FAQ

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Application Process

Why do I need to fill out a pro bono consultant profile?
Your pro bono consultant profile enables our recruitment team to accurately asses your skills and experience, and potentially match you with an appropriate role on one of our projects.
Do I need to submit a portfolio of my professional samples? What should I include in my portfolio?
If you are applying for a Graphic Designer or Copywriter role, it is mandatory that you submit a portfolio. We prefer you upload your most current portfolio during the application process and include samples most applicable to Taproot Foundation projects (brochures, annual reports, websites, logos, and key messages). You may also e-mail your portfolio to volunteer@taprootfoundation.org.
Can I use a Taproot Foundation project to build new skills?
While learning is part of every process, these engagements are not designed to be direct skill-building opportunities. We ask that you work within your existing professional skill set in order to deliver the highest quality service to our pro bono clients. This means that we will only select you for roles that align with areas in which you have at least 3-5 years of professional experience. For more information regarding our Consultant Roles, please see our Consultant Roles page.
I've never worked with a nonprofit before, is that ok?
Yes! Many of our pro bono consultants do not have experience with nonprofits. We find that many professionals are invigorated by their experience with Taproot and welcome the opportunity to apply their skills in a new industry. In fact, many pro bono consultants continue working with local nonprofits after their Taproot Foundation project is completed.
How long do the projects last? How many hours a week?
Our projects last approximately 6-8 months, during which each consultant donates about 100 hours of pro bono service, or an average of about 3-5 hours a week. The actual time spent each week, however, can vary depending on the role and the pace of the project.
How much of the work is done remotely?
You must attend an in-person orientation to become an active pro bono consultant. Once you are staffed on a project, the frequency of in-person meetings depends on your team. You can, however, expect to meet in-person at least once a month.
Are there networking opportunities associated with being a pro bono consultant?
We work with thousands of professionals like you. Before you join a project, pro bono consultant orientation is a great opportunity to meet your peers.

After attending orientation, you get access to community features on our intranet, which enable you to interact virtually with our entire network about topics related to pro bono service.

Finally, working on a Taproot Foundation project is a great opportunity to interact with the consultants on your team and the staff of your nonprofit client.

We also try to facilitate networking events from our local offices; check out your local office for more information.
What's the best way to refer others who want to do pro bono work?
Thanks for your recommendations! Please refer interested individuals to our online application. If you would like copy to include in a company/alumni/trade association newsletter, please contact us at volunteer@taprootfoundation.org, and we'll send you the appropriate information.
Where does the Taproot Foundation get its funding?
We are a 501(c)3 organization with two key funding streams: foundation grants and revenue from consulting projects with organizations that want to learn about, support, or do pro bono service.

Some foundations fund us by project, sponsoring a group of projects for their existing grantees. Other funders provide general operating support. We are also supported by corporations, associations and individuals. For more information about our sponsors, please visit the Partners Page.
I don't live in Downtown Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, New York City or Washington, D.C. Can I still volunteer with the Taproot Foundation?
Because you are required to attend in-person meetings, you must live in or near one of our currently serviced metro areas. As a general rule of thumb, if you live within one hour of LA, San Francisco, Chicago, NYC, or DC, and are able to meet in person once a month, please apply!
I have over 5 years of professional experience and an excellent resume. Why was I turned down?
We get many impressive applicants who simply don’t fit the roles we’ve scoped, and because we strive to deliver the highest quality consulting services to nonprofits, we only staff projects with individuals whose professional experiences match the specific skills each role calls for.

In addition, we sometimes have too many applicants for a certain role, and out of respect for your time, we will temporarily turn you down.
I'm not a fit for your project types. Are there resources available to join the pro bono movement?
Yes! Beyond our Service Grant program, we also offer resources for those interested in joining and leading the pro bono movement. Please learn more about what is happening in your profession by visiting the Pro Bono Marketplace.

Pro Bono Consultant Orientation

Do I have to attend the in-person orientation?
Yes, you are required to attend orientation.

All orientations last an hour and a half, and are a great way to meet like-minded professionals and our Taproot Foundation Program Managers. You’ll also learn more about our processes, tools, and nonprofit clients, so that you are set up for success on future projects.
Can I start a project before attending the in-person orientation session?
No. The in-person orientation is a key part of becoming a pro bono consultant.
Can I bring a friend to orientation?
Because of security constraints at some of our orientation locations, each attendee must complete the application process first. Your friend can start by filling out a profile.
How many people attend an orientation session?
Depending on the city, attendance ranges from 15-40 people.
Is there a dress code for orientation?
No, but most people will be coming from work and will therefore be dressed in business or business casual wear. Taproot staff leading the sessions tend to dress business casual.
Is there food at orientations? Can I bring food to the orientation?
We do not provide food at orientations, but you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks, drinks, or meals.

Pro Bono Engagement

Can I select the nonprofit I work with?
We do our best to ensure that you have the opportunity to work with a nonprofit that fits your interest. If you find a specific issue area particularly compelling, e-mail the program team after orientation; we’ll add notes to your profile so that Taproot staff or Account Directors staffing a project will be aware of your interest.
How do I highlight my interest in a specific project?
After you attend orientation, you can login to the Taproot Intranet and search projects that are staffing. If you are interested in a particular project, contact your local Taproot Foundation office (Bay Area, New York, Chicago, Washington DC, or Los Angeles).
How big are the nonprofit clients? How does the Taproot Foundation pick which nonprofits to work with?
We look at three primary sets of criteria for all Service Grant applicants, all of which you can read more about on our Grant Criteria page:
  • Basic Eligibility: We have established a set of basic eligibility criteria. Rarely, if ever, will we consider applications from organizations that do not meet all of these.
  • Institutional Strength and Readiness: When we review applications, we consider an organization’s overall health, need for the Service Grant and their ability to support the grant at this particular time.
  • Quarterly Criteria: We offer Service Grants every quarter. In any given quarter, there may be variation in the availability of particular Service Grants, nonprofits served or geographical coverage.
Who will be on my project team? Can I select my teammates?
A pro bono consultant team consists of approximately five to seven pro bono consultants, each assigned a specific role based on their professional expertise. The lead pro bono consultant, called an Account Director, is in charge of staffing the team at her discretion. So, unless you are an Account Director, you cannot choose your teammates.
Who manages the projects?
Each Service Grant project has a team lead, called an Account Director, whose role is to staff the team, manage relationships, and keep a bird’s-eye view of the project. The Account Director also checks in with a Taproot Foundation Program Manager about the status of the project.

You'll learn more about the specific roles on the project at the in-person orientation session, when you get your first look at the project blueprints.
Can I be on more than one project at a time?
The scope of the Account Director role enables those pro bono consultants to manage more than one project at a time. Aside from that role, we typically recommend that pro bono consultants only commit to one project at a time.
How can I ensure the project stays within scope?
Each Service Grant type is guided by a blueprint that includes a defined scope and timeline, and each team has a trained and experienced Account Director who keeps the team on track, as well as a Taproot Foundation Program Manager who checks in regularly on a team’s progress. But in general, everyone on the team should strive to stay focused on the project scope and the associated timeline. Staying on track is a team effort!
Will I be reimbursed for my travel or parking expenses to attend in-person meetings? Is my volunteer time tax deductible?
Unfortunately, the Taproot Foundation cannot reimburse anyone for gas mileage, parking, or other related travel expenses for trainings and meetings.

For information regarding tax deductions for your pro bono service, please visit the the Department of Treasury FAQ page.
Do people ever stay on with the nonprofit after the Taproot Foundation Service Grant is completed?
While Taproot doesn't regulate any commitment beyond the scope of a Service Grant, many pro bono consultants have joined their nonprofit client’s board of directors, staff, or longer term volunteer teams.
Can I use the completed project in my professional portfolio?
Of course! Many marketing or web pro bono consultants include the finished product from their Service Grant in their creative portfolio. We also encourage you to submit your finished projects for design awards. Other consultants also find that project descriptions are a good addition to their resume.

Please be aware that ALL work executed on the project for the client belongs to the client and that the client is not required to recognize the photographer, designer, etc. in the final product.
My project closed; can I get involved in another?
After completing a project, our database will automatically put you into the pool of pro bono consultants eligible for a project. We've had pro bono consultants come back for more than 6 projects!
I have an updated resume and I'm interested in being re-assessed, who do I contact?
If it's been a couple years since you signed up and you feel your experience has changed enough to be eligible for a different project type or pro bono consultant role, please e-mail the recruitment team at volunteer@taprootfoundation.org. Don’t forget to attach your updated resume.
Are there full time employment opportunities with the Taproot Foundation?
The Taproot Foundation is often looking for talented individuals to join our team of dedicated employees. Check out our current openings.

Technical Questions

I lost my sign-in information. What do I do?
Visit the sign-in page and click on the link that says, "I forgot my username or password."
What are the supported browsers for the Pro Bono Consultant application?
Before you start your Pro Bono Consultant application, please make sure you use a browser we support:
  • IE 6.0+ - 7.0+ on Windows
  • Firefox 2.0+ on Mac, Windows
  • Safari 3.0+ on Mac
How do I enable JavaScript in my browser?
Some pages on the Taproot Foundation website require that you have a feature called JavaScript enabled in your browser.

To test if your browser supports JavaScript and has it enabled, click this link. If you saw a "congratulations" message, you're in good shape.

The Google website provides good instructions for enabling JavaScript in some common browsers.

How do I enable popup windows in my browser?
Some pages on the Taproot Foundation website use a feature called "popup windows"; when you perform a certain action on these pages, they open up an additional, smaller window containing more information. Some web browsers have been set up to block these popup windows from appearing.

To test if your browser allows popup windows of the sort used by the Taproot Foundation website, choose an option from this menu:

If a new window appears, you're all set. If your browser displays a message near the top of your window about a blocked popup, please click on the message and choose the option to allow popups from this site.

If you did not see a new window appear or any kind of message from your browser, make sure that your browser has JavaScript enabled (see the previous question). If your browser has the Yahoo! toolbar installed, make sure that that is allowing popups as well. Then, please consult your browser's online help pages to find out how to allow popup windows.

Finally, it is possible that your computer system is running other security-related software (such as antivirus software) that is preventing your browser from opening popup windows, or from closing them at the appropriate time; please check the documentation that came with your computer or with your antivirus software.

I want to change the e-mail address (or photo, resume, etc.) attached to my profile. Who do I contact?
If you would like to change details in your profile, you can log in and change it at your convenience. If you want to update a new resume and/or portfolio for consideration, e-mail volunteer@taprootfoundation.org. If you need assistance logging in, please e-mail support@taprootfoundation.org.