Community Action 246: Offer Your Professional Skills Pro Bono
The Idea: Provide clearly defined professional services without charge to a nonprofit or community organization that can use them responsibly.
Why It Matters: Expertise in law, accounting, technology, design, communications, human resources, strategy, translation, facilities, or other fields may help an organization address needs it could not otherwise afford.
Try It Today: Ask a reputable nonprofit whether it has a specific skills-based volunteer need that matches your qualifications.
Make It Work for You: Agree in writing on the scope, deliverables, deadlines, ownership, expenses, confidentiality, data access, professional liability, and responsible contacts. Follow licensing, insurance, ethical, employer, and conflict-of-interest requirements. Do not offer regulated advice outside your qualifications or pressure the organization to adopt a solution it cannot maintain. “Pro bono” should not conceal sales solicitation or an expectation of publicity.
Take It Further: Complete a limited project, train staff to maintain the work, document essential processes, and evaluate whether continued assistance would be useful.
Community Connection: Skills-based volunteering, nonprofit capacity, professional service, and responsible assistance
Get Involved with Sanj Talks: Explore current opportunities
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