Jan 6th, 2021
Service Area: Strategy, Tips from Taproot
Our communities can always look to social change organizations to lead rebuilding and recovery efforts, no matter the challenge. Nonprofits are now facing shifts in traditional funding and decreased access to in-person volunteer support while addressing these ever-growing societal needs. It’s critical that these organizations get the support they need to thrive. That’s where pro bono can help.
We’re breaking down our nonprofit resource, Building Resiliency Through Pro Bono, project by project to highlight how working with skilled volunteers can help your team navigate current challenges and strengthen your capacity for years to come. Check out past project examples that cover topics including board recruitment strategy, HR assessment, and leadership coaching, and keep reading to learn more about our resiliency project highlight: competitor and collaborator analysis.
How will a competitor and collaborator analysis help my organization build resiliency?
Partner with a skilled volunteer to research who else in your field and region is offering competing or complementary services. In times of uncertainty or large-scale need, your organization can use this analysis to think through how you could work together to serve community members, share resources, or even merge programs. And in times of security, knowing who your peers are will provide benchmarking information for program impact, marketing efforts, and more.
How long will this project take to complete?
A typical pro bono board competitor and collaborator analysis project takes from 24-32 hours to complete. It’s important to remember that your volunteer partner will be sharing anywhere from three to five hours of their time with your team per week. Check out advice for prepping your pro bono project for success through timeline and communications expectation setting here.
“Take the time to work with your volunteers. Invest in developing a relationship with them, and give them opportunities to get to know your organization, your team, or even the founder or leader.”
– Joseph Duggan, Founder, Postcolonial Networks and Borderless Press
Any other tips for making the most of this pro bono project?
Interested in tying this competitor and collaborator analysis into your larger strategic planning process? Chat with a volunteer to create a recommended timeline for each piece of your plan. Request a quick consultation with a strategy professional now on Taproot Plus.
What other related projects can I knock off the to-do list using pro bono support?
- SWOT Analysis
- Business Development Strategy
- PR Strategy
Download the free Building Resiliency Through Pro Bono resource for more ideas on how your nonprofit team can use pro bono projects to invest in your organization’s capacity and long-term sustainability.