Our communities rely on nonprofits to lead rebuilding and recovery efforts whenever a new challenge arises. While rising to meet these needs, social change organizations often struggle with changes in funding, volunteer support, and more. Pro bono can help fill those gaps.
We’re breaking down our nonprofit resource, Building Resiliency Through Pro Bono, project by project to highlight how connections with skilled volunteers can help your organization become more resilient and prepare to face whatever the future has to offer. Check out our previous project highlights on leadership coaching, board recruitment strategy, and HR assessment, and our latest installment below: partnering with a skilled volunteer for a SWOT Analysis.
How will a SWOT analysis help my organization build resiliency?
A comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is a core building block for effective strategic planning. Work with a skilled volunteer to research industry trends and use feedback from your stakeholders to create a breakdown of your nonprofit’s internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. With resiliency in mind, ask your volunteer to examine how natural disasters, health crises, political upheaval, etc. could impact your programs, fundraising ability, or reliance on in-person volunteers.
56% of nonprofits have experienced a decrease in work with hands-on volunteers as a result of coronavirus concerns.
Source: Taproot Foundation’s 2020 nonprofit resiliency survey
How long will this project take to complete?
A typical pro bono SWOT analysis project takes from 24-36 hours to wrap up. We always remind nonprofits to keep in mind that your volunteer partner will be sharing between three to five hours of their time with your team per week. Check out our our advice on what to ask volunteers during the interview process to find a great fit and ensure the best-possible pro bono outcome.
Any other tips for making the most of this pro bono project?
Involve your board in this work! Get their perspective on your organization’s SWOT to give your volunteer a starting point. Build feedback loops into your project so board members continue to stay engaged.
What other related projects can I knock off the to-do list using pro bono support?
- Stakeholder Interviews
- Competitor and Collaborator Analysis
- Program Evaluation
