There are over 1 million non-profit organizations in the US. They provide support and resources to countless communities and clients. Employees of non-profit organizations get to go home knowing they made a positive impact in the world. With that in mind, it’s obvious why anyone wants to work at an NPO. But one of the first barriers for potential employees to overcome is background checks for non-profits.
Better your odds of employment and read on to learn everything you need to know about non-profit background checks.
Do Non-Profits Do Background Checks?
A majority of non-profits conduct background checks. The type of background checks they run depends on the role you’re applying for. Here are a few of the most common checks you’ll need to pass.
Identity Check and Fingerprinting: ID verification and fingerprinting give NPOs peace of mind that you are who you say you are. This particular form of background check is an industry standard. In addition, fingerprint and ID checks show fraud and arrest records and give more credence to other background verifications.
License and Education: Applying for a director or other high-responsibility role for an NPO? Be prepared to pass license and education checks to ensure you’re qualified.
Motor Vehicle Records: Motor Vehicle Records or MVR show your driving history to potential employers. This background check is crucial for candidates who will be operating company vehicles.
Keep in mind that there are other background checks that NPOs may use. If you can’t pass certain background checks (no judgment, we all make mistakes), you’ll need to stay competitive by offering relevant skills and having a stellar interview. Fair Chance Hiring may let you get a foot in the door in some places.
Why Do Non-profit Organizations Run Background Checks?
Non-profits help vulnerable people and communities. To protect those they help, non-profits run background checks on employees. Beyond that, background checks also provide peace of mind that a candidate is a good fit for the role they’re applying for in terms of education, identity, etc.
How to Run a Non-profit Background Check for Employment or Volunteer Positions
You’ll need a partner to run background checks for non-profits. KarmaCheck offers a series of fast, reliable background checks that let you streamline the hiring process. It’s a good idea to run background reports for employees and volunteers.
What are the Legal Regulations Around Non-profit Background Checks?
There are no government laws specifying background check requirements for non-profits. However, there are laws surrounding hiring practices that all businesses must adhere to. Reduce the chance of attracting the wrong kind of attention by ensuring everyone in the hiring team knows the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, applicable state laws, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. There are several intersecting laws that we could spend a novel detailing. But at the end of the day, it’s on you and your hiring team to understand how legal regulations impact non-profits.
For those of us looking to work at a non-profit, remember that background checks are relatively common today. And at some point, you may be asked to explain your past. If you have a less-than-stellar background report, stay updated on industry practices, apply at multiple places, and remain patient. It may be harder to secure employment, but not impossible.
For hiring managers, leveraging KarmaCheck to help you find and hire the right candidate makes your job all the easier. Get started today.
