HR
HR isn’t just about managing people—it’s about protecting the heart of your non-profit: your mission and the people who make it possible.
Introduction
Human Resources (HR) is the backbone of a non-profit organization’s ability to attract, retain, and protect the people who drive its mission forward. From ensuring fair and ethical treatment of employees to protecting the community members you serve, HR establishes policies and practices that align with your mission, vision, and values.
This guide will provide actionable advice on when to establish HR functions, the role of HR in protecting your mission, and free or low-cost resources tailored for non-profits.
What Does HR Mean for Non-Profits?
Mission-Aligned People Management: HR ensures that hiring, onboarding, and employee development align with your non-profit’s values and goals.
Compliance and Legal Protection: Policies safeguard your organization against potential risks such as discrimination claims, misclassification of workers, or payroll violations.
Culture Building: HR fosters an inclusive, supportive environment that motivates staff and volunteers.
Support for the Community You Serve: By establishing clear boundaries, codes of conduct, and training programs, HR ensures that both employees and community members feel safe and respected.
How Early Should You Set Up HR?
Early Stages (1-5 employees):
Create a basic HR framework, including:
Written job descriptions.
An employee handbook covering key policies (attendance, harassment, workplace expectations).
A payroll system to ensure compliance with labor laws.
Growth Phase (6-15 employees):
Implement structured performance evaluations and formalize onboarding processes.
Start tracking leave and benefits management.
Mature Organizations (16+ employees):
Hire an HR specialist or outsource HR functions.
Expand training programs for leadership, conflict resolution, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
Establish long-term retention strategies, like career development paths.
How HR Protects Your Non-Profit
Protecting Employees:
HR policies prevent workplace conflicts, ensure fair treatment, and create an environment where employees feel valued and supported.
Training programs help staff recognize and respond to harassment or misconduct.
Protecting the Community:
Clear codes of conduct ensure that employees and volunteers interact with community members ethically and respectfully.
Background checks help safeguard vulnerable populations.
Protecting the Mission:
Mismanagement of employees or legal violations can damage your reputation. HR ensures you operate ethically and legally, maintaining public trust.
A well-supported staff delivers on the mission more effectively.
Protecting Organizational Values:
HR ensures your culture reflects your values through recruitment, policies, and daily operations.
Core HR Functions for Non-Profits
Recruitment and Hiring:
Focus on hiring individuals who are mission-aligned and share your organizational values.
Use free platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn’s Nonprofit Resource Hub for job postings.
Onboarding and Training:
Provide a structured onboarding process that introduces new hires to your mission, vision, and policies.
Use free tools like Google Drive for document sharing and Loom for training videos.
Payroll and Benefits:
Use free or low-cost software like Gusto (free for small teams) or Wave for payroll management.
For benefits, look into non-profit-specific providers like Nonstop Wellness.
Employee and Volunteer Policies:
Create an employee handbook with clear policies on attendance, harassment, workplace behavior, and performance expectations.
Use templates from platforms like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) or Nonprofit Risk Management Center.
Compliance and Legal Requirements:
Stay up-to-date on labor laws, tax filings, and volunteer agreements to avoid legal pitfalls.
Free resources like HRforNonprofits.com provide guidance on compliance.
Free and Low-Cost HR Resources
Nonprofit Risk Management Center (NRMC): Offers free templates and webinars on HR policies and compliance.
Google Workspace for Nonprofits: Free tools for document management, collaboration, and tracking HR processes.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): Affordable non-profit memberships with access to HR templates and resources.
BambooHR Free Plan: A basic HR software for small teams to track employee data.
Wave: Free payroll and accounting software for small non-profits.
LinkedIn Nonprofit Hub: Guidance on recruitment and networking for non-profits.
Building HR Practices that Protect the Mission, Vision, and Values
Define Your Organizational Culture:
Articulate your mission, vision, and values clearly in all HR materials.
Reinforce these principles during hiring, onboarding, and team meetings.
Focus on DEI:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t optional—it’s essential for a healthy and mission-driven workplace.
Offer free training from resources like Coursera’s DEI courses or Nonprofit Learning Lab webinars.
Prioritize Staff and Volunteer Retention:
Show appreciation through regular check-ins, flexible work policies, and recognition programs.
Offer growth opportunities, even if budget constraints limit pay raises—mentorship programs are a great start.
Establish a Feedback Culture:
Provide avenues for employees and volunteers to share concerns or ideas without fear of retaliation.
Free tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey are great for collecting anonymous feedback.
Simple Advice to Begin
Start by creating an employee handbook, even if your organization is small. Include key policies, your mission, and expectations for staff and volunteers. Use free resources like templates from NRMC to save time and ensure compliance. As your organization grows, periodically review your HR practices to ensure they remain mission-aligned and legally compliant.
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