive agriculture, preserve open space, and maintain the rural character of the county.
We mitigate agricultural lands or endangered species habitat when land conversion requires it, and we host Ranch Days, a monthly activity on our preserve.”
— Lynn Overtree, Executive Director, San Benito Agricultural Land Trust
Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy (Grosse Ile, MI)
“Our Vision: The natural water and land areas of Grosse Ile will be preserved in perpetuity.
Our Mission: To promote for public benefit the preservation, stewardship and understanding of the natural resources in the Township of Grosse Ile and the surrounding area.
Beginning with acquiring land and conservation easements and continuing with sound stewardship practices, Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy is committed to protecting the wildlife habitat, wetlands and scenic views entrusted to our care for enjoyment by future generations.
We develop and conduct environmental education describing the natural world in the lower Detroit River region.
Our science-based programs include basic wildlife and ecology studies, best practices for homeowners, and conservation and recycling.”
— Dr. Paul Gloor, President, Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy
What did these nonprofit land trusts and conservancies need most from their insurer?
Liability insurance for land trust properties.
“The San Benito Agricultural Land Trust needed liability insurance for our properties.”
— Lynn Overtree, San Benito Agricultural Land Trust
Liability protection for board members.
“The main concern was covering our board members with liability insurance since there was not a lot of physical property.”
— Dr. Paul Gloor, Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy
How did these nonprofit land trusts and conservancies hear about NIA?
An advisor’s recommendation.
“NIA was recommended to the San Benito Agricultural Land Trust by one of our advisors who owns a local insurance business.”
— Lynn Overtree, San Benito Agricultural Land Trust
A search for insurers that worked with nonprofits.
“The insurance we had previously was based in Boston, and when we tried to renew, the Michigan agent went missing, so we searched for a company that represented nonprofits.”
— Dr. Paul Gloor, Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy
Since becoming an NIA member, how has that relationship helped these nonprofit land trusts and conservancies?
Support resources and training webinars.
“At the San Benito Agricultural Land Trust, we like the support resources and training webinars that NIA offers our board and staff.”
— Lynn Overtree, San Benito Agricultural Land Trust
Coverage that allows nonprofits to focus on their missions.
“NIA was reasonably priced compared to the past policies we had. We enjoy the resources and webinars that NIA offers, and while we have not used any of their risk management services, we are looking to do that as we move forward with the policy changes we are entertaining.”
— Dr. Paul Gloor, Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy
Nonprofit land trusts and conservancies need an insurer that understands their mission.
Why do nonprofit land trusts and conservancies trust NIA to provide their insurance coverage?
It’s simple: You work hard to protect and preserve the sensitive habitats and open spaces of your community; you want an insurance provider that protects you and preserves your mission.
With NIA insuring your land trust or conservancy, you get quality coverage that’s designed to fit your mission, tools to help your mission run smoother, at fair and equitable prices — all supported by a team that considers your success to be a success for everyone.
After all, when your mission is making sure that open spaces will be protected for future generations, you need an insurance provider that’s in it for the long haul.
