Better background checks for nonprofits and volunteer communities

Nonprofit organizations may use background checks to ensure the qualifications and eligibility of the individuals looking to volunteer or join the organization as an employee.  Nonprofit background checks are often part of due diligence which helps maintain the integrity of the organization to foster trust with donors, beneficiaries, and the community. Background checks for nonprofits help mitigate risks which could negatively impact the organization and the vulnerable populations they serve, such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and special education, elementary school, and high school students.

A nonprofit background check typically reveals a wide range of information about an individual, encompassing both criminal and personal records. Depending on the level of detail required by an organization, background checks for nonprofits and volunteers could include criminal history, driving records, employment history, education verification, personal references, and drug screening.

However, many nonprofit organizations place emphasis on criminal histories, which is often a volunteer background check requirement. This search may include local, state, or federal offenses and can give organizations a detailed understanding of an individual's past behaviors. The information obtained through these searches enables nonprofits to make informed decisions when onboarding new employees or volunteers.

The lookback period covered by a volunteer background check depends on several factors: the jurisdiction, regulations of the population the organization serves, type of check being conducted, and the organization’s background check policy. For example, a church looking for volunteers to interact with children at their Vacation Bible School might conduct a criminal record check to ensure eligibility and safety. Generally, volunteer background checks that include a criminal history go back seven years.

However, if certain criteria are met, such as hiring candidates for a paid position with the nonprofit organization offering a salary above a certain threshold, the background check could go back further. It's important for organizations to understand these parameters to ensure thorough and compliant background check practices.

Compliance laws may not only apply to how your organization conducts volunteer background checks, but also how you engage with job candidates looking to join your team as an employee.