Many charities and non profit organizations (NPOs) think that they are not equipped or lack the resources to screen all volunteers that apply to help them. Especially in our down economy, when fund raising is more difficult and budgets have been slashed to the bone, volunteer managers might be tempted to skip this important step in the recruiting process.

What a mistake! Every organization has way too much to lose each time an unknown entity is put into the community on its behalf. Depending on the situation, a charity could face losses ranging from its good reputation, to a monetary loss from damages, or even the destruction of the entire organization—solely because it failed to conduct a criminal background check.

Especially at risk are those agencies serving vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, physically and mentally disabled, and children. Unfortunately, the general public contains far too many predators that target these groups specifically. How can a volunteer coordinator know who is safe—and who has the potential to ruin innocent lives and the organization itself?

Professional, thorough interviews of volunteer applicants is the first step to protecting your NPO. Ask the right questions, and ask the same of every applicant. Consider whether the person is appropriate for interacting with clients, or doing behind-the-scenes or event-only tasks that minimize their contact with the public.

Proper background screening is next. If funding is an issue, consider the potential losses to the organization if an unscreened criminal harms a client, and the value of background checks becomes clear. Don’t forget that credit checks can prevent financial losses.

Reference checks are also crucial. Ask references if they would want the potential volunteer taking care of their child, parent, or loved one. This question tends to make people think—and answer honestly.
And finally, for every new volunteer, the screening process must continue through proper training and supervision. This ongoing effort is necessary—even if the volunteer passed the background screening. You cannot be too careful.

If you are a non profit volunteer coordinator, remember that now, more than ever, proper procedures, including background checks, are essential to minimize the risk to your organization!

Tags: Non Profit Management, Volunteer Criminal Background Checks, volunteer screening

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 at and is filed under Screening & Background Checks, Volunteer Management. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.