by Angela Meekins, West Tennessee Regional Manager, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
First, I am fine! Just a banged-up leg on the mend. But the story of how it happened—and what I felt afterward—made me stop in my tracks and think about something that matters to every nonprofit: how we take care of our employees.
It was one of those ordinary days that suddenly takes a turn. Just a week after happily chatting with my coworkers about everything I love about fall—pumpkin spice, long drives to enjoy the foliage, cozy layers, bonfires, and yes, more pumpkin spice—I found myself sitting in an ER waiting room, leg throbbing, replaying in my head how quickly life can change. One moment I was trying to move a heavy object, thinking I was bending the “right” way like we’ve all been told, and the next I was in sharp pain, wondering if I’d done something serious.
As I sat there, I felt the swirl of emotions so many of us know in those moments: shock that I got hurt, fear about what the doctor might say, and, if I’m honest, that pit in my stomach wondering, “How much is this going to cost?” For so many people, that last thought is the heaviest one of all. Medical debt and unexpected bills can disrupt your financial goals and responsibilities quickly!
But then came the moment of relief. The nurse explained that I was on the “fast track” and wouldn’t have to pay anything on-site because of my insurance. I could breathe again. And not just breathe—I could be thankful. Thankful that my organization provides health insurance, thankful that I didn’t have to choose between paying for care or paying my bills, and thankful that I work in a sector where I also get to help other nonprofits secure these same kinds of benefits for their staff.
That night, as I reflected, I realized my story wasn’t just about me. It was a reminder that accidents, illness, and emergencies don’t check our calendars. They don’t care how much money is in our savings account or whether our nonprofit budget is tight this year. They come when they come. And when they do, health insurance is more than a policy—it is peace of mind, protection for families, and a sign that an employer truly values its people.
Fall is a season of gratitude, and my experience was a powerful reminder that being thankful for health insurance isn’t just about the paperwork we fill out at open enrollment. It’s about the very real impact it has on our daily lives. That’s why, with open enrollment around the corner, I want to share seven reasons why offering health insurance is one of the smartest and most compassionate decisions a nonprofit can make:
1. Recruitment and Retention
A strong benefits package is often the deciding factor for employees choosing between job offers. The 2025 PPI Nonprofit Employee Benefits Survey found that 66% of nonprofits cite limited budgets as their biggest challenge in offering benefits, yet those that do provide health coverage consistently report stronger retention and improved employee satisfaction (PPI Benefit Solutions, 2025). Simply put: health insurance helps nonprofits attract top talent and keep them long term.
2. Healthier, More Productive Employees
When employees have access to affordable healthcare, they are more likely to get preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and avoid costly medical crises. A 2024 University of Georgia Nonprofit Employee Benefits Report found that employees with health insurance report significantly higher job satisfaction and lower absenteeism rates than those without coverage (University of Georgia SPIA, 2024). Healthier employees translate directly into stronger, more effective nonprofits.
3. Alignment with Mission and Values
Nonprofits exist to strengthen communities and improve lives. Providing health insurance to staff ensures that organizations live out those same values internally. The National Council of Nonprofits emphasizes that treating employees equitably through benefits is essential for sustainability and credibility in the sector (councilofnonprofits.org). When nonprofits care for their teams, they strengthen their mission from the inside out.
4. Financial Security for Employees
Unexpected medical costs are one of the leading causes of financial hardship in the United States. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 40% of adults say they or a family member have struggled to pay medical bills in the past year. For nonprofit employees—who often earn below market rates—health insurance provides a critical safety net that prevents financial crises from spiraling into long-term debt.
5. Competitive Advantage in the Sector
Nonprofits are not only competing with each other for talent but also with businesses, schools, and government agencies. Offering health insurance allows smaller organizations to “level the playing field” and present themselves as serious, competitive employers. Surveys consistently show that younger professionals, in particular, rank benefits like health insurance as equally important as salary when evaluating opportunities.
6. Board and Donor Confidence
Funders and donors want to know that nonprofits are sustainable, ethical, and well-managed. Organizations that invest in their staff by offering benefits demonstrate sound governance and long-term stability. Boards also have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the nonprofit isn’t at risk from high turnover or staff burnout, and benefits are a proactive way to address those risks.
7. Building a Culture of Care
Culture is more than workplace posters or mission statements—it’s lived out in policies and practices. Offering health insurance communicates to employees that they are valued as whole people, not just as workers. This fosters loyalty, trust, and a supportive environment that strengthens collaboration and resilience in tough times. A culture of care within staff ripples outward to the communities nonprofits serve.
Tennessee Nonprofit Network Can Help
At Tennessee Nonprofit Network, we believe healthy employees build healthy organizations. That’s why we provide a pathway for nonprofits of all sizes to secure health insurance through our member benefits and services. If your nonprofit is ready to explore options, reach out to me or to Dorian Hines to learn more. Together, we can make sure your staff is cared for—because your mission starts with your people.