Nonprofit music boosters bring people and communities together to provide musicians of all ages with places to discover their talent, build their skills, connect with community, make lifelong friendships, and opportunities to perform.
To operate safely, though, these nonprofit music boosters need specialized insurance coverage, particularly when their missions include working with youth and hosting performances, fundraisers, and special events — but not every insurance provider offers the specific coverages these nonprofits need.
So, what do nonprofit music boosters need most from their insurance?
Meet some nonprofit music boosters.
We talked with several NIA-insured music booster nonprofits who shared how their missions help them figure out what they matters most to them when it comes to their insurance coverage.
In their own words…
South Bay Music Connection (Hermosa Beach, CA)
“South Bay Music Connection is dedicated to promoting and supporting young talented musicians in our community by creating and producing platforms for them to perform.
SBMC is a driving force in fostering the creative minds of teens and young adults. We believe that, by providing an inclusive environment for these musicians, we can help them grow both personally and socially, and by using their music, they can interact with the community and make meaningful connections.”
— Kimberly Koffler, CEO, South Bay Music Connection
Be Well My Friends (Wyandotte, MI)
“We raise money hosting original local music concerts that benefit charities, organizations, families, and individuals in the Downriver community.
We provide financial donations to charities and organizations that are assisting those in our community.
We also have a financial needs grant that anyone in the community who falls below the Michigan ALICE threshold can apply for. These grants go to help buy groceries, pay rent or mortgages, and have even helped to purchase transportation.”
— Michael J. Balcom, Co-Director/Treasurer, Be Well My Friends
Guitars Not Guns (Milliken, CO)
“We provide guitars and lessons to foster and at-risk children as an alternative to violence.
Qualified teachers lead an eight-week program, introducing children from ages 8 to 18 to the art of playing guitar. Not only do they master basic chords; they learn to use both sides of their brain (which helps with schoolwork); team dynamics (respect for self and others); and develop a sense of self-confidence — which they can carry in all aspects of their lives.
Importantly, they develop a coping tool when anger and disappointment emotions come to the surface.”
— Louise Nelson, Co-founder, Guitars Not Guns
What did these nonprofit music boosters need most from their insurer?
A safety net to ensure the organization’s future.
“Running this nonprofit for young musicians is a labor of love, a real investment in their futures and our community. But let’s be honest, it also comes with risks. That’s where insurance steps in, not just as a business necessity, but as a way to protect the dreams we’re nurturing.
Think about it: A single accident during a performance, a theft of our instruments, or even a lawsuit could cripple us, jeopardizing the entire program and the opportunities we provide.
Insurance acts as a safety net, allowing us to focus on what truly matters — fostering these young talents and giving them the platform they deserve, knowing that we have a financial shield in place to weather any unexpected storms. It’s about securing their future, and ours.”
— Kimberly Koffler, South Bay Music Connection
Consistent coverage for fundraisers and events.
“We host fundraising concerts once a month in a designated space, so we needed someone that would cover us as an organization, and our property, during these fundraising events.”
— Michael J. Balcom, Be Well My Friends
Affordable coverage for youth-related missions.
“Cost is important, of course, but we also needed specific coverage for our organization, which serves youngsters.”
— Louise Nelson, Guitars Not Guns
How did these music booster nonprofits hear about NIA?
A recommendation from a broker.
“We’ve never had another insurance company — we heard about NIA through our broker.”
— Kimberly Koffler, South Bay Music Connection
A connection with an insurance agent.
“We were having trouble finding a company that would insure us in our fundraising adventures — other than single-event coverages, which were beginning to get expensive.
One of our board members’ spouses was an insurance agent and knew what to search for to find what we needed. That’s how we found NIA.”
— Michael J. Balcom, Be Well My Friends
Recommendation from a volunteer.
“One of our volunteers suggested it. We developed a relationship with NIA early on, as soon as we realized our organization was about to grow.”
— Louise Nelson, Guitars Not Guns
Since becoming an NIA member, how has that relationship helped these nonprofit music boosters?
Confidence, protection, and peace of mind.
“Choosing the right insurance can feel overwhelming, but this company made it easy.
I appreciate NIA’s straightforward approach to insurance. Their team took the time to understand my needs and found a policy that fit my budget perfectly. Their policies are easy to understand, and I feel confident that I know what I’m covered for.
I feel confident knowing I’m protected, and the peace of mind is priceless — highly recommend!”
— Kimberly Koffler, South Bay Music Connection
Strong customer service and quick responses to questions.
“We just appreciate the peace of mind that we are covered. NIA’s customer service has been great as well! They are very fast to respond to emails and questions.”
— Michael J. Balcom, Be Well My Friends
Resources, webinars, and more.
“Thanks to NIA we have never had to submit a claim. I like that NIA serves the nonprofit sector. I love the webinars on topics of interest that are available — and we use the IntelliCorp background check service for all of our volunteers.”
— Louise Nelson, Guitars Not Guns
Music boosters need an insurer that boosts their mission.
Why do nonprofit music boosters get their insurance coverage from NIA?
It’s simple: NIA insurance is dependable and affordable, supported by a team of experts that can help nonprofits understand the coverages they need, and includes access to resources that can help them thrive.
After all, when you’ve got a mission to boost the music in your community — you need an insurance provider that’s not going to hit a sour note.
