How can I find sources of pro bono expertise?
If you are seeking free or low cost legal or accounting services, see Where can I find "pro bono" tax or legal assistance for my nonprofit?
According to Giving in Numbers: 2019 Edition, the number of companies that offer pro bono service is one of the fastest growing trends in how corporate America connects with communities. More than 60 percent of companies offered them in 2018. More companies are merging it into their volunteer programs as another way to engage employees while investing in their communities.
"Skills-based volunteering" goes beyond traditional days of service, in which a large group of employees joins a nonprofit for a few hours or a full day to clean up a park or paint a building. Instead, nonprofits can get help with pressing needs from experts in their field. For example, marketing volunteers could help with a re-branding effort, or IT experts could assess your technology needs and design the ideal infrastructure for your operating environment.
The Giving in Numbers report also found that companies offering pro bono services tend to increase their cash donations as well. Two corporations known for their pro bono components are Adobe and Deloitte.
The Taproot Foundation publishes Powered by Pro Bono: The Nonprofits Step-by-Step Guide to Scoping, Securing, Managing, and Scaling Pro Bono Resources, a how-to guide for bringing capacity building resources into your nonprofit.
Learn more about corporate fundraising with Introduction to Corporate Giving, available free as an online webinar or an in-person class.
See also our related Knowledge Base articles:
- How can I find sources of in-kind gifts: Goods and services?
- Where can I find information on corporate giving? What motivates companies?
- How can I find corporate sponsorship?
- What is cause-related marketing?
- What can I learn more about workplace giving, like employee matching gifts?
- Where can I learn more about recruiting and managing volunteers for my nonprofit?
More resources on corporate funders»
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Staff-recommended websites
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MovingWorlds.org
Low-to-No Cost Solutions for Nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations can register on the MovingWorlds.org site to post projects and find professional experts willing to volunteer and support your cause.
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Corporation for National and Community Service
Skills-Based Volunteering: A New Generation of Service
Provides a comprehensive overview of skills-based volunteering.
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Taproot Foundation
Beyond Cash Guide for Nonprofit Boards
This pdf guide explains how nonprofit boards can tap pro bono and in-kind resources from board members. Co-written by Taproot Foundation and BoardSource.
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Taproot Foundation
The Taproot Foundation is a leading nonprofit marketing and technology consulting firm. The foundation's work is offered pro bono in a competitive grantmaking process.