Pro bono service is an emerging field and given its complexity relative to traditional volunteering engagements, companies are seeking outside counseling to understand how to think about and implement a pro bono program.

Taproot Foundation advises companies on the critical aspects of crafting a pro bono program, which we have scoped into two service offerings:

• Program Strategy
  Service: Taproot Foundation helps companies develop a case and design a strategy for offering a pro bono program.
  
  Activities:
  • Determining how to integrate the program into relevant departments and initiatives, including corporate foundations, learning and development priorities, and existing volunteer programs.
  • Conducting an internal audit of employee skills, which can be mapped against the needs in the nonprofit sector to determine which skill sets should be engaged to make the greatest impact.
  • Designing the evaluation model, including suggested data points for evaluating the impact of the pro bono program at various stages.
  
  
• Program Operating Plan
  Service: For companies who already have a program strategy and are committed to building a pro bono program, Taproot Foundation helps address the common operational challenges to managing an effective program.
  
  Activities:
  • Designing the process for recruiting and screening nonprofit clients, including the outreach plan, screening criteria, and scope of work.
  • Designing the process for recruiting, screening, and training employees as volunteers on pro bono projects. The process would include plans for outreach, training, and internal launch.
  • Determining the staff support requirements and recommended regional/national roles and division of responsibilities for supporting the pro bono program.