Not For Profit Insurance Solutions

Expert advice for Australian charities, community organisations and social enterprises

Insurance Advice Tailored to Your Mission

Not-for-profit organisations operate in a genuinely complex risk environment. You may have paid staff and volunteers working side by side, deliver services to vulnerable people, manage donor and client data, hold community assets, and carry governance responsibilities across a board of directors who are often volunteering their time. Each of these creates insurance obligations that a standard small business policy was not built to address.

Clear Insurance works with not-for-profit organisations across Australia – from small community associations to large NDIS service providers – and we understand the pressures your sector faces. Funding constraints, regulatory change, workforce complexity, and growing digital risk all affect how you should structure your insurance program. Our role is to make sure your cover reflects your actual operations, and to free up your leadership team to focus on mission delivery.

We also understand that every dollar matters in the not-for-profit sector. We do not recommend more insurance than you need, and we work within your budget to find appropriate solutions – not the most comprehensive available, but the most appropriate for your organisation.

Understanding the Risks Your Organisation Faces

The risks facing not-for-profit organisations are often underestimated, partly because NFPs do not think of themselves as businesses, and partly because many exposures only become visible when something goes wrong. The six categories below are the ones our clients most frequently need help navigating – and where gaps in cover tend to emerge.

Volunteer Management & Liability

With volunteers forming the backbone of many NFPs, ensuring appropriate cover for volunteer-related incidents is essential for protecting both individuals and your organisation. Volunteers are essential to most not-for-profit operations, but they create specific insurance challenges. They are not covered by workers compensation in most Australian states, which means a separate voluntary workers personal accident policy is needed to protect them if they are injured during your activities. Beyond injury, volunteers can create public liability exposure through their actions on behalf of your organisation. Understanding how your public liability policy responds to volunteer-related incidents is essential – not all policies treat volunteer activities the same way.

Fundraising Events & Public Activities

From community fairs to gala dinners, public-facing events create exposure that requires thoughtful risk management and insurance planning. Public events bring people onto premises or into situations that fall outside your normal operations. A community fair, gala dinner, or fun run involves temporary venues, external contractors, public crowds, and activity-based risks that may not be covered under your standard public liability policy without specific notification to your insurer. Some policies impose conditions on events above certain attendance thresholds. We review these conditions as part of every program assessment and advise on whether event-specific cover is needed.

Property & Asset Protection

Protecting the physical assets that enable your service delivery—from community centres to specialised equipment—ensures continuity of your important work. Not-for-profit organisations often rely on assets that are difficult to replace and carry community value beyond their market price. Community centres, specialised equipment, archives, and donated assets may require specialist valuation or agreed value arrangements rather than standard market value cover. Underinsurance is a significant risk for NFPs – particularly organisations that have accumulated assets over many years without reviewing their insurance values.

Professional Services Delivery

If your organisation provides advice, counselling, training, or other professional services, understanding your professional liability exposure is crucial. Organisations that provide advice, counselling, training, disability support, health services, or any form of professional assistance have a professional indemnity exposure. If a person claims they suffered harm as a result of advice or services your organisation provided, a standard public liability policy will not respond – that is the territory of professional indemnity insurance. For NDIS providers, professional indemnity is a requirement under the NDIS Practice Standards. For others, it is often overlooked until a claim arises.

Governance & Management Responsibilities

Board members and executives carry significant responsibilities. Appropriate management liability protection helps safeguard those who guide your organisation. Board members and executives of not-for-profit organisations can face personal liability for decisions made in their governance roles. Employment disputes, financial mismanagement allegations, breach of statutory duty, WHS compliance failures, and ACNC regulatory matters can all give rise to claims against individuals. Many board members assume their volunteer status provides protection. In practice, management liability insurance is the specific cover designed for this exposure, and its absence leaves individuals personally at risk.

Cyber Security & Data Protection

As NFPs increasingly store sensitive donor and client information digitally, cyber risks have become a growing concern across the sector. Not-for-profit organisations handle sensitive personal information – donor details, client records, health data for disability and community health providers, financial information for members and supporters. The Privacy Act obligations apply to many NFPs, particularly larger organisations and NDIS providers. A data breach or cyber attack can result in regulatory investigation, notification obligations, and reputational damage. For organisations with limited IT resources, the risk is heightened because security infrastructure is often under-resourced relative to commercial businesses.

Sectors We Serve

Not every not-for-profit has the same risk profile. The insurance needs of a large NDIS service provider are fundamentally different to those of a small environmental conservation group or a regional arts organisation. Our advice is grounded in understanding your specific sector – the regulatory requirements you operate under, the types of clients and beneficiaries you serve, and the activities that create your particular exposure.

Disability Service Providers

Supporting organisations delivering NDIS and community disability services. NDIS service delivery introduces specific insurance obligations under the NDIS Practice Standards, including minimum public liability limits and professional indemnity requirements. The nature of the work – supporting people with disability in their homes, community settings, and facilities – creates complex liability exposures. We regularly advise NDIS providers on appropriate program structure.

Community Health Services

Advising providers of home care, respite, and health support services. Home care and respite service providers work with vulnerable clients in private settings, away from a controlled workplace. Liability exposures include client injury, medication management incidents, and professional negligence claims. For registered providers under the Aged Care Quality Standards, insurance requirements are tied to your registration obligations.

Educational & Training Organisations

Assisting registered training organisations (RTOs), tutoring services, and educational charities. Registered training organisations (RTOs) have professional indemnity exposure through their training delivery and assessment functions. A student who alleges they were issued an incorrect qualification or received inadequate training has grounds for a professional indemnity claim. RTOs also often have significant property holdings and IT infrastructure requiring appropriate cover.

Environmental & Conservation Groups

Supporting land care, wildlife protection, and sustainability organisations.

Arts, Culture and Sporting Organisations

Helping cultural institutions, sports clubs, and creative enterprise.

Religious and Faith-Based Organisations

Guiding churches, temples, mosques, and faith communities.

Social & Welfare Services

Advising family support, counselling, and crisis services. Family support, counselling, and crisis services work with people at their most vulnerable. The potential for professional negligence claims is elevated, and the sensitivity of client information means data protection obligations are significant. For organisations that provide emergency accommodation or crisis response, the 24-hour nature of operations also creates around-the-clock liability exposure.

Housing & Homelessness Services

Supporting accommodation and transitional housing providers.

If your sector is not listed here, that does not mean we cannot help. The not-for-profit sector is broad, and we regularly advise organisations whose activities span multiple categories or do not fit neatly into standard classifications. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Common Insurance Considerations for Not-for-Profits

Insurance for not-for-profit organisations is not simply a scaled-down version of commercial insurance. The combination of employees, volunteers, vulnerable clients, community assets, governance obligations, and professional service delivery creates a program that needs more careful construction than most organisations recognise. The insurance types below are the ones most frequently relevant. However, the right combination for your organisation depends on your specific activities and structure.

Public Liability Insurance

Coverage for claims arising from injury to third parties or damage to their property during your activities. For not-for-profit organisations, public liability is often the starting point, but it is rarely sufficient on its own. The policy needs to respond to incidents involving volunteers acting on your behalf, events held in third-party venues, and activities with vulnerable clients. Some public liability policies restrict cover for organisations working with children or people with disability unless specifically noted. We review these conditions carefully for every NFP client and ensure the policy reflects your full range of activities.

Management Liability Insurance

This is the cover that protects the people who run your organisation. Board members, committee members, and senior executives of not-for-profit organisations can face personal liability for employment disputes, financial mismanagement, WHS compliance failures, and decisions made in their governance roles. For volunteer-run organisations and ACNC-registered charities, management liability (sometimes called association liability) is often the most important policy in the program. Many board members serving in a voluntary capacity do not realise they can face personal financial consequences from an uninsured claim.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Protection against claims of professional negligence or breach of duty in the services you provide. If your organisation provides advice, counselling, training, disability support, health services, legal assistance, or any form of professional service, professional indemnity insurance is essential. A client or beneficiary who alleges they suffered harm as a direct result of your organisation’s advice or services can bring a professional indemnity claim. For NDIS registered providers, professional indemnity is a mandatory requirement under the NDIS Practice Standards. For counselling services, RTOs, and community health providers, it is a practical necessity regardless of mandatory status.

Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance

Protection for volunteers who may be injured whilst undertaking activities for your organisation. Volunteers are not covered by workers compensation in most Australian states. If a volunteer is injured while working for your organisation – at an event, during maintenance, on a service delivery run – they have no mandatory compensation entitlement unless your organisation has specific voluntary workers personal accident cover in place. This is a relatively low-cost policy that provides genuine protection for the people who give their time to your cause. We strongly recommend it for any organisation with a regular volunteer base.

Property Insurance

Cover for buildings, contents, and equipment owned or used by your organisation. Community centres, specialist equipment, donated assets, and organisational archives are often underinsured because they have not been valued recently or because standard market value cover does not reflect replacement cost or community significance. We advise on appropriate sum insured levels and, where relevant, agreed value arrangements for assets that cannot be easily replaced at market prices.

Cyber Liability Insurance

Protection against data breaches, cyber attacks, and privacy violations. Not-for-profit organisations are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals precisely because they are perceived as less well-defended than commercial businesses. The data NFPs hold – donor financial information, client health records, beneficiary personal details – is valuable and often poorly protected. A data breach triggers notification obligations under the Privacy Act (for organisations with annual turnover above $3 million, and for health service providers of any size), potential regulatory investigation, and significant reputational damage. Cyber liability insurance covers the costs of responding to an incident, not just the direct financial loss.

Association Liability Insurance

Specialised cover for industry associations and member-based organisations. For industry associations and member-based organisations, association liability provides specific protection for claims arising from your representative activities, member communications, disciplinary processes, and governance decisions. It sits alongside – but is distinct from – management liability and addresses the unique exposures that come from representing a constituency of members.

Motor Vehicle Insurance

Cover for vehicles owned or used by your organisation, including cover for volunteers.

Crime Insurance

Protection against financial loss from theft, fraud, forgery, or dishonest acts by employees or volunteers, including misappropriation of funds or assets. Internal theft and fraud are underreported in the not-for-profit sector, partly because organisations are reluctant to acknowledge them and partly because close-knit communities create environments where controls are relaxed. Financial misappropriation by employees or volunteers, cheque fraud, and misuse of credit facilities are all real exposures for NFPs. Crime insurance provides financial recovery when these events occur and is particularly relevant for organisations handling significant cash donations, grants, or membership fees.

Why Not-for-Profits Choose Clear Insurance

We work with not-for-profit organisations because we understand that your insurance program needs to work within real-world budget constraints while providing genuine protection for your people, your assets, and your governance responsibilities. The combination of sector knowledge, market access, and practical advice is what our NFP clients tell us matters most.

Our experience spans charities, NDIS providers, community health services, RTOs, industry associations, religious organisations, and sporting clubs. We understand the regulatory frameworks that apply to each, and the governance requirements that affect board members across different organisational structures.

Sector Expertise

We’ve spent years working with not-for-profit organisations across Australia, understanding the regulatory environment and unique exposures you face.

Transparent Advice

We explain your options clearly, helping you understand what you’re covered for and making recommendations that fit your budget and risk appetite.

Efficiency

We handle the complexity of dealing with insurers, managing paperwork, and explaining policy terms, saving your team valuable time.

Steadfast Support

As members of Steadfast Group, Australia’s largest insurance adviser network, we have access to extensive market relationships and specialist expertise.

Personalised Service

You’ll work with a dedicated adviser who gets to know your organisation and is available when you need guidance or claims assistance.

Claims Support

When you need to make a claim, we advocate on your behalf, helping you navigate the claims process and liaising with insurers to work towards fair and timely outcomes.

Not-for-profit organisations should not have to navigate insurance complexity without expert support. That is what we are here for – not just at renewal time, but whenever a question arises, a new activity is being considered, or a claim needs to be managed. We are a long-term partner, not an annual transaction.

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Our Approach to Not-For-Profit Insurance

Every not-for-profit we work with starts with a thorough, no-obligation review of their current arrangements. We do not ask you to commit to anything before we have demonstrated that we understand your organisation and can offer genuinely better advice than you are currently receiving. For boards managing tight budgets and complex governance obligations, that starting point matters.

Getting to know you and your organisation

We start by learning about your organisation—your activities, volunteer base, funding structure, and growth plans. This helps us identify the risks specific to your operations.

Comprehensive Risk and Insurance Review

Our team conducts a thorough assessment of your current risks and risk transfer to insurance arrangements, identifying any gaps or areas where cover may not align with your current activities. You’ll receive a detailed gap analysis report to help you make informed decisions.

Tailored Advice

We provide clear recommendations on appropriate insurance options, explaining complex policy terms in straightforward language to help you make informed decisions.

Competitive Market Access

Through our relationships with Australian insurers who understand the NFP sector, we help you access competitive insurance solutions suited to your organisation’s needs and budget.

Ongoing Support

As your organisation grows and evolves, we’re here to provide continued advice and assistance with policy adjustments, claims support, and annual reviews. Whether you are buying assets or considering new contracts, we can advise on the insurance implications.

Not-for-profit organisations change constantly – new programs, new funding streams, new service delivery models, staff growth, changes in volunteer numbers. Each of these can affect your insurance obligations. We ask our NFP clients to keep us in the loop when significant changes are planned, so we can advise on the insurance implications before they are locked in rather than after.

Frequently Asked Questions

What insurance do not-for-profits need in Australia?

Insurance requirements vary based on your activities, funding sources, and legal structure. Many NFPs require public liability insurance, and if you have employees, workers compensation insurance is mandatory. Other common insurances include professional indemnity, management liability, and property insurance. We can help you assess what’s appropriate for your specific circumstances.

How much does not-for-profit insurance cost?

Costs vary significantly depending on your activities, revenue, number of volunteers and employees, claims history, and the types and levels of cover you need. We work with you to find solutions that balance appropriate protection with budget constraints.

Do volunteers need to be covered by insurance?

Volunteers aren’t covered by workers compensation in most states, but volunteer personal accident insurance can provide protection if volunteers are injured during your activities. We can advise on whether this cover would be appropriate for your organisation.

What’s the difference between public liability and professional indemnity?

Public liability typically covers bodily injury or property damage to third parties. Professional indemnity covers claims arising from professional advice or services you provide, such as allegations of negligence, errors, or breach of professional duty. Many NFPs benefit from both types of cover.

Can you help with NDIS insurance requirements?

Yes, we regularly advise organisations providing NDIS services and understand the insurance requirements under the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements.

What insurance do not-for-profits need in Australia?

Insurance requirements vary based on your activities, funding sources, and legal structure. Many NFPs require public liability insurance as a baseline, and if you have employees, workers compensation is mandatory. Other commonly needed covers include professional indemnity (especially for service delivery organisations), management liability (for board and committee members), and volunteer personal accident insurance. Specific requirements may also be set by your funding agreements, registration conditions, or industry regulators. We can assess what is appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Do volunteers need to be covered by insurance?

Volunteers are not covered by workers compensation in most Australian states, which means they have no automatic entitlement to compensation if injured while working for your organisation. Voluntary workers personal accident insurance fills this gap – it provides benefits for accidental injury, temporary disablement, and, in serious cases, permanent disability or death. Whether this cover is appropriate for your organisation depends on your volunteer activities, the nature of the risks involved, and your obligations to the people who give their time to your cause. We advise on the right level of cover based on your specific volunteer program.

What is the difference between public liability and professional indemnity?

Public liability covers claims for bodily injury or property damage to a third party – a visitor who falls at your premises, a participant injured at an event you organised, or a member of the public affected by your activities. Professional indemnity covers claims arising from the professional advice or services your organisation provides – a client who alleges they received negligent counselling, a student who claims an incorrect qualification was issued, or a beneficiary who says your organisation’s support caused them harm. Many not-for-profit organisations need both, because they both operate in public spaces and deliver professional or quasi-professional services.

Can you help with NDIS insurance requirements?

Yes. NDIS registration requires organisations to hold minimum levels of public liability and professional indemnity insurance as part of the NDIS Practice Standards. The specific requirements depend on your registration category and the supports you are registered to provide. We advise NDIS providers on appropriate program structure, help ensure your certificates of currency meet the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s requirements, and review cover when your registration scope changes. Insurance requirements for NDIS providers have evolved as the scheme has matured – we stay current with these changes and apply them to your program.

Does management liability insurance cover board members who are volunteers?

Yes, management liability insurance (also called association liability for not-for-profit organisations) is designed to protect the individuals who govern your organisation – whether they are paid executives or volunteer board members. The cover responds to claims arising from their governance decisions, including employment disputes, financial mismanagement allegations, WHS compliance failures, and statutory liability claims. For volunteer-run organisations, this is often the most important policy in the program because individual board members may face personal financial consequences from an uninsured claim that they did not anticipate when they joined the board.

How much does not-for-profit insurance cost?

Costs vary significantly depending on your activities, annual revenue, number of employees and volunteers, service delivery model, claims history, and the types and levels of cover you need. Organisations providing direct services to vulnerable people typically pay more than those with purely administrative or advocacy functions, because the liability exposure is higher. We work with you to find solutions that balance appropriate protection with your budget constraints – and we are transparent about the trade-offs involved when budget limits require coverage decisions to be made.

Are organisations with ACNC registration treated differently by insurers?

ACNC registration as a charity is a positive signal to insurers – it indicates your organisation meets governance standards and operates with a defined charitable purpose. Some insurers offer preferential rates or broader terms to ACNC-registered charities. However, ACNC registration does not itself create an insurance entitlement, and the specific terms of your cover depend on your activities, size, and risk profile rather than your registration status alone. We work across a wide range of NFP structures – registered charities, incorporated associations, companies limited by guarantee, and unincorporated groups – and advise on appropriate cover regardless of registration status.

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Important Information: The information on this page is general advice only and doesn’t consider your organisation’s specific circumstances, governance structure, or charitable purposes. Contact us for advice tailored to your not-for-profit organisation. Insurance requirements vary based on your legal structure, state requirements, ACNC registration, and funding body requirements. This doesn’t constitute legal or governance advice. Always verify insurance requirements in funding agreements before finalising applications. Before entering into insurance, you have a duty to disclose anything that may affect an insurer’s decision to insure you. Learn more. View our Financial Services Guide for full details about our services and remuneration. Clear Insurance Pty Ltd | ABN 41 601 916 689 | AFSL No. 548953

Last updated: 14 April 2026

“Clear Insurance rapidly completed an in-depth analysis of our insurance coverage. They identified that our organisation was under-insured and provided a comprehensive proposal outlining the opportunities to better protect ourselves against risks. The proposal was specific to the context that we work in and our growth as a business. It provided key examples of policy coverage areas and inclusions we had not previously considered, nor had they been raised by our previous broker of 10 years. It is evident to me, Clear Insurance work diligently and tirelessly to truly understand the needs of their clients to protect them against potential risks.”

Rebecca Culverhouse, CEO, Accoras.