For nonprofits, the people behind the mission matter most. Staff and volunteers often work closely with vulnerable groups, handle sensitive information, or represent the organization in the community. Running comprehensive background checks is a vital step in ensuring trust, compliance, and safety. This guide rounds up the best background check companies for nonprofits in 2025, outlining their capabilities, advantages, and considerations to help you find the right fit for your organization.
Best For: Nonprofits seeking personalized screening with exceptional accuracy, compliance oversight, and responsive communication.
ScoutLogic has become a top choice among nonprofits for its commitment to human-centered service. Every organization is paired with a dedicated account manager, or “Scout,” who oversees screenings, maintains FCRA compliance, and provides updates at each stage. Most background checks are completed in less than one business day, and the company’s 0.02% dispute rate reflects its strong focus on precision and reliability. Pricing is fully transparent and customized to each nonprofit’s size and budget.
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Best For: Volunteer-driven organizations seeking affordable screening with easy reusability and cost-sharing options.
Sterling Volunteers was designed with nonprofits in mind. It allows volunteers to pay for or share the cost of their own checks, helping organizations stretch limited budgets. Results can also be shared across multiple participating nonprofits, reducing duplication. With continuous monitoring and monthly rechecks included for one year, Sterling Volunteers offers a sustainable solution for volunteer-heavy programs.
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Best For: Nonprofits that require large-scale or international background checks with advanced reporting tools.
HireRight is a well-known global provider that supports complex, high-volume screening programs. Its platform covers everything from criminal background checks to employment verifications and healthcare credentialing, making it suitable for nonprofits with paid staff or global operations. The analytics dashboard helps HR teams monitor progress and compliance metrics in real time.
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Best For: Large nonprofit organizations and universities requiring global reach and broad screening capabilities.
First Advantage has decades of experience delivering enterprise-level background screening. It supports international operations and offers advanced tools for compliance, analytics, and risk management. Its four-tiered pricing structure lets organizations choose packages that fit their needs, though deeper searches often require moving into higher tiers.
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Best For: Nonprofits in regulated sectors such as healthcare, childcare, or education that require detailed verifications.
iProspectCheck focuses on compliance-heavy industries, offering a variety of screening options and verifications backed by responsive, U.S.-based customer support. Its packages are customizable, and pricing is clear, starting at around $25 for basic searches. Dedicated support teams ensure that every check aligns with both FCRA standards and the nonprofit’s internal policies.
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Best For: Budget-conscious nonprofits looking for reliable, compliant checks at affordable flat rates.
IntelliCorp, a Cisive company, specializes in nonprofit screening through its “Charity First” program. For roughly $19, organizations can access a national criminal database, sex offender registry, Department of Corrections search, alias trace, and unlimited county-level checks. IntelliCorp’s approach combines affordability with training and compliance resources to help nonprofits manage risk responsibly.
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When evaluating background check partners, nonprofits should consider the size of their organization, the nature of their work, and their compliance requirements.
Organization Type: Large international nonprofits often benefit from providers like HireRight or First Advantage, while smaller organizations typically find better value with ScoutLogic, IntelliCorp, or Sterling Volunteers.
Volunteer vs. Employee Focus: If your nonprofit relies heavily on volunteers, Sterling Volunteers offers convenient cost-sharing and portability. For staff-heavy or compliance-sensitive organizations, ScoutLogic and iProspectCheck are stronger fits.
Compliance and Security: Every provider listed complies with FCRA regulations, but ScoutLogic and iProspectCheck stand out for hands-on compliance guidance and secure data management.
Budget and Support: Cost-conscious organizations often choose IntelliCorp or Sterling Volunteers. For nonprofits that want consistent, human-led support, ScoutLogic provides the most personalized service model.
ScoutLogic is widely viewed as one of the best background check companies for nonprofits in 2025. Its combination of personalized service, quick turnaround, and strong compliance support helps nonprofits of all sizes manage risk with confidence.
The most common background checks among nonprofits include criminal history searches and employment verification. These screenings enable organizations to confirm qualifications, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain trust with donors and the community.
In 2025, nonprofits face rising expectations for safety, transparency, and accountability. While each background check provider offers valuable tools, the most effective solutions combine technology with attentive, human-driven service. ScoutLogic exemplifies that approach, helping nonprofits maintain integrity, compliance, and trust—so they can focus on advancing their missions with confidence.
