This is a list of project ideas adapted from Taproot Foundation on how to donate your HR, financial, marketing, legal, tech, or strategy skills. I can help your employees identify what they'd most like to do and connect them to the nonprofits who need the service.

1. !
STRATEGY MANAGEMENT FUNDRAISING
Intellectual Property Law
Real Estate Law
General Corporate Law
Taxation & Regulatory Compliance
Employment Law
Program Training Design
Profitability Modeling
Needs Assessment
Change Theory
Mobile App
Web Development
Web Analytics
Salesforce Database
Google Adwords Plan
Search Engine Optimization
Extranet Design & Development
Intranet Design & Development
IT Security Assessment
Remote Access Setup
Office Networking
Broadcast Email Tools
Public Service Announcement
Client Service Evaluation
Office Tone & Setup
Press Kit
Internal Capacity Assessment
Geographic Expansion Plan
Earned Income Plan
Mission, Vision, Values
Environmental & Sustainability Plan
Competitor/ Collaborator Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Client Service Evaluation
Strategic Planning & Prep
Membership Strategy
Donor Segmentation
In-Kind Donation Assessment
Donor Relations Strategy
Grant Budget
Grant Template
Fundraising Analysis
Crowdfunding
Event Planning
Capital Campaign Design
Fundraising Coach
Salesforce Database
Program Training Design
Web Development
Google Adwords Plan
Search Engine Optimization
Naming & Visual Identity
Merchandise Design
Blog Design
Broadcast Email Tools
Internal Communications
Mission, Vision & Values
Translation & Interpretation
Event Planning
Storytelling Training
Multimedia
Social Media Plan
Mobile App
KPIs
Accounting System
Financial Controls
Budget Development
Cost Reduction Analysis
In-Kind Donation Assessment
Pricing Strategy
Program Profitability Modeling
IRS Annual Filings
Taxation & Regulatory Compliance Cash Flow Planning
Endowment Planning
Employee Recruitment
Organizational Diversity
Performance Evaluation System
Professional Development Training
Process/ Meeting Facilitation
Change Management
Board Effectiveness
Board Structure
Board Training
Staff Compensation Plan
HR Management System
Office Tone & Setup
Executive Search
Executive 360° Review
Executive Coaching
Accessibility & Code Compliance
Building & Space Identification
Facilities Assessment
Interior Design
Facilities Renovation
Healthy Environments
LEED Certification
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
MARKETING &
COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
HR & LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT
LEGAL & RISK MANAGEMENT
PR Plan
Advocacy Plan
Volunteer Management
Volunteer Recruitment
Client Service Evaluation
Progress Measurement
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
REAL ESTATE & FACILITIES
Market Research
White Paper
Business Plan
Copywriting
Brochure
Annual Report
IT Plan
Jolene Bernhard, 2015 Adapted from Taproot Foundation

2. !
!
! 73% of nonprofits would seek more pro bono
help if they could better translate gaps into
specific projects.
! 65% don’t know where to find pro bono talent.
! 58% need help with timeline management.
! 42% need help with project scoping.
! 26% don’t think they have the staff resources
to manage pro bono work.
!
!
!
!
!
!!!!!!How can you help with a Solution?
TAPROOT FOUNDATION has been a groundbreaker in the pro bono movement, and is a source
of ideas that give you the momentum to do something great.
This list of skills-based volunteering ideas is a summary of data from their website to help both sides
articulate what they’re most looking for. I love how wide-ranging and specific the projects are.
If you’re a nonprofit, may the list inspire you to define the structure you need right now to
survive and thrive. Most importantly, may you rally the internal support and drive to turn
that wish list into action.
If you’re a corporate volunteer, don’t just wait for the right opportunity to appear:
You can market your interest in specific projects through LinkedIn for Volunteers, Catchafire,
WomenOnCall, and your company’s network to find that beautiful intersection between what you
have to offer and the nonprofit who is ready to use your skills.
PICK 5 PROJECTS FROM THIS LIST THAT ARE CALLING YOU AND PROMOTE THE HECK OUT OF THEM.
Jolene Bernhard
Corporate Giving Guide, Denver
A TAPROOT SURVEY SAYS THAT:

3. !
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
1
Accessibility & Code Compliance
Ensure that an organization’s office is accommodating for people with disabilities and meets other building
codes, making the space welcoming for all.
Recommendations for
Accessibility &
Code Compliance
2
Accounting System
Analyze an organization’s accounting needs and make a recommendation for a new system. This project can
also involve evaluating and improving an existing system.
Accounting Plan,
Training
3
Advocacy Plan
Clearly define the audience to influence, the desired change, and a process for regularly educating that
audience about the organization's point of view.
Issue Analysis,
Advocacy Plan,
Content
4
Annual Report
Communicate the organization’s accomplishments by designing a layout and compiling photos, data, text,
and financial information.
Annual Report,
Template,
Training
5
Blog Design
Create a space on an organization’s website where staff and guest writers can share news, event recaps,
advice, photos, and success stories.
Blog Template,
Editorial & Style Guides,
Training
6
Board Effectiveness
Measure board performance by looking at its governance practices, membership, resource generation, and
CEO management. Make recommendations for improvement.
Board Assessment
Template, Analysis
7
Board Recruitment
Determine what skills are needed, create job descriptions, and develop marketing tools to build a pipeline of
members who are the right fit.
Board Recruitment
Plan
8
Board Reporting Dashboard
Translate a nonprofit’s strategic and operating plans into metrics that cover financial, administrative, program,
and governance performance.
Board Reporting
Dashboard
9
Board Structure
Improve the roles and policies of a board. This project reviews term limits, committees, meeting structure, and
other framework from the bylaws.
Board Structure,
Policies & Procedures
Documents
10
Board Training
Customize a training manual and provide a sample orientation so that new board members consistently learn
about all aspects of the organization and its goals.
Board Structure
11
Broadcast Email Tools
Determine how the organization can use these emails. Fundraising? Communicating with clients?
Demonstrate the options and get them started with the chosen tool.
Broadcast Email
Application

4. Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:
www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono
J. Bernhard, 2015
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
12
Brochure
Design a brochure that inspires donors, provides information to prospective clients, and/or recruits volunteers.
Print-Ready Brochure
13
Budget Design & Development
Design a format to better track the organization’s money and compare actual vs. budgeted performance.
This often goes hand-in-hand with upgrading accounting software.
Budget Analysis,
Budget Design
14
Building & Space Identification
Assess options for leasing or purchasing a new space. Consider co-locating options, where the nonprofit
either shares a building or office park with similar organizations.
Selection of New Space
15
Business Plan
Articulate an organization’s goals for a new venture. Create a document for potential investors and advisers
that discusses mission, objectives, tactics, and income strategy.
Business Plan
16
Capital Campaign Design & Management
Build a plan to ask donors to support a new building, renovation, or major equipment purchase. It typically
includes a feasibility study, timeline, and roles and responsibilities.
Capital Campaign Plan
17
Capital Campaign Materials
Create graphic materials that help funders visualize what the goal looks like, how it will increase an
organization’s capacity, and what it will cost.
Capital Campaign
Materials
18
Cash Flow Planning
Analyze incoming cash and short and long-term business expenses. Create a plan to minimize the revenue
droughts and prepare for the unexpected.
Cash Flow Analysis,
Plan,
Template
19
Change Management
Develop strategies and tools for tackling a major change. How will the organization address skills training,
leadership coaching, and culture adjustment?
Change Management
Plan, Coaching
Session(s)
20
Change Theory
A theory of change is an organization’s model for making a difference in the world. Explore how well their
model is working by analyzing the organization’s resources, activities, and outcomes.
Issue Area Research,
Theory of Change
21
Client Service Evaluation
Create a process to evaluate the heart of why an organization exists. Are clients satisfied with the environment
and relationships tied to a service? Are they making progress in what the service is designed to do?
Client Service
Evaluation
22
Competitor/ Collaborator Analysis
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of similar organizations and propose opportunities for partnership.
Competitor/
Collaborator Analysis

5. Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:
www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono
J. Bernhard, 2015
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
23
Copywriting
Edit an organization’s written content and craft new messages that emotionally connect with its audience. Copywriting
24
Cost Reduction Analysis
Analyze expenses, workflows, and suppliers to show where excess resources can be reduced or eliminated.
Cost Reduction Analysis
25
Crowdfunding
Show how to raise funds from networks using social media, mobile apps, and websites.
Crowdfunding
Campaign
26
Donor Relations Strategy
Develop a plan to engage donors, share the nonprofit’s successes, and show appreciation for contributions.
Donor Relations Plan,
Communication
Templates
27
Donor Segmentation
Analyze who gives and how they are grouped by motivation, behavior, and demographics.
Donor Segment
Analysis
28
E-Advocacy Platform
Research ways to mobilize supporters for collective action. Sync the platform with a nonprofit’s website and
social media to easily manage fundraising, events, and marketing.
E-Advocacy Platform,
Training
29
Earned Income Plan
Develop a way for a nonprofit to reduce its dependence on traditional funding sources while maintaining its
501(c)3 status: Review its business model, determine products and/or services that are marketable and
related to its mission, and create a launch plan.
Business Plan
30
Employee Recruitment Process
Build a pipeline for talent by writing meaningful job descriptions, reaching out to the right channels, and
establishing standards to evaluate candidates.
Job Descriptions,
Recruitment Plan
31
Employment Law
Guide a nonprofit in hiring and firing, personnel manuals, compensation, and volunteer policies.
Legal Guidance
32
Endowment Planning
Advise on how to create and best use an endowment: Set guidelines for investment policy, income use, and
protection of donor intent.
Endowment Plan &
Policy, Training
33
Environmental & Sustainability Plan
Articulate a vision and goals to guide employees, management, shareholders, customers, and suppliers.
Environmental &
Sustainability Policies,
Plan
34
Event Planning & Production
Coordinate behind-the-scenes logistics and details for a major event.
Event Plan,
Execution

6. Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:
www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono
J. Bernhard, 2015
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
35
Executive Coaching
Provide a leader with support and help them recognize how to improve their organization’s effectiveness.
Executive Coaching
Session(s)
36
Executive Director 360° Performance Review
Provide a director with feedback from all key stakeholders regarding strengths and areas for improvement.
Performance Evaluation,
Recommendations for
Improvement
37
Executive Search
Help a nonprofit identify, recruit, and hire the best fit for senior management positions.
Executive Search,
Training
38
Extranet Design & Development
Create a secure web environment for clients, alumni, and other stakeholders who regularly need to access
information. It could include forms, blogs, wikis, contact directories, calendars, and resource libraries.
Extranet
39
Facilities Needs Assessment
Observe the challenges with an organization’s office space and recommend how to fix them.
Facilities Needs
Assessment
40
Facilities Renovation
Configure a new space for an organization. This project includes a floor plan, contractor recommendations,
and construction timeline.
Floor Plan,
Construction Plan
41
Financial Controls
Create procedures for handling transactions and physically protecting valuables.
Financial Controls Plan
42
Financial Key Performance Indicators
Decide what measures are important in the nonprofit’s environment and develop metrics to track performance.
KPIs,
Measurement Tool,
Training
43
Financial Management Coach
Regularly analyze and advise on the organization’s financial systems and strategy.
Ongoing Financial
Coaching
44
Fundraising Analysis
Review all fundraising activities to determine what’s worth it and what the organization has the capacity to do
next. Estimate conversion rates for prospective and renewing donors in order to predict revenue.
Fundraising Process
Analysis, Fundraising
Management Plan
45
Fundraising Coach
Advise on how to improve overall fundraising strategy and processes. Translate your specific knowledge of
sales, direct mail, or customer service into fundraising strategy.
Ongoing Fundraising
Coaching
46
Fundraising Plan
Define an organization’s fundraising goals, tactics, and prospective sources for donors.
Fundraising Plan,
Funding Environment
Analysis

7. Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:
www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono
J. Bernhard, 2015
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
47
General Corporate Law
Help navigate incorporation or the legal aspects of activities like alliances, sponsorships, mergers, records
retention, project financing, or new business ventures.
Legal Guidance
48
Geographic Expansion Plan
Gauge the financial and brand impact of adding a new location, evaluate threats and opportunities, assess
internal capacity, and recommend a launch plan and timeline.
Geographic Expansion
Analysis, Plan
49
Google Adwords Plan
Review the nonprofit’s audience and marketing to write copy with good keywords.
Google Adwords Plan,
Training
50
Grant Proposal Budget
Research the items needed for a grant project, their costs, and the value of any in-kind contributions.
Grant Budget
51
Grant Template
Summarize the organization’s mission, strategic plan, activities, and budget in a document that will serve as a
starting point for grant proposals.
Grant Template
52
Graphic Design
Create print and/or online materials that reflect an organization’s visual identity.
Graphic Design
53
Healthy & Sustainable Environments
Research a nonprofit’s ergonomics, energy efficiency, and overall sustainability to ensure a healthy work
environment that doesn’t adversely impact the environment.
Health & Sustainability
Assessment
54
HR Capacity Build
Assess current HR practices, create a plan to solve individual challenges, and develop strategies that link the
department to broader organizational goals.
HR Assessment,
HR Standard Practices,
Implementation Plan
55
HR Coach
Advise on a range of human resources topics, such as payroll, timesheets, benefits, employee data, recruiting,
hiring, and performance evaluation.
Ongoing HR Coaching
56
HR Management System
Implement a system to manage payroll, benefits, and other employee data. This project includes vendor
selection, installation, training, and a maintenance plan.
Human Resources
Management System
57
In-Kind Donation Assessment
Review an organization's current and projected expenses to identify costs that can be met through the donation
of services. Develop strategies for securing them.
In-Kind Prospect List,
Acquisition Plan,
Management
Procedures

8. Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:
www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono
J. Bernhard, 2015
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
58
Intellectual Property Law
Provide legal advice on how to protect ownership rights for musical, literary, and artistic works, as well as for
inventions, names, and designs.
Legal Guidance
59
Interior Design & Brand Integration
Enhance the way that an organization’s space reflects its purpose, brand, and culture. Improve how operations
and traffic flow.
Assessment,
Interior Design Plan
60
Internal Capacity Assessment
Identify where a nonprofit is strong and where it needs improvement in key functions such as programs,
management, fundraising, accounting, and human resources.
Internal Capacity
Analysis, Training
61
Internal Communications Plan
Map the flow of messages through an organization so that staff receive consistent and accurate
communications with easily understood goals and results.
Communications
Analysis, Internal
Communications Plan,
Templates
62
Intranet Design & Development
Create a secure web environment for employees, board members, and volunteers to access information and
interact. It may include contact information, policies, dynamic reports, and an internal calendar.
Intranet
63
IRS Annual Filings
Nonprofits must file some version of Form 990 each year and publicly disclose their finances. Gather and submit
the required data: assets, income, expenditures, a list of board members and senior staff, compensation of
officers, and other details proving financial accountability and avoidance of fraud.
Form 990 Filing
64
IT Coach
Regularly advise on how to manage and evolve an organization’s IT systems.
Ongoing IT Coaching
65
IT Plan
Assess an organization’s headaches and look at how they can best use technology. Make recommendations
on databases (program, fundraising, and operations), web, networks, phones, and software.
IT Plan
66
IT Remote Access Setup
Enable staff to collaborate and communicate between offices or to access information from home. This project
reviews the organization’s remote IT needs, drafts a configuration plan, and implements the new system.
Remote Access Setup
67
IT Security Assessment
Determine where a nonprofit is vulnerable. Develop a plan for reducing and addressing risk.
Network Security
Assessment,
Implementation Plan,
Training
68
Key Messages & Brand Strategy
Develop messages about a nonprofit’s mission, constituents, and unique contributions so that they complement
each other and have a consistent voice.
Key Messages, Brand
Recommendations

9. Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:
www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono
J. Bernhard, 2015
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
69
LEED Certification
Remodel a space to meet LEED standards at whatever level is both feasible and desirable for the organization.
This project includes a floor plan, recommendations for general contractors, and construction timeline.
Floor Plan, Contractor
Recommendations,
Timeline, Advice
70
Legal Coach
Regularly guide a nonprofit in legal matters and risk management.
Ongoing Legal
Coaching
71
Market Research
Gather external data about a target audience, issue area, program design, and/or operating environment.
Market Research Report
72
Marketing & Communications Coach
Advise on strategies and measurement, and provide a third-party take on how specific messages will resonate.
Ongoing Marketing &
Communications
Coaching
73
Marketing & Communications Plan
Create a road map for how an organization will tell its story.
Marketing Plan
74
Membership Strategy
For nonprofits with dues-paying members: Provide tools and a plan for recruitment, retention, and engagement.
Membership Strategies,
Plan
75
Merchandise Design
Create logoed merchandise to energize supporters, publicize the nonprofit’s name, and generate revenue.
Merchandise Design
76
Mission, Vision, and Values
Update these statements to clarify purpose, focus energy, and motivate staff and other stakeholders.
An organization may have outgrown its original mission or feel that the wording is too vague.
Mission, Vision, and/or
Values Statements
77
Mobile App
Design an app to meet an organizational need, whether that’s sharing news, raising money, outsourcing work
to microvolunteers, or motivating clients.
Mobile App
78
Multimedia
Create a photo collage, slideshow, video, podcast, or webinar to reach and engage supporters.
Multimedia
79
Naming & Visual Identity
Walk an organization through the brainstorming of a new program or company name. Create an updated logo
and overall look to reflect its core beliefs.
Name,
Logo & Visual Identity,
Style Guide
80
Needs Assessment
Document a community’s viewpoints, challenges, and resources to determine how a nonprofit can best
contribute to it.
Needs Assessment,
Training

10. Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:
www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono
J. Bernhard, 2015
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
81
Newsletter
Design an online or print newsletter to regularly share updates, success stories, and events with stakeholders.
Newsletter Template,
Style & Editorial Guides,
Work Plan
82
Office Networking
Configure and install a network that allows an organization’s computers, printers, scanners, cameras, folders,
and Internet connection to be shared.
Office Network
83
Office Tone & Setup
Is a nonprofit’s front office welcoming and well-organized? Assess their reception and administrative practices
and recommend solutions.
Office Assessment,
Standard Practices,
Plan
84
Organizational Diversity Plan
Build an advisory team and a plan that makes diversity a vital part of the organization’s mission, vision, values,
and daily actions.
Organizational Diversity
Plan
85
Performance Evaluation System
Develop a form and broader system to help leadership and staff: Clarify personal goals, align them with
organizational goals, and give and receive regular feedback.
HR Assessment,
Performance Evaluation
Tool, Training
86
PR Coach
Advise on strategy, presentation, and content. Prepare staff for communicating in a crisis.
Ongoing Public
Relations Coaching
87
PR Plan
How can the nonprofit enhance its public image and relationships? Build a plan that has a PR calendar, media
lists and training, news releases, speeches, and/or press kits.
PR Plan
88
Press Kit
Create a sample press release and bundle general information about the nonprofit’s presence and
achievements to share with the media.
Communications
Materials
89
Pricing Strategy
Analyze how much an organization charges for products and services, along with their true value and cost.
Recommend which ones to continue and which new ones to offer.
Pricing Strategy
Analysis,
Recommendations
90
Process/ Meeting Facilitation
Serve as a neutral third party to help skillfully navigate a complex decision.
Facilitation
91
Professional Development Training
What skill could you teach to a larger group of people? Topics that are useful to nonprofits include customer
service, conflict management, and public speaking.
Professional
Development Training

11. Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:
www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono
J. Bernhard, 2015
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
92
Program Coach
Advise on how to assess, monitor, and continuously improve client services.
Ongoing Program
Coaching
93
Program Database
Upgrade a database to track client contact information, services provided, outcomes, and interactions.
Customized Database,
Training
94
Program Measurement
Identify the goals of a client service, decide how to measure progress, and create a tool for collecting data.
Metrics,
Measurement Tool,
Training
95
Program Profitability Modeling
Help organizations weigh the value of each service by determining whether they operate at a profit or loss.
Detailed Report on
Program Revenues and
Expenses
96
Program Training Design
Design a “program in a box” with tools, teachings, and lessons learned. The nonprofit can introduce this to a
new community to replicate a successful model.
Training Module
97
Public Service Announcement
Donate radio, TV, print, and/or online advertising space. Craft an ad that tells the target audience about a
nonprofit and the broader issue it serves.
Public Service
Announcement
98
Real Estate Law
Guide a purchase or sale, negotiate a lease, or review a contract to ensure that the organization understands
the terms and is negotiating in its own best interest.
Legal Guidance
99
Salesforce Database
Nonprofits frequently turn to Salesforce to manage donor and client information. Design a database and
reporting templates for an organization, and help them transfer data.
Custom Database,
Data Migration Plan,
Training
100
Search Engine Optimization
Drive more traffic to the nonprofit’s website through prominent search results.
SEO Plan
101
Social Media Plan
Where should the nonprofit have a presence, how often, and who should write and monitor content?
Social Media Plan,
Training
102
Staff Compensation & Incentive Plan
Create a fair, consistent compensation system and develop non-monetary rewards to boost employee
satisfaction. This project includes an analysis of job descriptions, pay structures, and raise policies.
Staff Compensation &
Incentive Plan
103
Storytelling Training
If you’re a master at it, teach a group of staff and board how to capture attention and enthrall an audience.
Storytelling Training

12. Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:
www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono
J. Bernhard, 2015
VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTCOMES
104
Strategic Planning
Guide a planning process to come up with a 3-5 year set of goals and plot a course to achieve them.
Organizational Analysis,
Strategic Plan
105
Strategic Planning Prep
Explore an organization’s operating environment and gather information on its situation, position, and potential.
Environment Analysis,
Research
106
Strategic Scorecard
Translate strategic goals into metrics that report progress to staff, board members, and other stakeholders.
Strategic Scorecard,
Data Collection Plan,
Training
107
SWOT Analysis
Articulate what makes an organization unique by researching its strengths and weaknesses (internal factors),
as well as opportunities and threats (external factors).
SWOT Analysis
108
Taxation & Regulatory Compliance
Help a nonprofit comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations in the areas of fundraising,
lobbying, the board, annual reporting, and the IRS.
Legal Guidance
109
Translation & Interpretation
Translate content for the communities served by a nonprofit or provide in-person interpretation for key events.
Translated Item(s),
Interpretation
110
Volunteer Management
Develop a system for leading a volunteer workforce: How to align their actions with the mission, who the right
people are to recruit, where to find them, how to retain the best, and what tools they need to succeed.
Volunteer Program
Assessment,
Improvement Plan
111
Volunteer Recruitment
Provide the structure and tools to find exceptional volunteers. Write job descriptions. Develop advertising
templates and marketing strategies. Create a screening process.
Volunteer Recruitment,
Integration Plan,
Management Plan
112
Web Analytics
Show how to measure traffic, understand visitors' behavior, and determine what brings people to the site.
Web Analytics Tool,
Training
113
Web Development
Upgrade a current site or create a new one that looks clean, draws you in, and is easy to maintain. Partner with
a marketing volunteer who can create a pool of long-term content.
Website,
Training
114
White Paper
Produce an authoritative document that explores an issue in-depth. The white paper can be used as an
advocacy tool to inform governmental policy and secure resources.
White Paper
!