Volunteer: Ideas to Boost Your Skills

! 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


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

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! 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:

!

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

1 0

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

1 1


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

Adapted from Taproot Foundation. They have topnotch resources for creating a skills-based program:

www.taprootfoundation.org/do-probono J. Bernhard, 2015


1 2

Brochure

Design a brochure that inspires donors, provides information to prospective clients, and/or recruits volunteers.

Print-Ready Brochure

1 3

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

1 4

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

1 5

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

1 6

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

1 7

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

1 8

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

1 9

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)

2 0

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

2 1


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?


2 2

Competitor/ Collaborator Analysis

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of similar organizations and propose opportunities for partnership.

Competitor/ Collaborator Analysis




2 3

Copywriting

Edit an organization’s written content and craft new messages that emotionally connect with its audience.

Copywriting

2 4

Cost Reduction Analysis

Analyze expenses, workflows, and suppliers to show where excess resources can be reduced or eliminated.

Cost Reduction Analysis

2 5

Crowdfunding

Show how to raise funds from networks using social media, mobile apps, and websites.

Crowdfunding Campaign

2 6

Donor Relations Strategy

Develop a plan to engage donors, share the nonprofit’s successes, and show appreciation for contributions.

Donor Relations Plan, Communication

Templates

2 7

Donor Segmentation

Analyze who gives and how they are grouped by motivation, behavior, and demographics.

Donor Segment Analysis

2 8

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

2 9

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

3 0

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

3 1

Employment Law

Guide a nonprofit in hiring and firing, personnel manuals, compensation, and volunteer policies.

Legal Guidance

3 2

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

3 3

Environmental & Sustainability Plan

Articulate a vision and goals to guide employees, management, shareholders, customers, and suppliers.

Environmental & Sustainability Policies,

Plan

3 4

Event Planning & Production

Coordinate behind-the-scenes logistics and details for a major event.

Event Plan, Execution




3 5

Executive Coaching

Provide a leader with support and help them recognize how to improve their organization’s effectiveness.

Executive Coaching Session(s)

3 6

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

3 7

Executive Search

Help a nonprofit identify, recruit, and hire the best fit for senior management positions.

Executive Search, Training

3 8

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

3 9

Facilities Needs Assessment

Observe the challenges with an organization’s office space and recommend how to fix them.

Facilities Needs Assessment

4 0

Facilities Renovation

Configure a new space for an organization. This project includes a floor plan, contractor recommendations, and construction timeline.

Floor Plan, Construction Plan

4 1

Financial Controls

Create procedures for handling transactions and physically protecting valuables.

Financial Controls Plan

4 2

Financial Key Performance Indicators

Decide what measures are important in the nonprofit’s environment and develop metrics to track performance.

KPIs, Measurement Tool,

Training

4 3

Financial Management Coach

Regularly analyze and advise on the organization’s financial systems and strategy.

Ongoing Financial Coaching

4 4

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

4 5

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

4 6

Fundraising Plan

Define an organization’s fundraising goals, tactics, and prospective sources for donors.

Fundraising Plan, Funding Environment

Analysis




4 7

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

4 8

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

4 9

Google Adwords Plan

Review the nonprofit’s audience and marketing to write copy with good keywords.

Google Adwords Plan, Training

5 0

Grant Proposal Budget

Research the items needed for a grant project, their costs, and the value of any in-kind contributions.

Grant Budget

5 1

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

5 2

Graphic Design

Create print and/or online materials that reflect an organization’s visual identity.

Graphic Design

5 3

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

5 4

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

5 5

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

5 6

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

5 7

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




5 8

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

5 9

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

6 0

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

6 1

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

6 2

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

6 3

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

6 4

IT Coach

Regularly advise on how to manage and evolve an organization’s IT systems.

Ongoing IT Coaching

6 5

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

6 6

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

6 7

IT Security Assessment

Determine where a nonprofit is vulnerable. Develop a plan for reducing and addressing risk.

Network Security Assessment,

Implementation Plan, Training

6 8

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




6 9

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

7 0

Legal Coach

Regularly guide a nonprofit in legal matters and risk management.

Ongoing Legal Coaching

7 1

Market Research

Gather external data about a target audience, issue area, program design, and/or operating environment.

Market Research Report

7 2

Marketing & Communications Coach

Advise on strategies and measurement, and provide a third-party take on how specific messages will resonate.

Ongoing Marketing & Communications

Coaching

7 3

Marketing & Communications Plan

Create a road map for how an organization will tell its story.

Marketing Plan

7 4

Membership Strategy

For nonprofits with dues-paying members: Provide tools and a plan for recruitment, retention, and engagement.

Membership Strategies, Plan

7 5

Merchandise Design

Create logoed merchandise to energize supporters, publicize the nonprofit’s name, and generate revenue.

Merchandise Design

7 6

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

7 7

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

7 8

Multimedia

Create a photo collage, slideshow, video, podcast, or webinar to reach and engage supporters.

Multimedia

7 9

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

8 0

Needs Assessment

Document a community’s viewpoints, challenges, and resources to determine how a nonprofit can best contribute to it.

Needs Assessment, Training




8 1

Newsletter

Design an online or print newsletter to regularly share updates, success stories, and events with stakeholders.

Newsletter Template, Style & Editorial Guides,

Work Plan

8 2

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

8 3

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

8 4

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

8 5

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

8 6

PR Coach

Advise on strategy, presentation, and content. Prepare staff for communicating in a crisis.

Ongoing Public Relations Coaching

8 7

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

8 8

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

8 9

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

9 0

Process/ Meeting Facilitation

Serve as a neutral third party to help skillfully navigate a complex decision.

Facilitation

9 1

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




9 2

Program Coach

Advise on how to assess, monitor, and continuously improve client services.

Ongoing Program Coaching

9 3

Program Database

Upgrade a database to track client contact information, services provided, outcomes, and interactions.

Customized Database, Training

9 4

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

9 5

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

9 6

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

9 7


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.


9 8

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

9 9

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

1 0 0

Search Engine Optimization

Drive more traffic to the nonprofit’s website through prominent search results.

SEO Plan

1 0 1

Social Media Plan

Where should the nonprofit have a presence, how often, and who should write and monitor content?

Social Media Plan, Training

1 0 2

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

1 0 3


If you’re a master at it, teach a group of staff and board how to capture attention and enthrall an audience.





1 0 4

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

1 0 5

Strategic Planning Prep

Explore an organization’s operating environment and gather information on its situation, position, and potential.

Environment Analysis, Research

1 0 6

Strategic Scorecard

Translate strategic goals into metrics that report progress to staff, board members, and other stakeholders.

Strategic Scorecard, Data Collection Plan,

Training

1 0 7

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

1 0 8

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

1 0 9

Translation & Interpretation

Translate content for the communities served by a nonprofit or provide in-person interpretation for key events.

Translated Item(s), Interpretation

1 1 0

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

1 1 1

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

1 1 2

Web Analytics

Show how to measure traffic, understand visitors' behavior, and determine what brings people to the site.

Web Analytics Tool, Training

1 1 3

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

1 1 4

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

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Leadership & Management

Volunteer: Ideas to Boost Your Skills