Basics of a Volunteer Application Form

Nonprofits should check with legal counsel about necessary safeguards and to help draft or approve its volunteer application forms.

Those forms vary from organization to organization but typically have the following components.

• Contact information, including an email address
• Birth Date and social security number (necessary for background checks or credit checks)
• Emergency contact; relationship of the contact, address and phone #
• Previous work or volunteer experience
• Highest education level reached
• Language/s spoken
• Physical limitations

• Current Employer
• Other organizations where applicant has volunteered
• Description of training or experience that may be pertinent to the volunteer position desired.
• Statement of and description of prior criminal convictions or offenses
• Certifications such as First Aid and CPR with dates of certification and expiration dates.
• Valid driver’s license #
• References: One or more personal references with contact information; and one or more professional or work-related references with supervisor’s name and contact information
• Skills checklist (list skills needed in organization’s volunteer positions such as computer, tutoring, clerical skills, phone calling, teaching, supervision, etc.
• Preferred volunteer areas (list regular volunteer jobs that applicant can check if interested)
• Reason for volunteering
• How did you hear about us?
• Hours and days available for volunteer work
• Include any disclaimers from the organization. For instance, you could include a fair and equal opportunity statement and a list of requirements for volunteers such as reference check, interview, trial period, and required training.
• Signature of applicant and date of signature

Some nonprofits make their volunteer applications available online.