Taproot Plus connects volunteers with nonprofits in need of skilled support. To make the most of your experience and ensure a great match, it’s important to accurately identify and select the professional strengths you bring to the table. This guide will help you understand what each skill category means, how to assess your experience level, and how to confidently present your expertise.
Why Skill Selection Matters
Your selected skills help nonprofits understand your strengths and determine if you're the right fit for their pro bono need. Clear, accurate skill listings also help Taproot Plus match you with opportunities that align with your background.
How to View and Edit Your Skills
Navigate to your Volunteer Profile.
Click on ‘Professional Strengths’ to view the full list of available skill categories.
Select the skills that best reflect your professional experience.
Skill Categories Explained
Taproot Plus programming focuses on the following professional areas:
Accounting & Finance
Business Planning & Development
Design & Creative
HR & Leadership Development
Information Technology
Marketing & Communications
Operations & Analytics
Software Engineering
Writing
Within each professional category, there are a variety of skills that you can select from. Select the professional strengths where you have hands-on experience and feel confident contributing to a nonprofit with limited oversight or technical training. For a full skills glossary, click here. As an example, here are some common volunteer skills:
Accounting: The process of recording, organizing, and reporting financial transactions to help organizations understand their financial health
Business Development: Creating strategies to grow an organization through partnerships, new markets, or revenue opportunities
Board Development: Helping build and strengthen a nonprofit’s board by recruiting members, clarifying roles, and supporting effective governance
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Tools and strategies used to manage interactions with donors, clients, or customers—often involving tracking communications, donations, or engagement
Graphic Design: Designing visual content to communicate messages effectively, using elements like typography, color, and layout
Marketing Strategy: Developing plans to reach and engage target audiences through coordinated marketing efforts
Operations Management: Planning and overseeing organizational processes to improve efficiency, quality, and resource use.
Training & Development: Designing and delivering learning opportunities to help staff, board members, and volunteers build skills and grow professionally
Website Development: Creating and maintaining websites, including both the front-end (what users see) and back-end (how it works behind the scenes)
Tips for Selecting the Right Skills
Reflect on your professional background: What’s your professional superpower? What roles have you held? What tasks do you excel at?
Think about your strengths: Which skills do you enjoy using most?
Update regularly: As you gain new experience, revisit your profile to add or refine your skills.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Once your skills are selected, you’re ready to explore opportunities and offer your expertise to nonprofits that need it most. Your knowledge can make a real difference—thank you for being part of the Taproot Plus community!
If you have questions about skill selection or need help updating your profile, reach out to us at help@taprootplus.org. We’re here to support you!
Please feel free to join our Taproot Volunteer Orientation, held on the last Wednesday of every month at 1 PM ET / 12 PM CT. In this 45-minute session, you'll:
Learn what skills-based volunteering looks like in practice and why it's such an impactful way to give back
Explore the two ways to volunteer on Taproot Plus and how to find the right fit for you
Gain a clear, step-by-step picture of how Taproot Plus works
You'll leave with the confidence to find and apply for opportunities that match your skills, goals, and passions.