Project · Operations, Finance & HR
HR handbook for nonprofits
Part of our operations, finance & hr support. Work on it with a coach, practitioner or cohort — and keep the result.
No credit card required · you own & control your data
You’ll walk away with
Employee handbook
Core HR policies
Onboarding checklist
- Typical length
- 6–10 weeks, plus time for legal review
- Who’s involved
- executive director (ED) or operations lead, about 2 hours a week; managers review drafts
Overview
What is an HR handbook project?
An HR handbook puts your workplace policies in one clear, current document that every employee receives. When it’s done, managers handle leave, pay and conduct questions the same way, and new hires know what to expect. Your policies also reflect the laws where your staff work.
Steps
How does an HR handbook project usually run?
01
Review what exists
Collect current policies, offer letters and unwritten practices.
02
Draft core policies
Write clear policies on time off, pay, conduct, complaints and remote work.
03
Check the law
Have employment counsel review policies where your state or local law requires it.
04
Roll it out
Share the handbook, collect signed acknowledgments and add an onboarding checklist.
Signs you need this
When does a nonprofit need an HR handbook project?
The most common sign a nonprofit needs an HR handbook project is “Your policies are a shared doc from years ago.” — here are the others to look for.
- Your policies are a shared doc from years ago.
- Managers handle the same issue differently.
- You’re hiring your first staff.
Delivery
How does Resilia deliver an HR handbook project?
Practitioner: an HR practitioner drafts the handbook with you. This is not legal advice, so legal review is recommended where required.
Practitioner time is scoped with you — or free to you if your funder sponsors it. Legal review, if needed, is separate.
Example
What does a finished HR handbook look like?
For example, a 12-person health clinic with staff in two states might finish with a 25-page handbook, a one-page time-off summary and a first-week onboarding checklist. Each employee would sign to confirm they received it.
Pitfalls
What are common mistakes to avoid?
- Copying another organization’s handbook without checking your own state’s laws.
- Writing policies you don’t actually follow.
- Never updating the handbook after laws or your practices change.
Related
What is an HR handbook project often paired with?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is this legal advice?
No. We help you build policies; have employment counsel review them where required.
How long does an HR handbook project take?
Typically 6–10 weeks, plus time for legal review. ED or operations lead, about 2 hours a week; managers review drafts.
How much does an HR handbook project cost?
Practitioner time is scoped with you — or free to you if your funder sponsors it. Legal review, if needed, is separate.
Who does the work on an HR handbook project?
An HR practitioner drafts with you; legal review is recommended where required.
Can we start an HR handbook project for free?
Yes. Start self-service for free in your workspace, then add a coach, practitioner or cohort when you’re ready — or ask your funder to sponsor it.
Can our funder pay for this?
Often, yes. Here’s how to ask.
Start this project.
I run a nonprofit
Start in your free workspace — no funder needed.
Start this projectNo credit card required · you own & control your data
Advise nonprofits? See how consultants work with Resilia.