Free · Certificate included
FCRA Awareness for Nonprofit Organizations
Screen volunteers the right way — and keep your nonprofit out of legal trouble.
What you’ll learn
- Why the FCRA applies to volunteer background checks — not just paid employees
- The three parties in every background check and what "permissible purpose" means
- How to get disclosure and authorization right before you ever run a check
- The two-step adverse action process, in the correct order, with the required documents
- How to handle records, disputes, recordkeeping, and state-law overlays
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
Why the FCRA matters to your nonprofit
You run background checks to keep the people you serve safe.
5 min Video Quiz Interactive - 2
The three parties & "permissible purpose"
Every background check under the FCRA involves three parties.
5 min Quiz Interactive - 3
Before you screen: disclosure & authorization
This is where most organizations slip up.
6 min Quiz Interactive - 4
Running the check & reading the report
With disclosure and authorization in hand, you can request the report.
4 min Quiz - 5
When a record appears: the adverse action two-step
If you decide to turn away a volunteer because of something in the report, the FCRA requires a specific two-step process.
7 min Quiz Interactive - 6
Recordkeeping, disposal & state law
A few final duties round out FCRA compliance — and a reminder that federal law is the floor, not the ceiling.
4 min Quiz - 7
Compliance Simulator: run a check the right way
Let’s put it together. You’re screening Jordan, a new mentor applicant. Make the right call at each step.
4 min Interactive
Sources & further reading
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 Content may contain errors or omissions and may become outdated, and laws, regulations, standards, and best practices vary by jurisdiction and change over time.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.