Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find the answer to your question, please contact us:
- For technical questions: support@taprootfoundation.org
- For questions regarding whether you are a fit for a pro bono project: volunteer@taprootfoundation.org
Application Process
- Why do I need to fill out a pro bono consultant profile?
- Filling out an online profile is required because it allows our recruitment team to accurately asses your skills and experience. This enables staffing on a project where your skills and experience can be used most effectively to help strengthen local nonprofits.
- 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.
- I submitted a profile but haven't heard back from anyone, how long does it take to assess my application?
- Applications are typically reviewed within 5-10 business days however, this turn-around time can vary greatly depending on a multitude of factors. If you have received an email confirming your application, we ask that you please be patient while our recruitment team reviews it and contacts you.
- Can I use a Taproot Foundation project to build new skills?
- No, the Taproot Foundation strives to provide the highest-quality deliverables to local nonprofits so we only staff experienced professionals on projects that are within their developed skill-set. While learning is part of every process, these engagements are not designed to be direct skill-building opportunities. 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 with each consultant donating 100 hours of pro-bono service. This equates to an average of about 3-5 hours a week. However, this can vary depending on the role and how far along the project is.
- How much of the work is done remotely?
- There is a mandatory in-person orientation before you are considered an Active pro bono consultant. Once you are staffed on a project most of the work is done remotely, however you are generally required to meet in-person once a month.
- Are there networking opportunities associated with volunteering?
- Thousands of pro bono consultants volunteer nationwide and the potential to expand your network is great. Individual teams determine their own working dynamic, and based on these personal decisions, interactions with your team can be uniquely frequent or limited. We also try to facilitate networking events from our local offices, check out our events page.
- What's the best way to refer others who want to do pro bono?
- Please refer them to fill out our online application. If you would like a copy to include in a company/alumni/trade association newsletter, please contact us at volunteer@taprootfoundation.org, and we'll be sure to send you the appropriate information.
- Where does the Taproot Foundation get its funding?
- We are a 501(c)3 organization and there are two key ways we get funding. Some organizations fund us by project, in essence sponsoring a group of projects usually for organizations they already support. Other funders provide general operating support. We get most of our funding from foundations, but are also supported by corporations, associations and individuals. For more information, see our funder section of the website.
- I don't live in Downtown Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Chicago, New York City or Washington D.C., can I still volunteer with the Taproot Foundation?
- Because you are required to attend an in-person and team 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, Seattle, Chicago, NYC or DC, and able to meet in person once a month, please feel free to apply! We hope to expand in the future, so please follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay updated on the Taproot Foundation.
- 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 visit the Pro Bono Action Tank website for more information.
Pro Bono Consultant Orientation
- Do I have to attend the in-person orientation?
- Yes, all orientations are an hour and a half in-person session and are a great way to meet like-minded professionals, as well as our Taproot Foundation Program Managers! Attending an orientation will give you an overview of our processes, blueprints, and nonprofit clients.
- Can I start a project before attending the in-person orientation session?
- No, since our pro bono engagements are slightly different than normal client engagements, we do require the in-person orientation as your final step in becoming a pro bono consultant.
- Can I bring a friend to orientation?
- Because of security constraints at some of our orientation locations, it is best if your friend goes through the application process first. They can start by filling out a profile.
- How many people are generally at orientation?
- Depending on the city, orientations can range from an attendance of around 15 pro bono consultants to about 40.
- Is there a dress code for orientation?
- No, however, most people will likely be coming from work and will therefore range from business to business casual; Taproot staff leading the sessions tend to dress business casual.
- Is there food at orientations? Can I bring food to the orientation?
- Taproot Foundation is not able to provide food at the orientations; however, 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. We can add notes to your profile if you have a specific area in mind and you can e-mail your preferences to the program team after you become an Active pro bono consultant.
- How do I submit 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, Seattle, Washington DC, or Los Angeles).
- How big are the nonprofits? How does the Taproot Foundation pick the nonprofits to work with?
- We look at three primary sets of criteria for all Service Grant applicants:
- Basic Eligibility: Based on our strategic intent, 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 strength, 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 and tasks they're responsible for on the project. The Account Director assigned to the project heads the staffing aspect.
- Who manages the projects?
- Each Service Grant project has a team lead called and Account Director whose role is to manage the scope, timeline, and meetings for other members of the Service Grant team. The Account Director keeps a bird-eye view on the project but is not involved in the day- to-day details. 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?
- Aside from Account Directors, 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 has a project blueprint with a defined scope and timeline, as well as an out-of-scope document. While your team will have an experienced Project Manager who keeps the team on track, it is a mutual effort to make sure everyone stays focused on the project, timeline, commitment.
- 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 organize any sort of commitment beyond the scope of a Service Grant, many pro bono consultants have joined their assigned nonprofit's board of directors, staff and/or ongoing volunteer teams.
- Can I use the completed project in my professional portfolio?
- Of course! Many 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. 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 more than 3 yrs since you have been assessed and you feel your resume has changed enough that you may be eligible for a different project type or pro bono consultant role, please e-mail the recruitment team at volunteer@taprootfoundation.org.
- 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 job opportunities on our website.
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.
- I want to change the e-mail address attached to my profile, who do I contact?
- If you would like to change the e-mail address attached to your profile, you can log in and change it at your convenience. If you need assistance please e-mail volunteer@taprootfoundation.org.
