Nonprofit Volunteering: Considerations When Engaging Interns

If you supply insurance to nonprofit clients, they likely rely on unpaid help to keep things running smoothly. Whether it’s long-time volunteers or fresh-faced interns, nonprofit volunteering plays a huge role in making mission-driven work possible.

Interns, in particular, bring energy, curiosity, and a desire to learn. In return, they get valuable experience (and sometimes school credit). But here’s what your clients might not always think about: even though interns and volunteers aren’t on payroll, they can still create liability exposure.

If someone gets injured, ends up doing work outside their scope, or feels mistreated, the nonprofit could face a legal claim (just as they could with paid staff). According to the Nonprofit Risk Management Center, many organizations rush into internship programs without considering the risks associated with nonprofit volunteering. 

As their insurance partner, you can help them anticipate and address potential issues. Here’s how:

1. Start with a Solid Onboarding Process

Even unpaid team members need structure. Encourage your clients to clearly outline, in writing, what an intern or volunteer will be doing. A short description of duties, responsibilities, and protocols goes a long way.

Think basics like:

  • How to answer phones or greet visitors

  • What to do in case of an emergency

  • Rules around computer, email, or internet use

This helps set expectations and protects both sides.

2. Assign a Supervisor or Mentor

Interns aren’t just there to help; they are hoping to learn. That’s why it’s smart to have a designated point of contact who can answer questions, provide feedback, and make sure things stay on track.

It’s also a good way to spot red flags early and avoid confusion or mishaps that could lead to liability.

3. Make It a Learning Experience

One key difference between internships and other nonprofit volunteering roles is that interns typically seek to gain real-world experience for their future careers.

Encourage your clients to loop interns into things like:

  • Team meeting

  • Drafting communications or reports

  • Sitting in on calls or presentations

Not only does this create a more valuable experience for the intern, but it also makes the relationship more structured, which helps with risk management.

4. Put It in Writing

A simple internship agreement or volunteer commitment form can help clarify many potential misunderstandings. Include things like hours, scope of work, supervision, and what to do if issues come up.

It doesn’t have to be overly formal, just clear and consistent.

Interns and volunteers are the heart of many organizations, but they still come with risks. When discussing nonprofit volunteering with clients, encourage them to take a thoughtful approach, just as they would with their employees.

Helping them tighten up their onboarding and oversight not only reduces exposure – it builds a safer, more sustainable organization. 

About Charity First

Charity First is committed to providing our retail partners across the country with best-in-class underwriting, consistent and responsive service, and risk management services. To learn more, please contact us at 800-352-2761 or marketing@charityfirst.com.