Free · Certificate included
Ethics and Compliance
Do the right thing the right way — and keep your nonprofit accountable.
What you’ll learn
- Tell the difference between ethics and compliance — and why you need both
- Recognize and disclose conflicts of interest, gifts, and self-dealing
- Apply a step-by-step ethical decision-making framework under pressure
- Protect confidential information and use organizational resources honestly
- Understand whistleblower protection and how to raise a concern safely
Screen your volunteers for $5
VolunteerBadge runs FCRA-compliant background checks for just $5 — with identity verification built in. No monthly fees, no contracts.
Create a free account →Course outline
- 1
Ethics vs. compliance — and why you need both
People often use "ethics" and "compliance" as if they were the same thing.
5 min Quiz Interactive - 2
Your code of conduct
Most nonprofits put their expectations in writing as a code of conduct (sometimes called a code of ethics or statement of values).
5 min Quiz Interactive - 3
Conflicts of interest & self-dealing
A conflict of interest arises when someone in a position of trust could personally benefit — directly or indirectly — from a decision they help make for the organization.
6 min Quiz Interactive - 4
Gifts, perks, confidentiality & resources
Three everyday temptations quietly test a volunteer’s integrity: gifts and perks that could buy influence, confidential information that’s easy to overshare, and…
5 min Quiz Interactive - 5
An ethical decision-making framework
When you face a genuine dilemma — where the right answer isn’t obvious — don’t rely on gut feeling alone.
6 min Quiz Interactive - 6
Whistleblower protection: raising a concern safely
Sometimes the ethical thing to do is to speak up about someone else’s conduct — fraud, abuse, a serious policy violation.
5 min Quiz Interactive - 7
Building an ethical culture & common dilemmas
Policies don’t create ethics — culture does.
5 min Quiz Interactive
Sources & further reading
- Independent Sector — Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice (33 Principles)
- National Council of Nonprofits — Ethics and Accountability for Nonprofits
- National Council of Nonprofits — Conflicts of Interest
- Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) — Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship
- Internal Revenue Service — Exempt Organizations Annual Reporting Requirements — Governance (Form 990, Part VI)
VolunteerBadge Academy courses are provided free for general educational and informational purposes only. Every course is researched from reputable, authoritative sources (cited on the course), but VolunteerBadge and ScreenForge Labs, LLC make no representations or warranties of any kind — express or implied — as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, reliability, or suitability of the content for any purpose. Content may contain errors or omissions and may become outdated, and laws, regulations, standards, and best practices vary by jurisdiction and change over time. This material is not legal, medical, mental-health, clinical, financial, safety-certification, or other professional advice, and completing a course or earning a certificate creates no professional relationship, license, accreditation, or endorsement and is not a substitute for training, certification, supervision, or policies required by law, your organization, your insurer, or a licensing body. Always follow your organization's own policies and applicable law, use your own judgment, and consult a qualified professional (such as an attorney, licensed clinician, or medical provider) about your specific situation. In an emergency, call 911 (or, for a mental-health crisis, 988). To the fullest extent permitted by law, VolunteerBadge and ScreenForge Labs, LLC disclaim all liability for any loss or harm arising from reliance on this content or participation in any course.