Keep the board’s nose in and fingers out
BoardSource explains how boards can stay close to mission, data, and financial oversight without taking over staff’s day-to-day work.
Read the article Source: BoardSource
Nonprofit Resource HubSchedule a ReviewSeptember 2026 nonprofit briefing
Resources that help your mission move forward.
Practical articles, upcoming education, risk-management tools, and insurance insights curated for nonprofit leaders, boards, and the people doing the work.
Worth your time
This month’s highlights
A short, balanced list from multiple nonprofit-sector publishers, selected for leaders who need practical answers without another pile of homework.
Fixing the government grants and contracts squeeze
A new sector report identifies the payment delays, administrative burdens, and weak cost recovery that make public contracts harder for nonprofits to carry.
Read the article Source: National Council of NonprofitsCreate a practical generative AI use policy
TechSoup gives small nonprofits a plain-language framework for protecting sensitive data, checking accuracy and bias, and setting clear rules for staff and volunteers.
Read the article Source: TechSoupDonor stewardship is a system, not a thank-you note
Nonprofit Quarterly challenges organizations to build belonging, participation, and honest donor relationships instead of relying on a calendar of routine touches.
Read the article Source: Nonprofit QuarterlyFree Candid resources worth knowing about
A useful roundup of no-cost training, sample proposals, research help, nonprofit profiles, transparency tools, and ways to improve funder visibility.
Read the article Source: CandidMake board service meaningful to a new generation
Blue Avocado offers practical ideas for showing younger candidates the purpose, growth, community, and real responsibility that come with board service.
Read the article Source: Blue AvocadoUpcoming live learning
Three September sessions worth putting on the calendar
Fundraising, leave management, and employment practices all have timely learning opportunities this month. Registration and eligibility rules come directly from each host.
September 9 • 2:00–3:30 p.m. ETGiving circles amid federal funding cuts
A Candid peer exchange on collective giving, donor engagement, equity, advocacy, and alternative funding.
View and registerSource: CandidSeptember 22ADA, FMLA & workers’ compensation
NIA walks through how three different employee-leave and injury systems can overlap. Available free to nonprofits insured by NIA.
View webinar detailsSource: Nonprofits Insurance AllianceSeptember 24 • 2:00 p.m. ETEmployment & personnel policies
A free Blue Avocado webinar on the policies, compliance habits, and HR practices that help reduce employment risk.
View and registerSource: Blue AvocadoKeep this page handy
Nonprofit resource library
Start with the issue in front of you. Each collection opens trusted guidance from nonprofit-focused organizations.
01Board & governanceBoard roles, assessments, recruitment, executive oversight, conflicts of interest, and purpose-driven governance.02Finance & internal controlsBudgeting, financial oversight, audits, reserves, internal controls, grants, contracts, and Form 990 readiness.03People, HR & volunteersHiring, handbooks, workplace practices, compensation, volunteer screening, supervision, and safer culture.04Fundraising & grantsFree training, sample proposals, funder research help, nonprofit profiles, donor stewardship, and transparency tools.05Technology & cybersecurityNonprofit technology planning, responsible AI, data protection, software access, and digital operations.06Policy & advocacyFederal policy updates, government contracting, nonpartisan advocacy, and resources from state nonprofit associations.07Risk & insurancePlain-language guidance on coverage, contracts, claims prevention, cyber risk, vehicles, events, and property.
Put it into practice
Nonprofit checklists
Save this page, work through each list with your leadership team, and use the linked source material when you need more detail.
Board oversight without micromanaging
Use this before board and committee meetings to keep governance focused and productive.
Reference: BoardSourceResponsible AI policy starter
Turn everyday AI use into clear, teachable rules for staff, contractors, and volunteers.
Reference: TechSoupGovernment grant & contract readiness
Use this before accepting public funding that could create a cash-flow or compliance strain.
Reference: National Council of NonprofitsThese checklists are educational starting points. Adapt them to your organization’s operations and consult qualified legal, tax, HR, or insurance professionals when appropriate.
Carrier Corner
Different missions need different insurance solutions.
Go Fund Your Life represents multiple nonprofit insurance markets. We do not force every organization into the same box. We compare eligibility, coverage, services, and cost to find a responsible fit for the actual risk.
Schedule Your Insurance ReviewNIA
Nonprofit focusedNonprofits Insurance Alliance
A mission-aligned market created for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, with commercial coverage and a deep library of risk-management support.
- Free risk-management consulting and webinars
- Board, employee, driver, and compliance resources
- Broad nonprofit appetite, subject to underwriting
USLI
Flexible specialty programsUnited States Liability Insurance
A specialty carrier with options for many nonprofit classes, including smaller organizations and risks that may need a focused package.
- Nonprofit package and management liability options
- Useful solutions for clubs, associations, and events
- Online learning and risk-management resources
LIO
Modern underwritingLIO Insurance
A technology-forward commercial market that can provide another valuable path for eligible nonprofit property and casualty risks.
- Streamlined digital underwriting
- Commercial property and liability capabilities
- Another option when each risk needs an individual fit
Carrier availability, appetite, pricing, services, and coverage vary by state and account. Policy forms, endorsements, exclusions, and underwriting determine the coverage provided.
September Carrier Corner: LIO
LIO can combine several nonprofit exposures in one specialized program.
Property and business income optionsGeneral liability up to $1M/$3MProfessional liability optionsSeparate abuse and molestation limitsCrime with social engineering sublimitHired and non-owned auto options
LIO’s published nonprofit and social-services program includes options for property, liability, professional services, client care, crime, and vehicle-related exposures. Its separate nonprofit management liability product may also address board decisions and employment claims. The available form, limits, endorsements, underwriting, and state availability determine whether it fits a specific organization.
Review LIO’s nonprofit program Source: LIO InsuranceMember-benefit spotlight
NIA-insured nonprofits can use live and on-demand risk webinars.
NIA says insured nonprofits receive free access to interactive risk-management webinars, Q&A, legal and regulatory updates, and an on-demand library. September’s live topic covers the overlap among ADA, FMLA, and workers’ compensation.
Source shelf
Where this information comes from
We prioritize original articles, government guidance, carrier materials, and nonprofit-sector organizations. Links are provided so you can review the full source for yourself.
Blue AvocadoBoard leadership, nonprofit operations, finance, HR, and webinars↗National Council of NonprofitsGovernance, employment, advocacy, compliance, and state association resources↗BoardSourceBoard governance, assessment, recruitment, executive oversight, and recommended practices↗CandidFundraising, grants, nonprofit data, transparency, and capacity-building resources↗NTENNonprofit technology strategy, digital equity, cybersecurity, data, and AI↗TechSoupTechnology education, nonprofit software access, cybersecurity, and digital operations↗Independent SectorSector research, public trust, advocacy, governance, and ethical practice↗Nonprofit QuarterlyIndependent reporting and analysis on governance, fundraising, equity, policy, and technology↗Nonprofits Insurance AllianceNonprofit insurance education, risk management, templates, and member services↗IRS Charities & NonprofitsFederal tax-exempt organization requirements, filings, and guidance↗Ohio Attorney GeneralOhio charitable registration, board governance, and nonprofit compliance↗
Last resource review: August 28, 2026. External resources can change. We verify dates and links during each monthly update.
Past Issues
Missed a month? Catch up here.
Each edition is saved before the next one is published, so useful articles, checklists, webinar links, and Carrier Corner notes stay easy to find.
August 2026Funding resilience, donor protection, DAF fundraising, employment policies, and USLI resourcesRead the August issue
Curated by a nonprofit specialist
Meet Nicole Simpson, MBA, CFEI, CAP®
Nicole is the President of Go Fund Your Life® and a Risk & Wealth Protection Advisor who helps nonprofits protect their people, property, programs, leadership, and long-term mission. Her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® designation brings together charitable planning, nonprofit strategy, and financial stewardship.
She is also the founder of Ujima Grantmakers Collective, a giving circle created to bring people together around collective giving and community impact. Nicole curates this resource center from both sides of the table: as an insurance advisor serving nonprofits and as a nonprofit leader doing the work.
Protection before the bad day comes
Your mission deserves more than a generic insurance quote.
Let’s review the people, property, programs, vehicles, events, and decisions your organization is responsible for protecting.