Meta: Discover the top background check companies for nonprofits in 2025. Compare features, pricing, and compliance support to find the best partner for you.
Nonprofits depend on trustworthy staff and volunteers to carry out their missions. Conducting background checks is essential for protecting communities, donors, and organizational reputations. In this guide, we review the top background check companies for nonprofits, comparing features, strengths, and potential drawbacks so you can find the best partner.
ScoutLogic
Best For: Nonprofits seeking a highly personalized screening partner with fast turnaround times and transparent pricing.
ScoutLogic is a background check company known for its dedicated account manager model. Every client gets a “Scout” – a real human partner – who proactively manages screenings, ensures compliance, and communicates about any delays. Most searches are completed in under one business day, and their dispute rate is just 0.02%. Pricing is quote-based, transparent, and tailored to nonprofit budgets.
Features:
- Dedicated account manager (“Scout”)
- Volunteer and employee screening packages
- FCRA-compliant processes across all states
- ATS integration and open API
- SOC 2 certified, PCI-DSS compliant security
Pros:
- Hands-on service with real-time updates
- Fast turnaround and low error rate
- Transparent, customized pricing
- Strong compliance support
Cons:
- Requires contacting sales for pricing setup
- Less brand recognition than large firms
- Limited international coverage
GoodHire
Best For: Small to mid-sized nonprofits that want an easy-to-use, compliant platform with pay-as-you-go flexibility.
GoodHire (a Checkr company) is trusted by over 3,000 nonprofits. It offers straightforward online setup, no long-term contracts, and package pricing starting at $29.99. Its system automates legal compliance steps, making the candidate/volunteer experience inviting and transparent.
Features:
- Three tiered packages (Basic+, Essential, Complete)
- Over 100 add-on screenings
- Automated compliance workflows
- Volunteer-friendly features like context comments
- ATS integrations
Pros:
- Intuitive, mobile-friendly platform
- Pay-as-you-go model with no minimums
- Strong FCRA and “ban the box” compliance tools
- Positive candidate experience
Cons:
- One-time setup fee for account verification
- Limited dedicated account support for small users
- Add-on verifications increase costs
Checkr
Best For: Nonprofits with high-volume or rapid onboarding needs that want automation and deep software integration.
Checkr is a Silicon Valley–born platform that delivers lightning-fast criminal checks (often within an hour) using AI-driven processes. It integrates with 100+ HR and volunteer management systems, offers an open API, and provides compliance tools like its Positive Adjudication Matrix to filter out irrelevant records.
Features:
- Basic+, Essential, Professional packages
- Automated, AI-driven background checks
- ATS/HRIS integrations and open API
- Candidate self-service portal
- Continuous monitoring options
Pros:
- Extremely fast turnaround for most checks
- Scalable for large volunteer programs
- Seamless integration with existing systems
- Transparency for candidates
Cons:
- Limited personal support for small nonprofits
- Add-ons (education, employment verification) cost extra
- Less nonprofit-specific focus compared to Sterling
iProspectCheck
Best For: Compliance-heavy nonprofits in healthcare, childcare, or education needing customizable packages with strong support.
iProspectCheck offers transparent pricing (basic checks around $24.95, premium with verifications ~$79.95) and volume discounts. It provides a wide range of screening services, from criminal searches to DOT compliance, backed by U.S.-based customer service with no phone trees and dedicated account teams.
Features:
- Customizable packages and add-ons
- Employment, education, healthcare verifications
- SwiftHire mobile candidate app
- ATS integrations (Jobvite, Taleo, etc.)
- 100% U.S.-based support
Pros:
- Transparent pricing and volume discounts
- Personalized, high-touch service
- Comprehensive service suite under one provider
- Strong compliance knowledge
Cons:
- Manual setup process (no instant online purchase)
- Less global reach compared to enterprise firms
- No volunteer community features like Sterling
First Advantage
Best For: Large-scale nonprofits, universities, and global organizations needing enterprise-level coverage.
First Advantage is a long-established, global provider offering extensive packages and international reach. Packages start at $29 but often require higher tiers ($44+) for county-level checks. It integrates with major ATS systems, offers drug testing and DOT compliance, and provides analytics dashboards for HR teams.
Features:
- Four tiered packages (Basic, Standard, Choice, Premium)
- Global criminal and verification services
- ATS/HRIS integrations
- Drug testing and healthcare checks
- Candidate portal and mobile app
Pros:
- Scalable for enterprise and global programs
- Comprehensive range of screening services
- Advanced analytics for large HR teams
- Strong brand recognition
Cons:
- Higher costs for full coverage
- Impersonal customer service, low BBB ratings
- No volunteer-centric features
Sterling Volunteers
Best For: Volunteer-driven nonprofits that want cost-sharing, portability of checks, and volunteer-specific features.
Sterling Volunteers was built for nonprofits and allows volunteers to create accounts, pay for or share the cost of their checks, and share results across organizations. Nonprofits benefit from discounted pricing, free monthly updates for one year, and built-in compliance workflows.
Features:
- Volunteer-focused background check packages
- Volunteer community for report sharing
- Cost-sharing options (volunteer pay, nonprofit pay, or split)
- Management dashboard for coordinators
- Monthly re-checks for 12 months
Pros:
- Purpose-built for nonprofits and volunteers
- Significant cost savings through volunteer contributions
- Easy reuse of checks across organizations
- Continuous monitoring included
Cons:
- Limited customization of packages
- Not ideal for staff employment checks
- Dependent on volunteers using the online system
IntelliCorp
Best For: Cost-conscious nonprofits needing thorough, compliant checks at flat, affordable rates.
IntelliCorp (a Cisive company) offers nonprofit-specific packages like “Charity First,” priced at just $19, including a national database search, sex offender registry, DOC search, alias trace, and unlimited county criminal searches. They also provide training, compliance tools, and personalized support.
Features:
- Discounted nonprofit packages (~$19)
- Unlimited county searches in core package
- Add-ons: MVRs, verifications, drug tests, I-9/E-Verify
- Candidate self-entry portal
- Compliance resources and training sessions
Pros:
- Unmatched value for cost-conscious nonprofits
- Comprehensive checks at a flat fee
- Compliance training and resources included
- High accuracy and low dispute rates
Cons:
- Manual setup through nonprofit associations
- Limited international screening options
- Fewer instant software integrations
Choosing the Right Background Check Company
When deciding which background check company is right for your nonprofit, consider these factors:
- Organization Size: Large nonprofits or global NGOs benefit from enterprise providers like Checkr or First Advantage, while smaller nonprofits find cost-effective solutions in IntelliCorp or GoodHire.
- Mission Focus: Volunteer-heavy organizations may prefer Sterling Volunteers for its cost-sharing and sharing community. Compliance-driven nonprofits in healthcare or education might choose iProspectCheck.
- Compliance Needs: All providers listed are FCRA-compliant, but those operating across multiple states should prioritize strong compliance support like ScoutLogic or iProspectCheck.
- Budget: For maximum affordability, IntelliCorp and Sterling Volunteers stand out, while ScoutLogic and GoodHire balance value with service.
- User Experience: If integrations and automation are priorities, Checkr leads. For nonprofits that want dedicated, human support, ScoutLogic and iProspectCheck provide personal service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Highest-Rated Background Check Company?
ScoutLogic is widely regarded as one of the highest-rated background check companies for nonprofits due to its personalized service, fast turnaround, and transparent pricing. Unlike larger firms, ScoutLogic provides each client with a dedicated account manager, ensuring tailored support and compliance guidance that consistently earns top satisfaction ratings.
Which Two Types Of Background Checks Are Most Commonly Used By Organizations?
The two most common background checks are criminal history searches and employment verification. Criminal checks help organizations protect vulnerable communities and comply with legal standards. Employment verification ensures candidates accurately represent their experience. Together, these screenings form the foundation of most nonprofit and corporate background check programs.
Choosing the Right Screening Partner Matters for Nonprofits
In 2025, nonprofits face increasing pressure to protect their communities, safeguard reputations, and streamline onboarding. The leading background check companies all bring useful capabilities, from automation to cost savings, but volunteer background checks demand more than just efficiency. They require guidance, compliance expertise, and human support. That’s where ScoutLogic rises above the rest, offering nonprofits a trusted partner that delivers accuracy, speed, and the reassurance that every volunteer has been screened with care.