Taproot Foundation Launches Pro Bono Resource for Nonprofits

(Press release, Oct. 23, 2014) — The Taproot Foundation launched Taproot+, a first-of-its-kind resource connecting nonprofits that need pro bono talent to business professionals who want to donate their expertise. With Taproot+, nonprofits can define the right pro bono project for their needs, secure the ideal pro bono professionals to help, and kick off a project with confidence, knowing that they can access project management and coaching support throughout the process.

"Taproot+ is a culmination of our 13 years of working with thousands of nonprofits and pro bono professionals to deliver high impact pro bono that allows nonprofits to make a difference in their communities. This unique program allows nonprofits to meet all of their pro bono needs in one place," said Liz Hamburg, president and CEO, Taproot Foundation. "Now even more nonprofits can access the pro bono they need to meet their goals."

In this initial launch, Taproot+ concentrates on making it easy for motivated nonprofits to articulate a powerful pitch for a pro bono project that they can post on the marketplace, and prepare for impactful engagements. Professionals who want to give back to their communities will also find it easy to identify projects that fit their skills, and move through a short-term, high-impact project.

Future releases of Taproot+ will build on Taproot's partner network and concentrate on leveraging the power of other provider groups, including organizations like Taproot as well as corporations eager to connect their highly skilled employees with pro bono opportunities, and complementary platforms like the LinkedIn Volunteer Marketplace.

Taproot+ is made possible by the generous support of Citi Foundation, Lead National Corporate Sponsor; PwC, Lead Professional Services Sponsor; the Kresge Foundation, Lead National Foundation Sponsor; and Hewlett-Packard, Lead Investment Sponsor.

The Taproot+ launch coincides with Pro Bono Week, which takes place each year at the end of October. Pro Bono Week is a celebration of pro bono heroes-professionals in marketing, legal services, human resources, management, IT, and more who support their communities by lending their talents to nonprofits. Established by the American Bar Association, National Pro Bono Week started in 2009 as a way to highlight the growing impact of pro bono. Pro Bono Week shines a spotlight on the outstanding work of business professionals who volunteer their expertise throughout the year, and seeks to inspire more individuals and corporations to provide valuable pro bono services to local organizations serving the public good.

Pro bono is short for "pro bono publico" or "for the public good" and it is the term used for professional services donated to a nonprofit organization or individual in need. The pro bono landscape is expanding as more and more volunteers donate their services to nonprofits, corporations create internal pro bono programs for services delivered by employees, and professional schools embrace volunteerism for the benefits of service as well as a path to building experience.