Civil Claims and Lawsuits – Liability Protections for SCORE Volunteers

At SCORE, we deeply value the time, expertise, and goodwill that our volunteers contribute to supporting America’s small business community. To protect you while you perform your volunteer duties, SCORE and its partners provide multiple layers of liability protection in the event of a civil claim or lawsuit. Below is an overview of the key protections in place for SCORE mentors and other volunteers.

1. Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Coverage 

While recognized Resource Partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE volunteers may be considered federal employees for the purposes of civil liability protection under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

This means:

• Volunteers acting within the scope of their SCORE duties may be defended by the U.S. Department of Justice if sued for alleged negligence.
  
  
• Any valid claims are paid from the federal judgment fund, not by the individual volunteer.
  
  

Note: This protection applies while SCORE remains officially designated as a Resource Partner under its cooperative agreement with the SBA. 

2. SCORE’s Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance Policy

SCORE maintains a Professional Liability Insurance policy (also called Errors & Omissions insurance) to provide additional coverage for claims of negligence, errors, or failure to perform professional services.

Key policy features:

• Coverage Limit: Up to $2,000,000
• Deductible: $5,000 per claim (paid by SCORE)
• Insurer: The Hartford
• Duty to Defend: The insurer provides legal defense for covered claims, even if the allegations are unfounded.

Covered Professional Services:

“Consulting, mentoring, and training services requiring special learning or intellectual skill, performed by the Insured, in the ordinary conduct of its profession, for others for a fee, remuneration, or other consideration.”

This means that mentoring, advising, and training services provided by SCORE volunteers fall squarely within the scope of this policy.

3. Federal Volunteer Protection Act (VPA)

Under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, individuals who volunteer for nonprofit organizations like SCORE are shielded from liability for harm caused by their acts or omissions if:

• They were acting within the scope of their responsibilities,
  
  
• They were properly licensed or certified (if required),
  
  
• The harm was not caused by gross negligence, criminal misconduct, or reckless behavior.
  
  

This law provides a nationwide baseline of protection for volunteers working in good faith.

4. State Volunteer Protection Laws

Many states also have their own volunteer immunity statutes that provide additional protections. These state laws may:

• Broaden the scope of protected activities,
  
  
• Offer protection even beyond federal law,
  
  
• Apply to civil lawsuits brought under state law.
  
  

SCORE volunteers are encouraged to review state-specific protections if they have questions. SCORE is actively working on a summary of these laws across all 50 states.

What to Do if You’re Involved in a Legal Claim

If you are ever contacted about a lawsuit or believe a client may file a claim:

1. Do not respond directly to the claimant.
   
   
2. Notify SCORE Headquarters immediately by contacting SCORE Compliance or your District Director, or RVP.
   
   
3. Preserve all related documentation, including emails, client files, and meeting notes.
   
   

📌 Summary of Protections

If you have any questions about your protections as a volunteer, please contact help@score.org or your District Director/Regional Vice President. SCORE is committed to defending and supporting its volunteers.