Non-Profit Entities
Non-profit organizations provide essential social services that benefit communities and their members. These organizations often rely on a volunteer board of directors to elect officers, adopt policies, and make major financial decisions. Despite their voluntary nature, board members face significant risks, including personal liability that may affect their financial status due to their management decisions.
It is crucial for your organization and board of directors to understand the risks associated with their responsibilities and the ways to protect themselves from personal liability.
Get Started today!
"*" indicates required fields
Risks and Responsibilities To mitigate the risks involved, non-profit organizations should:
Develop a Volunteer Risk Management Committee
Identify all risks and propose solutions to minimize potential harm.
Educate Board Members
Ensure they understand their legal, fiduciary, and decision-making responsibilities.
Ensure Compliance
Verify that the organization operates within its stated mission, funds are spent accordingly, and no donations with conditions are accepted.
Avoid Conflicts of Interest
Ensure board members do not advance personal agendas counter to the organization’s mission.
Board Members' Legal Duties:
Duty of Care
Act as a reasonable person would in a similar position and circumstances, always in good faith.
Duty of Obedience
Support the non-profit’s mission by upholding board decisions and policies.
Duty of Loyalty
Prioritize the organization’s financial interests, avoid personal gain from the position, and disclose any conflicts of interest.
Failure to fulfill these duties can result in liability for board members.
Protections
To protect against personal liability, non-profit organizations can implement several measures:
- Indemnification Provisions: These bylaws provisions ensure the organization will cover or reimburse legal expenses for board members in the event of a lawsuit. However, indemnification is contingent on the organization’s financial capability to fulfill it.
- Incorporation: Incorporated organizations are legally required to indemnify their directors for losses, unlike unincorporated groups. However, many unincorporated groups still offer indemnities as a good practice.
- Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance: Essential for covering board members in situations beyond indemnification provisions or when the organization cannot afford extensive legal expenses. D&O liability insurance is crucial as most individuals are unlikely to volunteer on a board if their personal assets are at risk in litigation.
KRGinsure: Your Coverage Expert
Proper insurance coverage and other risk management strategies can help ensure your organization and its board of directors are protected against liability. For more information about appropriate insurance coverage, contact KRGinsure today.