Every community needs spaces where people can come together.
In towns and cities across the country, nonprofit youth centers and community centers provide children, adults, and seniors with a place for activities, connection, events, enrichment, performances, education, art, and more.
Just like the communities they serve, every nonprofit youth center and community center has a wide variety of needs specific to their missions and priorities, so when it comes to their insurance, “one-size-fits-all” coverage usually isn’t enough.
So, what do nonprofit youth centers and community centers need most from their insurance?
Meet some nonprofit youth centers and community centers.
We talked with several NIA-insured nonprofit community and youth centers about how their missions, and the needs of the people they serve, determine what they need most from their insurance coverage.
In their own words…
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery (Capitola, CA)
“The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery (MOD) is a vibrant space where guided play and hands-on learning inspire children and families.
Through interactive exhibits and critical early childhood education, MOD nurtures curiosity, creativity, and discovery while fostering a strong sense of community and connection for Santa Cruz families.
We offer interactive exhibits, guided play demos, workshops, and early childhood education programs that inspire learning through play and exploration. MOD also hosts school field trips, community events, and private parties.
To ensure accessibility, we provide discounted admission and memberships for low-income families, fostering a welcoming space for all.”
— Jamie Lafollette, Program & Outreach Manager, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center (Sebastopol, CA)
“The Sebastopol Community Cultural Center dedicates itself to fostering the culture, enrichment, and well-being of the community.
We bring passionate instructors, dedicated students, and musicians and concert goers from far and wide together. In addition, we provide spaces and places for special events and gatherings in our community.
Our programs include an afterschool teen club; fitness, dance, wellness, dog training, and music classes for various ages and experience levels; meeting and event rental space; and concerts and community events.”
— Tanya Sierra, Interim Executive Director, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
Life Builders (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)
“Life Builders empowers justice-impacted individuals and underserved communities through trauma-informed support, mentorship, and skill-building programs.
By fostering resilience, promoting mental health, and enhancing job readiness, we create pathways to healing, self-sufficiency, and community transformation, with a focus on uplifting Black and Brown communities for a brighter, equitable future.
Our key programs include mentorship, job training in trades and entrepreneurship, financial literacy, mental health support, family reconciliation, and empowerment programs for youth and adults. We also offer healing-focused initiatives through fitness, creative arts, culinary therapy, and community engagement.”
— Jason Betts, Director & Life Coach, Life Builders
What did these nonprofit youth centers need most from their insurer?
Experience insuring nonprofits
“We wanted an insurer that was affordable and had experience with nonprofits.”
— Jamie Lafollette, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
Property coverage for a busy facility
“Damage coverage is important for us, as we have many folks who come through our doors for various levels of activity.”
— Tanya Sierra, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
Specialized and affordable coverage
“We needed affordable pricing and specific coverages and limits related to our industry.”
— Jason Betts, Director & Life Coach, Life Builders
How did these youth and community centers hear about NIA?
Recommendation from national association
“NIA came highly recommended by the Association of Children’s Museums.”
— Jamie Lafollette, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
An existing relationship
“As long as I have been part of this organization, we have been covered by NIA.”
— Tanya Sierra, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
A colleagues’ recommendation
“Life Builders was referred to NIA by a colleague of ours.”
— Jason Betts, Director & Life Coach, Life Builders
Since becoming an NIA member, how has that relationship helped these youth and community centers?
Nonprofit expertise at an affordable price
“Partnering with NIA has been a game-changer for the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery.
Their comprehensive coverage and exceptional customer service give us peace of mind, allowing us to focus on providing enriching experiences for our community.
NIA truly understands the unique needs of organizations like ours, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.”
— Jamie Lafollette, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
An insurer that supports and promotes nonprofits
“I appreciate that NIA is not only about insurance coverage, but it also supports nonprofits by providing opportunities for us to promote ourselves and our services through them.”
— Tanya Sierra, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
Affordable coverage and strong customer service
“We appreciate NIA’s customer service, pricing, and the information they share every month.”
— Jason Betts, Director & Life Coach, Life Builders
Youth centers and community centers need an insurer that sees the value of their mission.
Why do nonprofit youth centers and community centers get their insurance coverage from NIA?
It’s easy: NIA provides coverage that’s dependable and affordable, includes access to a team of experts that can help them navigate the insurance world, and adaptable to meet the specialized needs of their missions.
After all, when you’ve got a mission to achieve — you need an insurance provider that’s going to help you achieve your mission, not slow it down.
