Frequently asked questions

Pro bono service goes far beyond the legal field. It is the donation of professional services (i.e., technology, human resources, architecture, marketing, strategy, legal) benefitting organizations working to improve society.

Traditional volunteering, such as a beach cleanup or serving at a soup kitchen, typically addresses the need for “extra hands” – a nonprofit needs people to help deliver a program. Pro bono service, however, uses specific professional skills to focus on addressing an organization’s internal strategic and infrastructure needs (often referred to as capacity building). For example, an HR professional could engage in traditional volunteer opportunity by planting a community garden, but could also provide pro bono professional services by helping an organization draft an employee handbook.

The best way to measure the value is to use the hourly rate of the professionals involved in service. The current average hourly rate for pro bono service, as determined in partnership with CECP, is $195.

We are a 501(c)3 organization with two key funding streams: grants from private and corporate foundations and revenue from consulting projects with companies and other organizations that want to learn about, support, or do pro bono service. Some companies and foundations sponsor pro bono services for their existing grantees. Other funders provide general operating support. We are also supported by associations, individuals, and our own volunteers.
Make a gift to the pro bono movement

Taproot Foundation is often looking for talented individuals to join our team of dedicated employees. Check out our current openings.

Visit the Taproot Plus sign-in page and click on the link that says “forgot your password.” You can also email help@taprootplus.org with any questions about your account.

Taproot loves word-of-mouth referrals! Shoot us an email for all the information you need to share pro bono marketing, HR, IT, and strategy resources with your social good network.

While Taproot’s programs are offered completely cost-free to nonprofits, pro bono does require a commitment of time and occasionally other resources (such as printing budget for a brochure). It’s important to recognize that skilled volunteers and nonprofits will need to invest time and energy to make pro bono work. The returns on this investment, however, are often enormous.

While Taproot’s programs are offered completely cost-free to nonprofits, pro bono does require a commitment of time and occasionally other resources (such as printing budget for a brochure). It’s important to recognize that skilled volunteers and nonprofits will need to invest time and energy to make pro bono work. The returns on this investment, however, are often enormous.

Yes, we encourage it! Adding your experience as a Taproot volunteer to your resumé or LinkedIn profile can be a great way to showcase your professional skills and passion for social change. We just ask that if you list your pro bono experience as a reference for a role you’re applying for, you use the specific nonprofit you volunteered with as the recommendation source.

When it comes to volunteering your professional skills in support of nonprofits – the more the merrier! Reach out to us for information and resources on becoming an ambassador for pro bono service.

When business professionals like you volunteer expertise to nonprofits, you are not only helping them accomplish a specific project, you are helping build their capacity to do good. Pro bono is a great way to flex your skills in new and exciting ways, learn from nonprofits about important issues affecting our communities, and even develop lasting friendships.

While Taproot’s programs are offered completely cost-free to nonprofits, pro bono does require a commitment of time and occasionally other resources (such as printing budget for a brochure). It’s important to recognize that skilled volunteers and nonprofits will need to invest time and energy to make pro bono work. The returns on this investment, however, are often enormous.