Keeping Nonprofits Safe: The Mission of Safety for Nonprofits (S4NP) 

Many of us dedicate our time and resources to supporting the invaluable work of nonprofit organizations. They tackle some of society’s most pressing issues, from providing vital social services to protecting the environment. But how often do we stop to consider the well-being of the individuals who make these missions possible? This is where Safety for Nonprofits, also known as S4NP, steps in to play a critical role. 

Founded in 2019 by a group of passionate Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professionals, S4NP is dedicated to creating a safe and healthy working environment for workers and volunteers alike in the nonprofit sector. We recognize the unique challenges faced by our clients.  Often, nonprofits lack the resources and expertise to implement robust safety protocols. Many operate on tight budgets, limited staff, and count on volunteers to perform tasks and services.  At S4NP we understand nonprofit organizations.   

We provide tailored solutions to help them meet their operations and services goals safely.  Our services include: 

Awareness Training: Our interactive workshops equip nonprofit leaders and volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and mitigate risks. Participants gain valuable insights into potential hazards specific to their work environment, emergency preparedness measures, and best practices for safe handling of materials and equipment.  

On-Site Consultation: For more comprehensive support, S4NP provides on-site risk assessments and detailed safety reviews. OHS professionals visit the nonprofit’s facilities and conduct thorough evaluations, pinpointing areas for improvement and recommending effective risk reduction strategies. This personalized approach helps organizations develop a robust safety culture and ensure the well-being of all stakeholders, staff, workers and volunteers alike. 

Virtual Advisory Services: Free phone consultations provide immediate access to EHS professionals. Nonprofit staff receive personalized guidance and support on specific safety concerns, such as developing policies and procedures, addressing unique hazards associated with their programs and activities, and navigating insurance requirements. These consultations offer valuable expertise without the burden of additional costs. 

Volunteer Onboarding and Training Software:  S4NP has partnered with Wombat Software to offer nonprofits free access to software that will help them onboard new volunteers, track the completion of safety training and maintain health and safety documentation such as inspection checklists and more.  

By providing these services, S4NP empowers non-profit organizations to protect their employees, volunteers, and beneficiaries. We help them continue their crucial work without compromising safety.  

I joined S4NP to give back to my community.  It’s especially rewarding to be able to be involved in volunteering while using my professional skills and knowledge.   I invite everyone to check out our webpage at https://www.s4np.org/ and join our team of volunteers.   

Sharon Shindel is an Encore Fellow and the Arizona Team Lead for Safety for NonProfits (S4NP). Sharon holds an MS in Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and retired in 2023 from the Global EHS team at Intel Corporation after 27 years. Sharon has received both CIH and CSP certifications.