We took a look at the work happening in the field of corporate pro bono and pulled together our top 4 picks for what's trending in 2014. 

Any other trends you're picking up on or want to learn more about? Share your thoughts with us!

Corporate partners are increasingly shifting to build long-term, strategic partnerships with nonprofits in issue areas that align with their corporate philanthropy goals.  Adding pro bono to initiatives that support structure is a way to significantly deepen a company's potential impact in that area. 

 

As the CECP shared in its 2013 Giving in Numbers report, the number of companies focusing in on one program area has increased by 50% since 2007.  We've seen this through our work too, with examples like Hillshire Brands launching its pro bono pilot by partnering closely with Feeding America and its network of food banks.  The initiative focuses Hillshire talent squarely on an issue of concern for the company: ending domestic hunger. 

 

 

In the last couple of years, done-in-a-day pro bono events have risen in popularity - and for good reason! One-day events allow a company to execute an impactful pro bono program with minimal time commitment. But more and more companies are asking: how can we build on the momentum and passion that a one-day event generates?

 

Here are two ways that Taproot has helped companies leverage done-in-a-day pro bono events into longer-term and higher impact programs:

• Building a Foundation: Done-in-a-day can be a great starting point for volunteers, nonprofits, and internal stakeholders to launch into longer-term projects. Many day-long projects lead to innovative ideas for future projects and participants leave the event feeling excited about their new partnership and ready to re-engage.

• Scaling the Done-in-a-Day Model: Companies can equip their employees to help play a lead role in planning and launching done-in-a-day events across the company. One way is to invite representatives from other regional offices to shadow the event planning and implementation process which can provide the needed buy-in and understanding to help organize their own events locally. 

These are just a few examples for how a done-in-a-day event can kickstart a more ambitious pro bono program. What can you do in 2014 to deepen your company's impact once your done-in-a-day event is over?

 

Companies getting the itch to "go global" with their pro bono programs is nothing new. In fact, a typical pattern is for companies to start with a local pilot pro bono program to test the waters, then gradually scale the program into several domestic markets, and then, after a year or two of effective programming, they tackle the next step: building a pro bono program that can be replicated internationally. We have seen and helped to facilitate this successful model for growth for several of our partners.