About Us
Established in 1995, the Nonprofit Insurance Trust (NIT) is a 501c3 nonprofit insurance cooperative that serves the unique needs of Minnesota’s nonprofit organizations.
Created by nonprofits, for nonprofits, NIT operates as a member-owned organization. With no shareholders, NIT exists solely to serve its nonprofit members. Through our cooperative model, NIT offers more tailored options and competitive pricing than traditional carriers.
More than insurance coverage
NIT serves as a strategic partner — providing guidance on coverage, risk management, and tools to help nonprofits navigate complex decisions with confidence and minimize risk. Member premiums are reinvested into the program, strengthening services and supporting nonprofits across Minnesota.
Membership
Our members lead nonprofit organizations and programs addressing the most pressing issues in communities across Minnesota. Our board’s selective criteria ensures new members align with our NIT’s values and financial standards. Safeguarding our members’ ability to continue providing their vital services is at the heart of what we do. NIT provides coverage for Minnesota 501c3 nonprofits across a variety of sectors.
Board of Directors
Governed by a board of volunteer nonprofit leaders, NIT prioritizes the real-world needs of its members, ensuring decisions are guided by sector expertise and a shared commitment to mission-driven work.
Jim Bettendorf
CHAIR
(2026 – 2029)
President & CEO
Vista Prairie Communities
Champlin, MN
Tom Gillespie
VICE CHAIR
(2024 – 2027)
President & CEO
Living Well Disability Services
Mendota Heights, MN
Robert Pickering
TREASURER
(2025 – 2028)
Chief Financial Officer
The Family Partnership
Minneapolis, MN
Kris Solz
SECRETARY
(2026 – 2029)
Senior Director of Human Resources
EMERGE Community Development
Minneapolis, MN
Lynne Megan
Board Member
(2026 - 2029)
President & CEO
TSE, Inc.
Roseville, MN
Sarah Ackerman
Board Member
(2025 - 2027)
Executive Director
Western Mental Health Center
Marshall, MN
Judie Foster-Lupkin
Board Member
(2025 – 2028)
President & CEO
ProAct, Inc.
Eagan, MN
Ashley Kjos
Board Member
(2025 – 2028)
Chief Executive Officer
Woodland Centers, Inc.
Willmar, MN
Chris Jenkins
Board Member
(2026 – 2027)
Chief Executive Officer
Northland Counseling Center
Grand Rapids, MN
NIT History
2004
Reimagining the possibilities
Leadership conducts a strategic planning initiative focused on the program’s future growth, emphasizing sustainable expansion, consideration of 501c3 status, development of additional programs, and maintaining integrity and success through a deliberate approach that welcomed only high-performing, safety-focused members.
2009
Pioneering a new model
The founding nonprofit Fund members form a formal insurable trust, known as the Nonprofit Insurance Trust (NIT), which is signed into statute by Governor Tim Pawlenty.
1995
A vision takes shape
In partnership with Nonprofits’ Insurance Agency (NPIA), five member organizations are formally approved under Minnesota statute to provide workers’ compensation insurance. These organizations form a fund that will eventually become the Nonprofit Insurance Trust (NIT).
2011
NIT launches
NIT begins operating its second insurance pool, “Nonprofit Insurance Trust Property & Liability Pool.”
2012
Tax exemption
The IRS grants NIT formal nonprofit status, retroactive to the beginning of NIT in 2010.
2018
Securing the future
Regulators approve the formation of NP Insurance Group, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nonprofit Insurance Trust, strengthening long-term program stability through a dedicated insurance backstop for members and expanding capabilities outside of Minnesota.
2025
Celebrating 30 years
NIT celebrates 30 years of specialized experience working closely with over 200 member organizations throughout Minnesota.
Administered by NPIA, Inc.
Nonprofits’ Insurance Agency (NPIA) is the third-party administrator of NIT. As a Minnesota-based independent agency, managing agent and third-party administrator, NPIA specializes in Alternative Risk Program Development & Administration developed exclusively for 501c3 nonprofit organizations.