Free Downloadable Non-Disclosure Agreement Templates for Nonprofit Organizations

From my decade-plus experience designing contract templates for U.S. nonprofits, I’ve learned that a solid non disclosure agreement template for nonprofit organizations can save time, reduce risk, and strengthen governance. In this guide, I share a free, downloadable version you can customize for your mission-driven team. You’ll also find a volunteer confidentiality agreement sample and insight into a non profit confidentiality agreement that protects sensitive program information. The templates are written for U.S. nonprofits and volunteers, with clear definitions, obligations, and remedies that support board governance and grant reporting requirements.

Disclaimer: Not legal advice; consult pro.

Why a non disclosure agreement template for nonprofit organizations matters

Nonprofits handle a range of sensitive information, from donor identities to grant proposals, program data, and partnership details. Protecting this information isn’t just about safeguarding assets; it also underpins trust with donors, beneficiaries, and volunteers. In my practice, I’ve seen how a well-crafted NDA helps prevent inadvertent disclosures during collaborations, vendor arrangements, or volunteer activities.

Consider the typical flow of information in a nonprofit setting:

• Donor lists and donor-advised funds may be sensitive and protected by privacy expectations.
• Program metrics, evaluation results, and participant data can be confidential and personally identifiable.
• Partnership agreements, grant proposals, and funding strategies often involve competitive or strategic information.
• Volunteer and staff access to systems, databases, and donor management software creates opportunities for data leakage if not properly controlled.

Having a non disclosure agreement template tailored for nonprofit organizations supports consistent governance. It clarifies who may receive confidential information, what counts as confidential, what volunteers, employees, vendors, and partners must do to protect information, and what happens if a breach occurs. For governance, the template also aligns with common nonprofit requirements for transparency and accountability, including how information should be handled in annual reports and grant audits.

IRS guidance for charitable organizations emphasizes governance and compliance as central to a nonprofit’s mission. While the NDA itself is a contract between parties, advising staff and volunteers on appropriate information handling aligns with broader governance best practices described by IRS resources. For more context, see IRS.gov’s Charities & Non-Profits resources, which discuss governance, reporting, and compliance considerations for organizations that operate in the public interest. IRS.gov — Charities & Non-Profits.

What the free template covers for non profit confidentiality agreement

The free non disclosure agreement template for nonprofit organizations is designed to be practical, easy to customize, and legally robust across common nonprofit scenarios. In my templates I include sections that protect confidential information while remaining adaptable to different states and programs. Here are the core components you’ll typically find in the template:

• Parties and purpose: Identifies the nonprofit entity, the recipient of confidential information (volunteer, employee, consultant, board member, vendor), and the purpose of sharing information.
• Definition of Confidential Information: Broad but clear lines around what counts as confidential, including donor lists, grant proposals, evaluation data, sources of funding, system passwords, internal policies, and confidential project materials.
• Exclusions from Confidential Information: Information that is publicly known, independently developed without reference to confidential material, or received legally from a third party without duty of confidentiality.
• Obligations of Receiving Party: Requirements to protect information (e.g., reasonable care, access controls, use restrictions) and limits on disclosure to third parties, except as explicitly permitted by the agreement.
• Permitted Disclosures: Scenarios where disclosure is allowed, such as disclosure to professionals bound by confidentiality, or when required by law with notice to the disclosing party.
• Term and Material Return/Destruction: Length of the obligation and practical steps for returning or destroying materials at the end of the engagement or upon request.
• Remedies and Injunctive Relief: Acknowledgment that breaches may cause irreparable harm and that the nonprofit may seek injunctive relief in addition to other remedies.
• Governing Law and Venue: Guides which state law governs the agreement and where disputes would be resolved; typically aligned with the nonprofit’s state of incorporation or principal place of business.
• No Waiver; Severability: Provisions noting that failure to enforce a right does not waive it, and that the rest of the agreement remains enforceable if a clause is invalid.
• Miscellaneous Provisions: Assignment, notices, entire agreement, amendments, and counterparts for signature.

The template is designed so you can modify sections to reflect program-specific needs without creating inconsistent language across multiple documents. In addition, I’ve included a volunteer confidentiality agreement sample option within the same template package to ensure you have language tailored for volunteers as distinct from contractors or staff.

Volunteer confidentiality agreement sample: language you can use

Volunteers often handle sensitive information during program delivery, fundraising events, and outreach activities. The volunteer confidentiality agreement sample below is included in the template package to give you a ready-to-use starting point. You can adapt the language to your jurisdiction and the level of access volunteers have.

• Definition of Confidential Information: “Confidential Information” means all non-public information disclosed by the nonprofit to the volunteer, including donor lists, program data, participant information, operational procedures, and any other information designated as confidential at the time of disclosure or in writing within a reasonable period after disclosure.
• Obligations: The volunteer agrees to keep Confidential Information confidential, to use it only for authorized purposes, and to take reasonable steps to protect it from unauthorized access, disclosure, or duplication.
• Limitations on Use: The volunteer may not disclose Confidential Information to any third party except as required by law or as expressly permitted in writing by the nonprofit’s designated officer.
• Return or Destruction: Upon request or at the end of the volunteer engagement, the volunteer shall return or securely destroy all Confidential Information in their possession or control, including copies and any devices or materials containing such information.
• Term: The confidentiality obligation lasts for a specified period after the engagement ends, such as two to five years, or as long as the information remains confidential.

Sample language you can copy into your NDA for volunteers:

“The Volunteer acknowledges that all Confidential Information disclosed during the term of this Agreement is the exclusive property of the Nonprofit. The Volunteer agrees to use Confidential Information solely for the purpose of supporting the Nonprofit’s programs and not for any personal or third-party advantage. The Volunteer will not disclose Confidential Information to any third party except as necessary to fulfill program duties and only with the Nonprofit’s prior written consent.”

Again, tailor the sample to your state law and the specifics of your volunteer program. The point is to set clear expectations so volunteers understand their confidentiality obligations from day one.

Key terms every nonprofit should customize

To make the non disclosure agreement template truly useful, customize certain terms to fit your organization’s structure, programs, and risk tolerance. Here are the key terms I regularly adjust in nonprofit templates:

• Parties — Make sure you correctly identify the nonprofit entity, the recipient of confidential information, and any affiliated entities if applicable (for example, parent organizations or sister nonprofits).
• Definition of Confidential Information — Consider including categories like donor data, fundraising strategies, grant applications, budgets, internal policies, IT credentials, and vendor agreements.
• Permitted Disclosures — Align with state law on compelled disclosures (e.g., by court order) and ensure the nonprofit has a chance to seek protective orders when appropriate.
• Term — Decide how long the obligation lasts. For some information, a shorter term is reasonable; for highly sensitive donor data, a longer or perpetual protection may be appropriate.
• Remedies — Determine whether the remedy includes injunctive relief, monetary damages, or both. Consider whether to require notice and an opportunity to cure a breach where appropriate.
• Governing Law — Choose the state whose law governs the agreement, typically where the nonprofit is incorporated or operates most of its programs.
• Return/Destruction — Define how confidential materials should be returned or destroyed, and whether backups must be wiped or retained with appropriate safeguards.

As you customize, keep your organization’s policies front and center—especially information security standards, data retention policies, and donor privacy commitments. A well-aligned NDA complements these policies and helps ensure consistent practice across teams and programs.

Implementation steps for your team

Implementing an NDA template effectively requires a practical process. In my experience, nonprofits benefit from a streamlined approach that involves governance, program managers, and HR or volunteer coordinators. Here are the steps I recommend:

• Identify stakeholders: Board governance, legal counsel (if available), development/fundraising, program management, volunteer coordinators, and IT/security leads.
• Choose the scope: Decide whether the NDA covers volunteers, contractors, consultants, board members, vendors, or all of the above. Clarify which information categories are protected.
• Adapt for state law: Review governing law provisions. If your nonprofit operates in multiple states, you may need a flexible framework or state-specific addenda.
• Prepare accompanying policies: Pair the NDA with data protection policies, acceptable-use guidelines for technology, and a brief training module for volunteers and staff.
• Train and socialize: Run a short training session for new volunteers and staff to explain confidentiality expectations, the rationale behind them, and practical steps to protect information.
• Maintain and renew: Schedule periodic reviews of the NDA template to reflect policy changes, regulatory updates, or new partnerships.\n

Documentation matters. Keep signed NDAs in a secure repository, and ensure that any electronic signatures comply with applicable state laws and nonprofit governance standards. A systematic approach helps reduce the risk of miscommunication and ensures that everyone understands their obligations from the outset.

Non profit confidentiality agreement: how to align with governance and reporting

Confidentiality agreements don’t exist in a vacuum. They interact with your nonprofit’s governance framework, grant requirements, and donor expectations. A thoughtful non profit confidentiality agreement supports governance in several ways:

• It clarifies roles and responsibilities around information access, reducing the likelihood of accidental disclosures during collaborations, audits, or grant reporting.
• It helps protect donor privacy, which can be a factor in ongoing fundraising and program integrity.
• It provides a formal mechanism to address breaches, including remedies that align with your organization’s governance policies and culture.
• It complements policies on data security, IT controls, and staff training, creating a cohesive framework for information protection.

For governance context and compliance considerations, refer to IRS resources on charities and nonprofits. They discuss governance best practices and transparency expectations that often inform an organization’s approach to information handling. See IRS.gov’s Charities & Non-Profits resources for broader governance guidance: IRS.gov — Charities & Non-Profits. For information about annual reporting and compliance, you can also review About Form 990 on IRS.gov: IRS.gov — About Form 990.

Download, use, and maintain your templates

The centerpiece of this article is a free downloadable template you can customize for your nonprofit. The template includes the core non disclosure agreement for nonprofit organizations, plus a volunteer confidentiality agreement sample section you can adapt for volunteers, staff, or contractors. To access the free download, click the link below:

Download the Free Non-Disclosure Agreement Template for Nonprofit Organizations

Tips for using the download effectively:

• Open the document in a word processor that supports your organization’s signature process (e.g., electronic signatures or scanned IDs for hard copies).
• Replace placeholders with your nonprofit’s actual name, the recipient’s name, and the specific project or program to which confidential information pertains.
• Adapt definitions and exceptions to reflect your program’s data handling practices and donor privacy commitments.
• Attach any relevant policies (data security policy, acceptable-use policy, data retention schedules) as exhibits so the agreement points to established standards.
• Distribute to volunteers, contractors, staff, and partners based on their access level to confidential information. Maintain a signed copy in your secure records system.

If you’re unsure about certain provisions or want a state-specific version, you can use this template as a baseline and consult with your attorney or a pro bono legal clinic for tailored guidance.

Table: quick reference of template features

Template Type	Who it's For	Key Fields Included
Non-disclosure agreement template for nonprofit organizations	Volunteers, contractors, staff, board members, vendors	Parties, confidential information, exclusions, obligations, term, remedies, governing law
Volunteer confidentiality agreement sample	Volunteers and program participants	Definition of Confidential Information, obligations, return/destruction, term
Non profit confidentiality agreement (general)	Any nonprofit collaborations or grant-related activities	Permitted disclosures, injunctive relief, governing law, miscellaneous provisions

Additional considerations for nonprofits drafting NDAs

While the templates provide a solid foundation, consider these practical considerations when finalizing an NDA for a nonprofit setting:

• : Ensure confidentiality terms align with your donor privacy policies and any grant-specific data handling requirements.
• : Limit sensitive data to what is necessary for the engagement and implement data minimization practices.
• : Define whether confidentiality obligations differ by role, and whether volunteers require training on privacy expectations.
• : If volunteers or partners operate across state lines or internationally, address cross-border data transfer and applicable laws.
• : Consider how the organization will enforce the NDA in practice, including breach reporting channels and internal escalation procedures.

Compliance and governance notes

Confidentiality is part of a broader governance posture. Nonprofits are expected to safeguard sensitive information and maintain appropriate controls to protect donors, beneficiaries, and program integrity. While an NDA is a tool, it works best when integrated with data protection policies, staff training, incident response plans, and a clear escalation path for potential breaches.

For governance guidance and to align with best practices, many nonprofits reference IRS resources on governance and compliance. You can explore the IRS’s general guidance here: IRS.gov — Charities & Non-Profits, and for specifics on reporting obligations: IRS.gov — About Form 990.

Final thoughts and practical tips

In practice, the right NDA helps you move confidential information with confidence. It clarifies expectations, reduces the friction of information sharing in collaborations, and provides a clear mechanism for addressing concerns when things go wrong. The free template package I’ve described is designed to be adaptable, practical, and aligned with the realities of small and mid-sized nonprofits. If your organization relies on volunteers or partners to deliver critical programs, investing time in a thoughtful confidentiality framework pays dividends in trust and efficiency.

As you implement, keep a few best practices in mind:

• Start with a clean version of the template and maintain a version history for edits and approvals.
• Document who signs the NDA and ensure signatures are captured before exchanging confidential information.
• Keep exhibits and policies updated and referenced in the main agreement to avoid inconsistencies.
• Provide ongoing training on privacy expectations, especially for volunteers who gain access to donor data or program materials.

Additional resources and references

For governance and compliance context, the following IRS resources can be helpful as you refine your confidentiality practices and organizational policies:

• IRS.gov — Charities & Non-Profits
• IRS.gov — About Form 990
• IRS.gov — Governance for Charities

Note: This article is intended to help nonprofits develop practical NDA templates and is not legal advice. If you need tailored guidance, consult a qualified attorney or a pro bono clinic that works with nonprofits in your state.

Key terms to remember when you review or draft NDAs for your nonprofit:

• Confidential Information: Any non-public data disclosed in the context of the engagement.
• Receiving Party: The person who receives confidential information and bears the responsibility to protect it.
• Permitted Disclosures: Limited scenarios where disclosure is allowed by the agreement or law.
• Term: The duration of the confidentiality obligation after disclosure ends.
• Remedies: The legal options available to protect or recover from a breach.
• Governing Law: The state law that governs the interpretation and enforcement of the NDA.

Armed with a solid NDA template, your nonprofit can share information more confidently with partners, volunteers, and vendors while preserving donor trust and program integrity. If you’re ready to start, download the free template and customize it to your organization’s needs. And as you do, remember that prudent governance and compliant practices often go hand in hand with clear, well-drafted confidentiality agreements.