For members of vulnerable or disadvantaged communities, quality legal representation can often be unaffordable, inaccessible, or altogether nonexistent.
Without access to quality legal guidance, communities can find themselves at a sharp disadvantage if they ever need to navigate the legal system — leaving them vulnerable to getting treated unfairly, being taken advantage of, or worse.
To help these communities, nonprofit legal aid organizations connect individuals with the qualified, quality aid services needed to help level the legal playing field and give them a reasonable chance of success.
Like all nonprofits, legal aid nonprofits need insurance to operate safely and in compliance with the law, but because no two nonprofits have the same mission, their insurance needs often differ, as well.
So, what do legal aid nonprofits need most from their insurance? Let’s find out.
Meet some legal aid nonprofits insured by NIA.
We asked some NIA-insured legal aid nonprofits to share their missions, the insurance coverages that matter most to their organizations, and why they trust NIA to provide it.
Here’s what they had to say…
Jewish Prisoner Services International (Seattle, WA)
“JPSI was established to provide for the religious needs of Jewish inmates and their families. We provide advocacy, support, and social services to qualified individuals and families.
We work with the jail and prison staff to identify and meet the needs of inmates and their families from the time of arrest to full integration back into society.”
— Chaplain Matthew Perry, Executive Director, Jewish Prisoner Services International
East Bay Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation (Oakland, CA)
“The East Bay Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation (SSCF) has been serving the community since 1965.
Our mission is to help individuals and families improve their lives, embrace their heritage, and develop as civic leaders by promoting educational enrichment and civic engagement.
SSCF offers programs and services in three areas:
- Educational and enrichment programs for youth and adults, including adult ESL classes and after-school/in-school programs for youth
- Immigration, legal, and citizenship services, including citizenship classes
- Information and referral
Celebrating culture and community is an essential part of who we are. We embrace our heritage by hosting cultural events that community members can lead or participate in.
This includes Graduation Parties, Día de los Muertos, Posada Party, and the Aztec Run for Education.”
— Christopher N. Martinez, Executive Director, East Bay Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation
What did these legal aid nonprofits need most from their insurer?
An insurance provider who understands nonprofits.
“Jewish Prisoner Services International needed an insurance provider who knows what the issues of nonprofits are.”
— Chaplain Matthew Perry, Jewish Prisoner Services International
Comprehensive and affordable coverage.
“As with many nonprofits, our most important need when looking for insurance coverage was ensuring comprehensive protection tailored to the unique risks of our events and operations.
As an organization that hosts community events and students in a variety of educational settings, we needed liability coverage that would protect us from potential claims related to volunteers, participants, and the public.
It was also essential that the policy be cost-effective, easy to manage, and provided support in risk management to help us operate confidently and responsibly.”
— Christopher N. Martinez, East Bay Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation
How did these legal aid nonprofits hear about NIA?
A broker’s recommendation.
“NIA was recommended to the Jewish Prisoner Services International by our local broker.”
— Chaplain Matthew Perry, Jewish Prisoner Services International
An existing partnership.
“NIA was the provider in place when I became the new executive director.”
— Christopher N. Martinez, East Bay Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation
Since becoming an NIA member, how has that relationship helped these legal aid nonprofits?
Affordable coverage and informative articles.
“At the Jewish Prisoner Services International, we love the email articles and, of course, the cost of coverage.”
— Chaplain Matthew Perry, Jewish Prisoner Services International
Reliable support, tailored coverage, and peace of mind.
“NIA has been an incredible partner for us. Their deep understanding of the nonprofit sector and commitment to service make a real difference.
We appreciate their reliable support, tailored coverage, and the peace of mind they provide.
This allows us to focus more on our mission and serving the community. Thank you to NIA for their continued partnership!”
— Christopher N. Martinez, East Bay Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation
Legal aid nonprofits need an insurer that understands their mission.
Why do legal aid nonprofits count on NIA to provide their insurance coverage?
Easy: Legal aid nonprofits prefer to get their insurance from a provider that’s as committed to the nonprofit sector as they are to the communities they serve.
When NIA insures your legal aid nonprofit, 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 communities have access to quality legal aid, you want an insurance provider whose mission is making sure nonprofits have access to quality coverage.
