Volunteer Liability Waiver & Release
Volunteer liability waiver and release of claims — organization, volunteer, activities, assumption of risk, release, and parent/guardian signature for minors.
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VOLUNTEER LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS
Organization: Riverside Community Food Bank
1200 River Road, Springfield, IL 62701
Volunteer: Jane Doe
45 Maple Street, Springfield, IL 62704
Date: May 23, 2026
In consideration of being permitted to volunteer with Riverside Community Food Bank (the "Organization"), I, the undersigned, on behalf of myself (the "Volunteer"), agree as follows:
1. VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
The Volunteer will participate in the following activities at The Organization's warehouse and community distribution sites in Sangamon County, Illinois:
Sorting and packing donated food, loading and unloading delivery vehicles, operating hand carts and pallet jacks, and assisting at community distribution events, including occasional lifting of boxes up to 30 lbs.
2. ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I understand that volunteering may involve inherent and other risks of injury, illness, property damage, or death, including risks from physical activity, lifting, equipment, vehicles, the conduct of others, and conditions at the activity sites. I knowingly and voluntarily ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, whether known or unknown.
3. RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I RELEASE, WAIVE, and DISCHARGE the Organization and its directors, officers, employees, agents, and other volunteers (the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action for any loss, injury, illness, or damage to the Volunteer arising out of or related to the volunteer activities, INCLUDING claims based on the ordinary NEGLIGENCE of the Released Parties.
This release does NOT apply to gross negligence, recklessness, or willful or intentional misconduct, and does not waive any right that cannot be waived under applicable law.
4. INDEMNIFICATION
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim brought by or on behalf of the Volunteer, or by a third party, to the extent arising from the Volunteer's own acts or omissions during the activities.
5. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I have read this waiver and release, understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, and sign it freely and voluntarily. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect.
6. EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION
If the Volunteer is injured or becomes ill and an authorized contact is not immediately reachable, I authorize the Organization to arrange first aid and emergency medical treatment, and I assume responsibility for the cost of such treatment. Emergency contact: John Doe, (217) 555-0142.
7. PHOTO / MEDIA RELEASE
I grant the Organization permission to photograph, film, or record the Volunteer during volunteer activities and to use such images for the Organization's noncommercial promotional, educational, and fundraising purposes, without compensation.
8. GOVERNING LAW
This waiver is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.
VOLUNTEER SIGNATURE
_____________________________ Date: ____________________
Jane Doe, Volunteer
About this template
A volunteer liability waiver asks a volunteer (or a minor's parent) to release a nonprofit or organization from responsibility if the volunteer is injured during their service. Three things determine whether it actually protects the organization. First, **scope**: a waiver can release ordinary *negligence* in most states, but in essentially every state it CANNOT release gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct — so the document should say so explicitly rather than over-reach and risk being struck down. Second, **clarity and conspicuousness**: courts enforce waivers that are plainly written and clearly flag that the signer is giving up the right to sue; buried or confusing release language is routinely voided. Third, and most misunderstood, **minors**: whether a parent can waive their own child's right to sue for negligence varies sharply by state — enforceable for many nonprofit/recreational activities in states like California and Ohio, but void or narrowly limited in others (Florida limits it by statute; some states reject it outright). A waiver should therefore pair the release with an explicit **assumption of risk** (which is generally more durable than the release itself) and, where useful, an emergency medical authorization and photo release. Note also the federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 protects the individual volunteer from negligence liability — but not the organization, which is exactly why organizations use waivers and carry insurance rather than relying on waivers alone.
When to use it
- Onboarding volunteers for a nonprofit, charity, school, church, or community event.
- One-time service days, fundraisers, builds, or cleanups with physical activity.
- Any volunteer activity involving tools, vehicles, lifting, or travel.
- Registering minor volunteers (with parent/guardian consent).
What to include
- Organization and volunteer identification.
- Specific description of the volunteer activities and locations.
- Assumption-of-risk acknowledgment (inherent and other risks).
- Release/waiver of claims limited to what the law allows (negligence yes; gross negligence no).
- Parent/guardian consent block for minor volunteers.
- Optional emergency medical authorization and photo/media release.