Knowledge Center
As a leader in pro bono service, we've compiled some of the most influential articles and research reports to help you think strategically about your company's community engagement.
Articles & Resources
- Scaling Strategy Management Resources for the Nonprofit Sector: The Pro Bono Service Solution *(COMING SOON - If you would like to receive a PDF of the full report when it becomes available, please email rachel@taprootfoundation.org)
Alethea Hannemann and James W. Shepard, Taproot Foundation (2008)
Nonprofit leaders increasingly believe that their organization will be more successful in achieving its social mission if board and staff are working toward clearly defined and thoughtfully selected goals and objectives, but most nonprofits are unable even to complete simple fact-based strategic plans. Pro bono strategic management is an enormous opportunity that has the potential to dramatically strengthen the nonprofit sector.
- On the Frontlines: MBAs Gone Wild
James W. Shepard, Taproot Foundation (2008)
Pro bono strategic services can make a huge contribution to the nonprofit sector. But realizing this potential, and engaging even a small portion of business professionals in pro bono strategic planning assignments, will take real dedication by players in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
- Strengthening Leadership and Human Resources Capacity in the Nonprofit Sector: Pro Bono as a Powerful Solution
James W. Shepard, Taproot Foundation (2008)
This study examines the human resources challenges facing the nonprofit sector and the efforts currently being made to address them. The research suggests one promising solution: to reach outside the organization, even outside the sector, to leverage existing human resources skills with pro bono support.
- Corporate Baby Boomers and Volunteerism
Taproot Foundation (2007)
Significant research has been done over the last five years on the volunteer needs for Baby Boomers and corporate employees. This study seeks, for the first time, to understand the intersection of these two demographics - corporate Baby Boomers.
- Pro Bono Consulting Workbook
Taproot Foundation (2007)
Interested in starting a pro bono program? Tell us a little about your company and then get access to our workbook for conducting a fast and easy analysis of the potential impact of pro bono program at your company.
- First-ever Survey of Pro Bono Service by U.S. Architecture Firms Completed
Public Architecture (2007)
A historic survey by over 150 architecture firms, analyzing their commitment to pro bono service and uncovering the key barriers to further investment.
- How to Get an Extra $1-Billion From Business
The Chronicle of Philanthropy (2006)
As nonprofit groups seek to accomplish their missions as efficiently as possible, they often look to corporations for help. Corporations have far more to offer than just dollars: they can also offer their expertise in business strategy, operations, technology, marketing, human resources, finance, and many other areas.
- Overlooking Opportunities to Maximize Impact
Deloitte & Points of Light Foundation (2006)
A new study finds that despite a need for more resources, the vast majority of nonprofit organizations are not capitalizing on the valuable professional skills of their volunteers.
- Identifying Enablers of Nonprofit High Performance
Accenture (2006)
After surveying 232 nonprofit leaders to understand their challenges, Accenture highlights ways for nonprofit leaders and for-profit executives to collaboratively build sustainable operations that enable nonprofits to effectively carry out their missions.
- Transferable Skills: 6 Million Business Professionals Can Help
Taproot Foundation (2006)
The Taproot Foundation estimates that there are at least 6 million business professionals in the United States with skills that could be used on pro bono consulting projects for nonprofits.
- The Business Case for Pro Bono
Pro Bono Institute (2002)
This brief monograph outlines the means by which an investment in pro bono can and will, in the long term, strengthen a firm’s ability to attract and serve its commercial clients.
- Policies for Pro Bono Publico Service
American Bar Association
The American Bar Association's long-standing code of conduct for pro bono service serves as a guide for the legal profession and inspiration for other professions.
Case Studies: Corporate Pro Bono Programs
