Best of Pro Bono

While pro bono service has been an integrated part of the legal profession for years, it is a relatively new idea for the rest of the business community. As companies begin to explore the option, it is helpful to first understand the fundamental business case that justifies investing in a pro bono program.

Corporate Volunteerism Map

There are an overwhelming number of corporate volunteering opportunities. We developed a map to help companies categorize the opportunities and align them with their community engagement strategy.

6 Million Business Professionals Can Help

The Taproot Foundation estimates that there are at least 6 million business professionals in the United States with skills that could be used on pro bono consulting projects for nonprofits. This table illustrates the industries and skill sets that are transferable to meeting nonprofit needs.

Growing Needs of a Growing Sector

In the past twenty years, the nonprofit sector has undergone a major transformation. With government budgets in the red across the board and increased concern about the government's ability to effectively provide social services, we are turning to nonprofits to play a much bigger role in our society.

Developing Talent – Pro Bono Style

Many of the soft skills required to be an effective leader can’t be taught in a classroom or absorbed by reading the latest self-help best seller. Leadership is gained from experience in the field - we learn to lead by leading.

Sector Research

Overlooking Opportunities to Maximize Impact, Deloitte & Points of Light Foundation (2006)

A new study finds that despite a need for more resources, the vast majority of non-profit organizations are not capitalizing on the valuable professional skills of their volunteers.

Identifying Enablers of Nonprofit High Performance, Accenture (2006)
After surveying 232 nonprofit leaders to understand their challenges, Accenture highlights ways for nonprofit leaders and for-profit executives to collaboratively build sustainable operations that enable nonprofits to effectively carry out their missions.

How to Get an Extra $1-Billion From Business, The Chronicle of Philanthropy (2006)
As nonprofit groups seek to accomplish their missions as efficiently as possible, they often look to corporations for help. Corporations have far more to offer than just dollars: their expertise in business strategy, operations, technology, marketing, human resources, finance, and many other areas.

Making the Business Case for Pro Bono, Pro Bono Institute (2002)
It is essential that pro bono supporters, without abandoning the moral and ethical principles at the heart of pro bono service, can confidently identify those elements of pro bono practice that result in positive benefits for a law firm and its attorneys, as well as for the clients and communities served. This brief monograph is designed to outline the means by which an investment in pro bono can and will, in the long term, strengthen a firm’s ability to attract and serve its commercial clients.

Policies for Pro Bono Publico Service, American Bar Association
The American Bar Association's long-standing code of conduct for pro bono service serves as a guide for the legal profession and inspiration for other professions.