Understanding the Spectrum of Skills Based Volunteering

Over the past several years there has been tremendous growth in corporate pro bono service.  From the growth of new programs, to the piloting of new models, to new industries starting to participate, it has been thrilling to see this concept truly flourish. In that time we’ve produced many new resources and tools to help companies along the way, but in the last 5 years since it was first shared at Taproot’s 2008 Pro Bono Summit, one resource has been cited, referenced and linked more than any other: our Spectrum of Corporate Community Engagement. 

With so many different ways your company can engage its employees to support nonprofits, it can be difficult to organize and understand the range of opportunities available.  I created this diagram back in 2008 to help clear things up. I started with a simplified categorization of the operating needs of a nonprofit organization. Layered under it are the types of support companies generally provide nonprofits to meet those needs. This support spans from funding to hands-on volunteering and the use of general skills to building the infrastructure and leadership capacity overall.

To finish reading this article, visit the Taproot Foundation Blog

About Taproot

Since 2001, Taproot Foundation has proven that pro bono service is a viable and reliable tool for strengthening nonprofit organizations. Today, Taproot continues to lead nationally by acting locally, and seeks to build a pro bono marketplace that, like philanthropy, is large, accessible, professional and transparent. By taking lessons learned from our award-winning Service Grant Program and applying them to our innovative new program areas, we work to stimulate the supply of pro bono resources through our corporate Advisory Services practice, as well as demand for these services by giving nonprofits the tools and training that sets them up for successful pro bono engagements. Our work has evolved to include thought leadership and international field-building, convening global leaders in the social sector to guide the design and direction of the pro bono movement while focusing on infusing a pro bono ethic into business professions, professional schools, companies and nonprofits in communities across the country and around the world. Visit www.taprootfoundation.org to learn more.

About Pro Bono Service

Pro bono--short for pro bono publico, "for the public good"—refers to professional services delivered without expectation of a fee to organizations serving the social good. It is both a form of support for community organizations as well as an increasingly core part of the ethic of business professionals from design to HR and technology, who believe that high-quality professional services are too important to only be available to those who can afford them.

INTERESTED?

Give back - donate your skills pro bono.

Get your company engaged in pro bono service.

Start securing pro bono resources for your nonprofit.