Deloitte Report Chronicles Journey to Fulfill $50 Million Pro Bono Commitment; Offers Key Insights and Reflections

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) New York - June 15, 2011 - Although nonprofits are not in business to make a profit, they often struggle with the same strategic, operational and financial issues as for-profit companies.  According to a new Deloitte report, nonprofits that receive pro bono work to meet those challenges can reap significant benefits.  However, to maximize the advantages, contributions require more planning and infrastructure – on the part of donors and recipients – than cash philanthropy. 

“Community – it’s our business” documents Deloitte’s pivotal decisions and key learnings on its journey to complete a $50 million pledge to Billion+ Change, a federal initiative to encourage American businesses to champion pro bono work.

Deloitte’s pro bono projects were completed by professionals from all four of the organization’s business subsidiaries - Audit & Enterprise Risk Services, Consulting, Financial Advisory Services and Tax.  Over the past three years, Deloitte has completed more than 275 pro bono engagements helping numerous pro bono clients increase organizational efficiencies, allocate resources more effectively, manage risk and strengthen expansion plans, among many other outcomes.  Nearly two dozen projects are profiled throughout the report, available online at http://www.deloitte.com/us/probonoreport.

“With this innovative and focused commitment to contribute $50 million in pro bono service to leading nonprofit organizations, Deloitte began to transform its approach to supporting communities,” said Evan Hochberg, national leader of Deloitte’s community involvement initiative.  “Through this report we are delighted to share what we learned in the hope of sparking dialogue and prompting other businesses and nonprofits to consider pro bono as a valuable part of the philanthropic complement.”

Deloitte’s pro bono initiative is often cited as a model for companies looking to establish similar programs.  “Deloitte has been at the forefront of a movement through which pro bono service has emerged as a critical component of transformative social change,” said Aaron Hurst, president and founder of Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that provides pro bono projects to social change organizations.  “Today, there is an increased commitment from companies and nonprofits to make pro bono service an indelible part of the philanthropic fabric of America.”

Hochberg added, “Looking ahead, our people are extremely energized about continuing to contribute their skills and knowledge to organizations about which they are passionate and to using their professional experience to make a difference.”

To learn more about Deloitte’s commitment to pro bono service:

• Read the newly released pro bono report;

• Watch Deloitte’s documentary film series “Making A Difference…Differently” about doing pro bono work; and

• Explore Deloitte’s 2009 Volunteer IMPACT Survey

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.  Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.  Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

DELO14620