Conservation United’s Insurance Program for Audubon Society Chapters: Protecting Conservation Efforts

The Audubon Society’s chapters are the backbone of grassroots conservation, tirelessly working to protect birds, restore habitats, and educate communities. From leading birdwatching walks to maintaining sanctuaries, these chapters drive environmental impact. However, their activities expose them to risks—accidents during events, property damage, or legal disputes—that could derail their mission. Enter Conservation United’s insurance program for Audubon Society chapters, a tailored solution designed to safeguard these vital organizations while ensuring they thrive. In this blog, we’ll explore how this program works, its benefits, and why it’s a game-changer for Audubon chapters.

Why Audubon Chapters Need Insurance

Audubon chapters engage in diverse activities, each carrying unique risks:

• Public Events: Birding hikes or educational workshops can lead to accidents, like a participant slipping on a trail.

• Property Management: Sanctuaries, visitor centers, or equipment face threats from storms, fires, or vandalism—risks amplified by climate change.

• Leadership Decisions: Chapter leaders may face legal challenges over governance or advocacy, exposing them to personal liability.

• Volunteer Activities: Volunteers clearing trails or monitoring nests can suffer accidents, from minor cuts to serious injuries.

Without proper protection, a single incident could drain a chapter’s budget or halt operations. Conservation United’s insurance program addresses these challenges, offering peace of mind and financial security.

What Conservation United’s Insurance Program Offers

Conservation United, a trusted provider of nonprofit insurance, has crafted a program exclusively for certified Audubon Society chapters. Here’s a detailed look at its key coverages:

1. General Liability Insurance
   Protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage during chapter activities. For example, if a participant is injured during a field trip, this coverage handles legal and medical costs, shielding the chapter from financial strain.

2. Property Insurance
   Safeguards chapter-owned assets, such as visitor centers, equipment, or educational materials, against perils like fire, theft, or natural disasters. This is critical for chapters in regions prone to hurricanes or wildfires.

3. Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance
   Shields chapter leaders from personal liability in lawsuits related to governance or decision-making. This ensures volunteers can lead boldly without fear of personal financial risk.

4. Volunteer Accident Insurance
   A standout feature, this coverage protects volunteers who are injured while performing chapter-related duties. It includes:

   • Medical Expenses: Covers costs for injuries sustained during volunteer activities, such as hospital visits, doctor consultations, or physical therapy. For example, if a volunteer falls while clearing a trail and requires stitches, this insurance pays for treatment.

   • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D): Provides a lump-sum benefit to the volunteer’s family in the rare event of a fatal accident or severe injury (e.g., loss of a limb) during chapter work.

   • Temporary Disability: Compensates for lost wages if a volunteer is temporarily unable to work due to an injury sustained while volunteering, such as a sprained wrist from lifting equipment.

   • Excess Coverage: Acts as a secondary layer if a volunteer’s personal health insurance doesn’t cover all costs, ensuring no out-of-pocket expenses for the volunteer or chapter.

   Optional Coverages

   • Employee Fidelity Insurance: Protects against financial losses from theft or fraud by chapter members or volunteers.

   • Workers’ Compensation: Covers medical costs or lost wages for volunteers injured during chapter activities (where applicable).

   • Event Cancellation Insurance: Reimburses costs if a fundraiser or event is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, like extreme weather.

Benefits Tailored for Audubon Chapters

Conservation United’s program stands out for its affordability, flexibility, and chapter-focused design:

• Cost Savings: By pooling Audubon chapters under a group plan, Conservation United negotiates competitive rates, making coverage accessible for chapters of all sizes.

• Fair Premiums: Premiums are calculated based on active member participation, excluding members who only contribute financially. This ensures costs reflect actual risk.

• Customizable Plans: Chapters can choose coverages that match their activities, whether they focus on events, property management, or advocacy.

• Streamlined Access: Chapters can explore coverage details, download brochures, or apply online through Conservation United’s dedicated portal. Personalized support is available via phone or email for tailored guidance.

How to Get Started

Enrolling in Conservation United’s insurance program is straightforward:

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm your chapter is a certified Audubon Society chapter.

2. Assess Needs: Evaluate your chapter’s activities and assets to determine necessary coverages.

3. Contact Conservation United: Visit their website or call their nonprofit insurance specialists to request a quote.

4. Apply: Submit an application with details about your chapter’s size, activities, and member participation.

Why This Program Matters

For Audubon chapters, Conservation United’s insurance program is more than protection—it’s empowerment. By mitigating financial risks, chapters can focus on their core mission: conserving birds and their habitats. Smaller chapters, often constrained by tight budgets, gain access to robust coverage typically reserved for larger organizations. Meanwhile, the program’s flexibility and carrier stability ensures urban and rural chapters alike can tailor plans to their unique needs.