Great pro bono projects are true partnerships. You bring deep knowledge of your mission, and your pro bono consultant brings specialized expertise.
Over years of bringing nonprofits and talented professionals together, Taproot has learned what helps these partnerships thrive. Whether your project is big or small, these five principles will help you both get the most out of the experience.
1. Act like a paying client
We call this Taproot’s Golden Rule of Pro Bono. When you bring the same care to your project that you’d bring to any paid engagement, you and your pro bono consultant can both do your best work. That looks like:
Agreeing on deadlines and working toward them together
Sharing open, honest feedback along the way
Staying aligned on your project goals
Before kickoff, gather the materials, input, and internal support your pro bono consultant will need. A little prep goes a long way toward a smooth start.
Learn about your pro bono consultant’s background, just as you would with any new partner. Review their resume or past work, and sign a simple project agreement so everyone starts on the same page. If your work involves confidential information, add an NDA too.
This project matters to your mission, and it’s meaningful work for your pro bono consultant too. Talk early about what success looks like, and keep the feedback flowing. You’ll both feel proud of what you create.
2. Get clear on your needs
A clear goal gives your project a strong foundation. Before you submit your request, spend some time with your team to:
Explore what’s behind your challenge, beyond the surface-level symptoms
Describe the problem and an idea for how to solve it
Connect that idea to your organization’s priorities
This groundwork helps talented professionals see exactly where their expertise can make a difference.
3. Find the right fit
The right pro bono consultant brings the skills you need and a real interest in your work. Look for a pro bono consultant with the skills your project calls for and a real interest in your mission. You’ll shape the project together, and their experience can help you settle on the scope and plan.
As you get to know potential pro bono consultants, consider:
Skills and experience
Does their background match the expertise your project needs?
Have they worked on similar projects or deliverables before?
Collaboration and connection
How well do they connect with your mission, vision, and programs?
Are they excited to shape this project with you?
Do they welcome open, two-way feedback?
Are they comfortable collaborating virtually?
4. Plan for a comfortable timeline
Pro bono projects often move at a different pace than paid work. Many pro bono consultants share their expertise around full-time jobs, so reviews and feedback may take a bit longer.
Building some breathing room into your timeline keeps the experience positive for everyone. For a need with a tight, high-stakes deadline, you may want to explore other options and save pro bono for work that can benefit from a thoughtful, collaborative pace.
5. Learning goes both ways.
You each bring valuable expertise, which makes your partnership a two-way exchange.
Share your world: Help your pro bono consultant get to know your organization and your field. Context that feels second nature to you may be new and exciting for them.
Stay open to new ideas: Your pro bono consultant may spot opportunities you hadn’t considered. Making room for their perspective can make the final result even stronger.
Want to dig deeper?
Our Pro Bono Project Guide walks you through planning and managing a pro bono project from start to finish. Keep it handy as you prepare your request and work alongside your pro bono consultant.
Ready to get started?
From your Dashboard, select Request Pro Bono Support to submit your request.