Non-Profit Organizations: Do You Need Labor Law Posters Too?

Non-Profit Organizations: Do You Need Labor Law Posters Too?

Non-profit organizations play a critical role in our communities, from education and healthcare to advocacy and social services. While their mission is service-oriented, non-profits are still employers. This means they must comply with labor laws, including posting labor law notices.

Many non-profits mistakenly assume that because they are tax-exempt or charitable, labor law posters do not apply. This is not true. Any non-profit with paid staff must display federal and state labor law posters to inform employees of their rights and protect the organization from penalties.

In this blog, we will explain why labor law posters are essential for non-profits, which posters are required, how to manage them for remote or hybrid employees, and how to stay compliant easily.

Why Labor Law Posters Matter for Non-Profits

Labor law posters serve multiple purposes:

  • Educate employees about their rights.
  • Promote transparency in the workplace.
  • Protect the organization from fines and legal issues.

Even small non-profits with only a few employees must comply. Displaying the correct posters is a simple yet crucial step to avoid unnecessary risks.

For organizations with remote or hybrid staff, check our article on how labor law posters differ for remote and hybrid workers to understand digital compliance strategies.

Federal Labor Law Posters Every Non-Profit Needs

Non-profits should display the following federal posters:

  1. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – Minimum wage, overtime, and child labor rules.
  2. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Employee leave rights for family and medical needs.
  3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Workplace safety rights.
  4. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) – Prohibits workplace discrimination.
  5. Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) – Restrictions on lie detector tests.
  6. USERRA – Employment rights for returning military personnel.

Non-profits with federal contracts may also need additional posters like Davis-Bacon or Service Contract Act notices.

State and Local Labor Law Posters

State and Local Labor Law Posters

In addition to federal posters, non-profits must comply with state and local requirements. These may include:

  • State minimum wage laws
  • Workers’ compensation notices
  • Unemployment insurance postings
  • Anti-discrimination and harassment posters
  • Paid sick leave or family leave posters

If your non-profit operates in multiple locations, each site may have specific poster requirements. Accurate placement and updated posters are key to compliance.

Placement Guidelines for Non-Profit Workplaces

Labor law posters must be visible and accessible to all employees. Recommended locations include:

  • Staff break rooms or lounges
  • Administrative offices or reception areas
  • Human resources offices
  • On-site community centers or program locations

For remote staff, posters should also be available digitally through intranets, email, or HR portals. This ensures everyone has access, no matter where they work.

Volunteers and Interns

Many non-profits rely on volunteers and interns. While unpaid volunteers are generally exempt from labor law posters, any paid interns or student workers are covered under federal and state labor laws. Displaying posters ensures that these employees are aware of their rights.

Digital Compliance for Remote and Hybrid Teams

Hybrid and remote work is common in non-profits. Digital labor law posters are legally acceptable if employees routinely receive information electronically. Best practices include:

  • Posting on your organization’s intranet or HR portal
  • Including posters in onboarding emails or packets
  • Sending updates whenever posters change
  • Making posters accessible on mobile devices

Digital posting complements physical displays to ensure full compliance.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to display labor law posters can lead to serious consequences:

  • Fines and penalties from federal or state agencies
  • Legal exposure in employee disputes
  • Failed audits from regulators or funding agencies
  • Reputational damage within the community and among donors

For lessons on compliance challenges in other sectors, see labor law poster requirements for educational institutions. Many of the same best practices apply to non-profits.

Best Practices for Managing Posters

Non-profits can simplify compliance with these steps:

  1. Audit all locations to identify required posters.
  2. Assign responsibility to HR or compliance staff.
  3. Update posters regularly to reflect current laws.
  4. Document compliance with photos and logs.
  5. Use professional poster services like StateLaborPoster.com for automatic updates and state-specific sets.

Professional solutions save time, reduce errors, and ensure consistent compliance across all sites.

Building a Transparent Organizational Culture

Labor law posters are more than legal requirements—they reinforce trust and transparency. Employees feel respected and informed when their rights are clearly communicated. For non-profits, this contributes to a positive culture and supports the organization’s mission of integrity and accountability.

Multi-Location Non-Profits

Organizations with multiple sites should ensure:

  • Posters are displayed in every location.
  • All sites have consistent, up-to-date posters.
  • Remote staff have digital access to notices.

Using professional poster services ensures uniform compliance and peace of mind for administrators.

Labor Law Posters as a Compliance Investment

Labor Law Posters as a Compliance Investment

Posters are not just compliance tools—they are an investment in your organization’s legal and ethical standards. They:

  • Reduce risk of fines and legal issues
  • Educate employees about their rights
  • Demonstrate transparency and accountability
  • Simplify compliance management with professional services

Non-profit organizations are legally required to post labor law notices for their employees. Federal, state, and local posters ensure staff are informed about workplace rights, safety, and anti-discrimination protections.

Proper placement, regular updates, and digital accessibility are essential for compliance, especially for organizations with remote, hybrid, or multi-site operations.

Investing in professional labor law poster solutions from StateLaborPoster.com ensures your non-profit stays compliant, reduces administrative burden, and protects your organization’s reputation. Compliance is more than a legal requirement—it reflects your non-profit’s commitment to fairness, integrity, and respect for employees.