There is virtually no limit to the amount of value that nonprofit thrift shops can provide to their communities.
Thrift stores can provide employment opportunities to people of all skills and abilities; they can raise funds in support of a variety of causes; they can be an affordable source of clothing, toys, and household items; and they can provide a way for people to donate unwanted or unneeded items for reuse — reducing waste and strain on the environment.
Like the treasures they contain, these nonprofit thrift shops can come in all shapes, sizes, and missions, which means each one has its own specific needs when it comes to insurance coverage.
Insurance that may work for another type of nonprofit may not work for a nonprofit thrift shop — so, what do nonprofit thrift shops need most from their insurance provider?
Meet three nonprofit thrift stores.
We talked with three NIA-insured nonprofit thrift shops, who each shared how their unique missions and day-to-day operations helped them figure out what they needed most from their insurance coverage.
In their own words…
Shelter on the Hill: A Humane Society (Frazier Park, CA)
“Shelter on the Hill is a private, nonprofit, donor-supported organization whose purpose is to operate a haven to rescue, reunite and re-home lost and abandoned companion animals.
We also operate a thrift store to furnish funding for the shelter and rehoming services for those lost and abandoned companion animals.”
— Candace Huskey, President and CEO, Shelter on the Hill
Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Monterey Peninsula District Council (Pacific Grove, CA)
“St. Vincent de Paul is a national nonprofit serving our neighbors in need. Our local organization operates two thrift stores where anyone in need can receive clothing and household items.
Sales of donations to the thrift stores help fund our food cupboard, which dispenses produce, proteins, and other groceries to our neighbors in need; a help line where callers can get rental and utility assistance and help with other emergency expenditures; and enables us to provide free clothing and household items to those in need.”
— Miranda S. Morris, President and Acting Treasurer, Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Monterey Peninsula District Council
Bargain Box Thrift Store (Ventura, CA)
“The Bargain Box Thrift Store is an upscale resale shop, staffed and managed by volunteer members, that provides ongoing income for the philanthropic programs of the Assistance League of Ventura County (ALVC).
The ALVC is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to the enrichment of the lives of children and adults in Ventura County and the betterment of their future through our philanthropic programs. The majority of funds received through donations and Bargain Box sales are returned directly to the community through our philanthropic programs.”
— Cindy Daly, Public Relations Chair, Assistance League of Ventura County
What did these nonprofit thrift stores need most from their insurer?
Coverage and transparency
“Our prior insurer announced it would no longer cover animal shelters — with no reason given and no recommendations for alternatives.”
— Candace Huskey, Shelter on the Hill
A reputation for serving nonprofits
“We haven’t had any bad experiences, luckily. But we wanted an insurer with a reputation for being able to serve nonprofits.”
— Miranda S. Morris, Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Monterey Peninsula District Council
How did these nonprofit thrift shops hear about NIA?
Online search
“We wanted an insurer that is a nonprofit and specializes in nonprofits. We found NIA by searching the internet.”
— Candace Huskey, Shelter on the Hill
Another nonprofit’s recommendation
“NIA was referred to us years ago by another nonprofit in our area.”
— Miranda S. Morris, Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Monterey Peninsula District Council
Nonprofit networking
“Our treasurer, Laurie King, knew about NIA through her longtime association with Susan Bradshaw, a former NIA executive.”
— Cindy Daly, Assistance League of Ventura County
Since becoming an NIA member, how has that relationship helped these thrift shops?
Valuable resources for managing staff
“The employee manual is an enormous benefit! As an all-volunteer organization since beginning in the 1990s, employee requirements were a foreign experience. The information from NIA on applicable federal and state laws was a godsend.”
— Candace Huskey, Shelter on the Hill
Responsive staff
“We’ve been very happy with the service. We like the responsiveness of the NIA team.”
— Miranda S. Morris, Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Monterey Peninsula District Council
“Sensitive to nonprofits’ concerns…”
“I have been aware of NIA and its fine reputation for many years through colleagues who worked for nonprofit organizations.
When I became the treasurer of the Assistance League of Ventura County in 2020, I was able to access NIA’s offerings for the first time.
We like that NIA is also a nonprofit and is sensitive to nonprofits’ concerns, and we have been very pleased with their offerings — which are specifically tailored to their nonprofit clients.”— Laurie King, Treasurer, Assistance League of Ventura County
Nonprofit thrift stores need insurance that’s designed for them.
Why do nonprofit thrift shops get their insurance coverage from NIA?
It’s easy: NIA provides affordable coverage designed for nonprofits, along with helpful (and valuable) resources, and a responsive team that’s dedicated to making life easier for the nonprofits they serve.
After all, when you run a nonprofit thrift shop, you know value when you see it — you deserve an insurer that sees the value of your nonprofit and its mission!
