Providing pro bono professional services to non-profits with limited resources is a rewarding way to contribute to the quality of life in communities. Many professionals, including lawyers, management consultants, accountants, and architects consider this kind of voluntary work to be part of their career commitment. The boards and management of non-profit organizations are very grateful to have access to this kind of expertise and experience.
The professionals, though, should be cognizant of certain challenges and cautions in carrying out their pro bono work. The guidelines below will help these volunteer professionals recognize problem areas and maintain effective relationships with the non-profit organizations.
Adjusting to the Mission and Culture of the Non-Profit Sector
A pro bono professional who is used to assessing work in terms of the financial bottom line often has to make a cultural adjustment. Many non-profits, especially if they are providing a client service to disadvantaged residents of the community, are more concerned with individual client outcomes. Their focus is always on providing the best service possible to the greatest number of clients within their mandate and limited resources. Success has a very different meaning in the world of client services.
One role of the professional, whether a lawyer, accountant or management consultant, might be to provide a reality check from a business perspective. But, this same professional still needs to recognize and accept the client focus of the non-profit if he is to do useful work for the organization.
Managing Expectations of the Non-Profit for Pro Bono Work
It is important that the professional doing the pro bono work for the non-profit be very clear about the scope of his contribution. Otherwise, it is easy for the board and management to start treating the professional as if he were on a retainer and available for every similar situation.
The professional providing pro bono services would be wise to establish the same kind of relationship with the non-profit board and management that he would have with a paying client. A written statement of work that includes the following provides a frame of reference for both parties.
- Details of the nature and scope of the work to be done; for example, review of all funding contracts with recommendations for sustainability.
- Approximation of level of effort; for example, five hours to review all contracts, three hours to write sustainability plan, and one hour to present to board.
- Timeline; for example, all this work will be completed in the next six weeks.
- Resources needed; for example, admin support to arrange interviews with funders, type up the report and make photocopies.
- Clarification of copyright ownership of any documents produced such as an HR orientation package or a history of the organization to be used on the web site.
- Details of any liabilities.
This can all be presented informally and in a friendly manner, but it does state the limits of what the non-profit organization can expect from the pro bono professional. A statement can always be added that any further help they need can be discussed when this project is completed.To further reinforce the professional relationship, some consultants and legal firms will even produce invoices that have a zero balance owing.
Needless to say, the professional maintains the same integrity and standards of services as he would with a paying client.
Doing Professional Pro Bono Work Without Resources
It is quite probable that there is no money in the non-profit budget to support the professional pro bono work. This means that even typing up a report and preparing the copies for the board will be an add-on to someone’s regular job. The professional should be aware of these limitations and either be prepared to have the task take longer or to absorb that work into his own business as part of his contribution.
This issue should be part of the discussion about the statement of work. It is all part of making sure that the non-profit board and management are being realistic about the scope of the pro bono work being done.
Learning to Work with Non-Profit Volunteers to Provide Pro Bono Services
Most professional work with a non-profit will begin with the volunteer board or a volunteer committee. Although the pro bono professional is, in effect, also a volunteer, he is providing services only in his particular area of skill and expertise. This means he is in the same position as a paid consultant hired to tackle a specific project or intermittent professional work.
The commitment of volunteers on a board or one of its committee varies. Some people treat this kind of volunteer work the same way as a job for which they are being paid. In other words, they bring the same kind of focus and effort to it as the pro bono professional.
Others, however, have different reasons for being on the board of a non-profit. It might look good on their resume or on their political profile. Someone might be on the board of a mental health organization because her sister has mental health issues and she feels this work will help in some way. These people can be dead wood on a working group. The pro bono professional often needs copious amounts of patience and exemplary facilitation skills to work with these volunteers who unintentionally delay the process and decision making.
Meeting the Challenges of Pro Bono Work is Worth the Effort
Even the smallest and most under funded non-profit service organization has a significant place in the community. It exists to serve a need. Its struggles deserve a boost once in a while, especially if provided by a pro bono professional with commitment and good will. There are long lasting rewards to be enjoyed on both sides.
Constance Woloschuk - 30 years experience in management and organizational development; extensive volunteer work with faith-based organizations.
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