Taproot Foundation Launches Leadership Development and Strategic HR Service Grant Practice
Practice addresses nonprofits’ human resources challenges heightened by current economy
New York, NY – EMBARGO TO Nov. 13, 2009 – Taproot Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit consulting firm, today announced the expansion of its award-winning Service Grant program to include the Leadership Development and Strategic Human Resources (HR) Service Grant Practice. These Service Grants enable nonprofits to capitalize on the best practices in talent management and leadership development through the pro bono service of business professionals in four distinct categories: Human Resources Capacity Build, Performance Management, Strategic Staff Development, and Board Recruitment.
The Practice, presented by American Express, addresses Taproot-conducted research that surveyed 285 nonprofit organizations and that finds 86 percent of surveyed nonprofits would “definitely” or “probably” seek HR support if pro bono services were available. Results further find that in today’s economic environment, many nonprofits lack time, money, or expertise to best manage and capitalize on existing resources.
“The fact that strong leadership and ongoing talent development is instrumental to the sustainability and success of all organizations is indisputable,” says Aaron Hurst, president and founder of the Taproot Foundation. “Nonprofit organizations have always faced challenges similar to those of for-profit organizations, however, the difference is that nonprofits’ efforts are hampered by the need to fund raise on an ongoing basis, and that, fundamentally, nonprofit organizations tend to put other causes first. Now, with American Express’ help, Taproot Foundation enables nonprofits to help themselves.”
The Leadership/HR Service Grants become available to nonprofits in the Taproot Foundation’s next application cycle, which has a December 1 deadline. Each grant contains elements that engage and inspire employees, link staff goals and development to organizational priorities, standardize talent management practices, and build talent management capacity across an organization.
“Our interviews suggest that nonprofits with fewer than 50 employees generally do not hire a dedicated HR practitioner,” continued Mr. Hurst. “It is our hope, however, that regardless of size, Taproot Foundation’s extensive base of pro bono consultants can empower both small and large nonprofit organizations through applying their professional skills to the various pro bono HR service grant opportunities across the United States.”
The Leadership Development and Strategic HR Practice was developed with substantial support from American Express. Additional funding was provided by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Lumina Foundation for Education, Newman’s Own Foundation, and the Surdna Foundation.
For more information about Taproot or about applying for or sponsoring a HR Service Grant, please visit: www.taprootfoundation.org
About American Express
American Express Company is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. The mission of American Express Philanthropy is to bring to life the American Express value of good corporate citizenship through support of visionary nonprofit organizations that are: preserving and enriching our diverse cultural heritage; developing new leaders for tomorrow; and encouraging community service where our employees and customers live and work.
About the Taproot Foundation
The Taproot Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit consulting firm. Since 2001, the Taproot Foundation has provided over $53 million in services to over 1,000 nonprofit organizations across the country by engaging professionals pro bono through its award-winning Service Grant program. In addition to Service Grant program, the Taproot Foundation also runs the Pro Bono Action Tank (PBAT). PBAT partners with companies, universities, trade associations, and public interest organizations to help them engage in and promote pro bono services. Through this partnership, Taproot Foundation provides cutting-edge thought leadership, best practices, and convenings necessary to advance the pro bono movement.
About Newman’s Own Foundation
Newman’s Own Foundation is a private, independent foundation established by Paul L. Newman. The Foundation continues the commitment of Paul to donate all net profits and royalties earned from the sale of Newman’s Own products to charity. As of June 2009, over $280 million has been donated to thousands of charities across the world.
About the Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Annie E. Casey Foundation is a private charitable organization, dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States. The primary mission of the Foundation is to foster public policies, human-service reforms, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of today’s vulnerable children and families. In pursuit of this goal, the Foundation makes grants that help states, cities and neighborhoods fashion more innovative, cost-effective responses to these needs.
About the Surdna Foundation
The Surdna Foundation seeks to foster just and sustainable communities in the United States—communities guided by principles of social justice and distinguished by healthy environments, strong local economies, and thriving cultures.
About the Lumina Foundation
Lumina Foundation for Education, an Indianapolis-based, private, independent foundation, strives to help people achieve their potential by expanding access to and success in education beyond high school.
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