Protecting your non-profit’s assets
I recently had a powerful meeting with a client who runs a mental health non-profit organization. She’s doing incredible work, but like many mission-driven founders, she hadn’t yet taken the necessary steps to fully protect the assets behind her organization.
She came to me with $1.6 million in assets that needed safeguarding from potential lawsuits and liabilities. Her assets included:
Cash reserves
An income stream from real estate investments
Real estate used for non-profit retreats
A portfolio of securities
This mix of assets is not uncommon for successful non-profits or founders with business-related income. But unfortunately, she lacked the proper legal and financial structures to keep these assets protected.
The Risks We Identified
Here’s what we found during our assessment:
No general liability insurance: If someone were injured on her property during a retreat, the lack of insurance meant she could be held personally liable.
No trust in place: Trusts can be a powerful tool for protecting assets from creditors and lawsuits—especially important for anyone in high-risk industries like mental health care.
Cash was sitting in a regular bank account: While this provides liquidity, it also leaves cash exposed. There are smarter ways to hold cash that keep it both accessible and protected.
No holding company: This meant that all assets were under the same umbrella, making it easier for a lawsuit or claim to impact the entire operation.
The Solutions We Put in Place
After a detailed review, my team and I provided her with a clear strategy to protect her organization and its assets. Here's what we implemented:
Introduced liability insurance to cover potential risks related to her properties and events.
Established a trust structure to shield key assets.
Moved cash into a protected, yet liquid account—offering both safety and access.
Recommended setting up a holding company to provide another layer of protection for assets.
Built out a succession plan to ensure the organization remains strong for years to come, no matter what happens.
Now, she has peace of mind, a concrete plan, and a legal team on her side to handle the details.
If you're a business owner or non-profit leader with significant assets—or even just starting to accumulate them—don’t leave things to chance.
Asset protection isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s for anyone who wants to keep the impact they’re building safe.
My team and I offer complimentary consultations to help you identify risks and design a financial strategy tailored to your goals. There’s no charge for our services—if you love what we do, all I ask is that you send some referrals our way.
Let’s protect what you’re building. Reach out today to schedule your session.