THE BUSINESS VALUE OF PRO BONO PROGRAMS - INTRODUCED IN TAPROOT'S LATEST RESOURCE!

By Tal Kapulnik on January 17, 2012 2:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We knew it. Some of you knew it. And now we are officially introducing the business values of pro bono programs in Taproot's most recent resource titled "Demonstrating the Business Value of Pro Bono Programs".

This new resource can help you understand the strategic value that pro bono can bring back to your business. We start by summarizing business benefits created by pro bono service, and then dive into each business element providing suggested metrics for tracking programs.

Most notably, we include best practices and great case studies from companies that have realized the business opportunities from investing in pro bono programs as a Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. The case studies demonstrate how pro bono is an impactful tool for enhancing human resources, innovation and company reputation. Here are a few motivating quotes that we found inspiring:

"IBM Corporate Service Corps is a triple benefit program producing quantifiable returns for the individual, for the community and for the company measured in its effect on recruitment and retention of top talent, skill enhancement in cultural adaptability and teaming, brand value, the opening of business opportunities in emerging markets and enhanced media coverage"
- Stanley S. Litow, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs, IBM

 "It's not an exaggeration to say that many of our PULSE Volunteers return to GSK affirming that their PULSE assignment was a  life-changing experience... New recruits tell us it is the No.1 reason why they joined GSK... Our volunteers return with a greater focus on the patient; they return as leaders with greater passion, energy, confidence, creativity, gratitude and practical knowledge of how to do more with less." 
- Ahsiya Posner Mencin, Director, PULSE Volunteer Partnership, GlaxoSmithKline

"As well as building a healthy business environment in the long term, the benefits can be more immediate. It helps communicate what a company stands for; it helps attract, develop and retain talent; and it helps us showcase our values and talents in the marketplace".
- Barry Salzberg, CEO Deloitte LLP

We would like to thank the people who helped turn research and knowledge into a resource that can be shared. President of Pro Bono Lab, Yoann Kassi-Vivier and Pro Bono Consultant Dima Mostovoy, generously donated their time. We would also like to thank the following companies for contributing to the whitepaper: American Express, AT&T, Deloitte, GE, General Mills, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Liquidnet, Microsoft, Nielsen, Riggs Advertising Partner, Salesforce, Timberland, The Nerdery, UPS and Wells Fargo.

Not sure how your pro bono program benefits your company? Want to learn how to measure the business value of your program? Learn more by reading the full whitepaper.

We will be posting a series of blog posts, each focused on a case study and specific business benefit and we are sure you will be inspired! Stay tuned to future updates from Taproot's Advisory Services.

We are happy to get your feedback or questions at advisory@taprootfoundation.org.