Overview of the Program from Charity First Insurance Services Inc
Community Centers Insurance from Charity First is a specialty program designed for nonprofit community centers, neighborhood houses, and similar civic organizations. The program is offered through a network of admitted and non-admitted carriers (varies by state) and is placed through Charity First as a general agency to give agents broad market access and specialized underwriting for nonprofit risks.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Community centers, neighborhood resource hubs, and recreational nonprofit facilities.
- Organizations that operate educational programs, after-school care, senior activities, food distribution, and volunteer-led events.
- Facilities with moderate property values, organized volunteer programs, and documented safety policies—including background checks and written operational procedures.
Not a good fit: organizations with high-hazard activities (e.g., regular youth overnight camping, large amusement rides), significant habitational exposures, or severe prior loss histories without demonstrated remediation.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- General liability tailored to nonprofit operations, including limits and wording relevant to volunteers and program services.
- Property coverage for owned and leased premises, with options for equipment, contents, and business interruption tied to community services.
- Volunteer accident coverage and optional directors & officers (D&O) and employment practices liability (EPLI) to protect boards and staff.
- Access to A.M. Best "A"-rated markets and multiple carrier options to improve placement likelihood.
- Complimentary risk management library and safety guidance to help reduce frequency and severity of claims.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Charity First evaluates exposures based on operations, attendance, staffing and volunteer structure, background screening practices, and loss history. Typical submission requirements include a current application, loss runs, and a description of programs and safety procedures.
Minimum premium: Varies by carrier and state. Provide complete submissions to obtain accurate pricing and to determine admitted vs. non-admitted placement options.
Territories and Availability
The Community Centers Insurance program is available in most states. Current availability includes: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, DC. Placement terms and admitted status vary by state and carrier.
Why Work with Charity First on Community Centers Business
- Nonprofit specialty focus: underwriters and program managers who understand the nuances of volunteer exposure, grant-funded programs, and board governance.
- Market access: multiple carriers (various) including A.M. Best "A"-rated insurers to improve the chances of placement and competitive terms.
- Practical support: risk management resources and claim servicing through established carrier networks.
- Responsive underwriting: ability to consider program specifics and to structure supplemental coverages like D&O, EPLI, and volunteer accident protection.
Example Accounts
- You have a small neighborhood community center that runs after-school tutoring, weekend food distribution, and a volunteer mentoring program. Low property values, clear volunteer screening, and limited third-party activities make this a good candidate.
- A midsize civic center that rents space to community groups, offers senior day programs, and operates occasional fundraising events. Placement may include property, GL, volunteer accident, and optional D&O coverage.
How to Submit
Submit completed applications, current loss runs, and program descriptions to Charity First so underwriting can match the account to the appropriate admitted or non-admitted market. For questions about appetite or supplemental coverage options, include a brief narrative of operations and any recent risk-management initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of community centers are a good fit for this program?
Small to midsize nonprofit community centers offering educational programs, food distribution, senior or youth activities, and volunteer services are the primary target. Centers with formal safety procedures and volunteer screening tend to get the best terms.
Are directors & officers and volunteer accident coverages available?
Yes. D&O and volunteer accident (and often EPLI) are available as optional coverages depending on carrier and state. They are commonly bundled with liability and property placements for a comprehensive solution.
Which states is the program available in?
The program is available in most states. See the program territory list on this page for specific states; admitted vs. non-admitted options depend on carrier appetite by state.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.