Nonprofit Policies and Procedures: A Comprehensive Guide

Alesha Mathis is the founder of the Nonprofit Founder’s Club and a nonprofit strategist with over 15 years of experience in development, administration, and program leadership. She’s worked alongside hundreds of nonprofit founders, helping them turn big ideas into sustainable organizations with strong systems, engaged boards, and practical fundraising strategies. Alesha is passionate about making the nonprofit journey less overwhelming by offering real-world advice, step-by-step tools, and a healthy dose of encouragement. She’s known for her relatable, no-fluff approach that helps founders stay grounded while building something that lasts. When she’s not creating templates, writing guides, or running challenges inside the Club, you’ll find her cheering on founders who are changing the world—one decision at a time.

A nonprofit policy and procedure manual is just one tool that can help nonprofits with their accountability by outlining processes, policies, and expectations. OverviewEmployee expense policies vary from organization to organization, but they typically include eligible expenses, how expenses are approved, reimbursement amounts, and the guidelines for claiming expenses. Having an employee expense policy helps approvers and claimants determine reasonable and… The policy applies to any hardware and related software that is not corporately owned or supplied but could be used to access corporate resources. That is, devices that employees have purchased for personal use but also wish to use in the business environment.

Free Sample Nonprofit Policies and Procedures Manual Templates

  • There can be a lot of them, and this is an important part of any handbook.
  • To assist the IRS in monitoring compliance with the limits on executive compensation, Form 990 requests significant detail regarding the compensation and benefits paid to executives.
  • We are committed to providing a positive and rewarding experience for volunteers while ensuring that their involvement supports our organizational goals and adheres to our standards of safety, quality, and professionalism.
  • It is absolutely essential that there are tight controls on cash flow and the transparency that naturally should come with that.
  • This information is saved in the employee’s personnel records.

The non-harassment and non-discrimination policies are arguably one of the most important parts of the employee handbook. It needs to be crystal clear, and explicit, and permeate the entire organization from the top down. A consistent focus on organization-wide buy-in, along with taking harassment claims seriously will go a long way to keep your company out of trouble.

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sample personnel policies for nonprofits

When developing, implementing or reviewing policies and procedures for your organization, it is important to consider attaining legal or specialized professional assistance. If your organization can not ordinarily afford legal assistance, you may qualify to request pro bono legal assistance through our Pro Bono Legal Group. Cover the basics, things like ethics, leave policies, how to report issues, and who to go to with questions. Use templates from trusted nonprofit resources or HR platforms, and make sure everything reflects your mission and structure.

Legal Regulations

“BBYO’s engagement of NRMC to conduct a risk assessment was one of the most valuable processes undertaken over the past five years. Numerous programmatic and procedural changes were recommended and have since been implemented. Additionally, dozens (literally) of insurance coverage gaps were identified that would never have been without the work of NRMC. This assessment led to a broker bidding process that resulted in BBYO’s selection of a new broker that we have been extremely satisfied with.

sample personnel policies for nonprofits

All employees will be judged by the same performance standards and will be subject to the employer’s scheduling demands, regardless of any existing outside work requirements. The company retains the sample personnel policies for nonprofits right to prohibit second jobs if it considers them to be a safety exposure. A strong Fundraising and Donations Policy helps ensure ethical and transparent practices when soliciting and accepting contributions. This policy helps build trust with donors by clearly outlining how funds will be used and ensuring accountability.

  • Subject to certain conditions, the employee or the company may choose to use accrued paid leave (such as sick leave or vacation leave) concurrent with FMLA leave.
  • Way too often, however, these are an afterthought, and you find yourself needing to refer to a policy you don’t already have in place.
  • In this post, let’s look at 6 policies that we believe every nonprofit should have and follow.

The company will not permit any form of retaliation against any employee for filing a report under this policy. The employment records policy exists for at least two reasons. First, it places responsibility on the employee to update the company when their address, phone number, emergency contact, or other information changes.

Federal Grant Budget Template for Nonprofits

You trust your team to do the right thing, and your community trusts you to stay focused on your mission. That’s where a strong code of ethics comes in, it’s your chance to put those values into words. Running a nonprofit takes heart, but heart alone doesn’t solve every challenge.

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Transfer and recording the value of the asset shall be done in a consistent manner and in compliance with accounting standards. The Executive Director shall sell any stock given to the organization immediately upon receipt by the organization. In no case shall FAN borrow funds from any employee, officer, or director of the organization without specific authorization from the Board of Directors.

This will allow you to draft policies proactively, rather than waiting until there is a crisis to determine your stance and expectations. Difficult situations can be avoided if there is a policy in place to provide guidance. Americans for the Arts serves, advances, and leads the network of organizations and individuals who cultivate, promote, sustain, and support the arts in America. Founded in 1960, Americans for the Arts is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the company’s reputation is not compromised.

Situations may arise where an employee needs to take time off to address medical or other health concerns. The company requests that employees provide notification to their supervisor as soon as practicable when taking time off. Sick days are granted on a paid basis to regular employees and may be evaluated for leave eligibility.

Key Components of Nonprofit Policies and Procedures Manuals

The feedback and performance help an organization to improve its operation and create room for advancement to achieve its stated objectives. Feedback is important for review purposes to ascertain the company’s efforts. For nonprofits to have the best candidates to champion their aims and objectives, recruitment policy must be observed. This also demands that organizations offer equal employment opportunities for all applicants. Applying the recruitment policy will help foster inclusivity within an organization. Nonprofits aren’t exempt from things like minimum wage, overtime, or worker classification rules.

You need state policies in your handbook.

Sample policy language can streamline the process and is a good starting point. But it is never a good idea to simply insert your organization’s name and present the document to the board for approval. The policy must be discussed and tailored to reflect your organization’s culture, to conform to your other policies and to ensure that everyone involved in its implementation is on board. Getting your HR policies in place might not feel urgent, but it’s one of the best ways to set your nonprofit up for long-term success. They help you avoid messy situations, support your team, and keep your focus where it belongs, on your mission.

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