Congratulations to the Taproot Foundation for continuing to help nonprofits and individuals navigate this economy. In the last week they've been featured twice in the New York Times (From Ranks of Jobless, a Flood of Volunteers and Even Pro Bono Work Requires Doing Your Homework First) and appeared today on Fox News (see below).
Taproot is on a mission to bring the pro bono model from the legal industry to other professions and markets. By providing the support and infrastructure for nonprofits and volunteers, Taproot creates an environment for individuals and the nonprofits to succeed.
Taproot helps experienced professionals effectively put their skills to work. The recent rise in unemployment is driving up interest in volunteer work and Taproot -- and other organizations like them -- are allowing people to make their [unplanned] time off a period of meaningful pro bono consultancy. This is not just semantics; professionals can expand their experience and networks and do good by doing good work.
The growth in pro bono volunteers in this down economy is a silver lining to a very difficult employment environment and it lays an excellent foundation for future growth as people recognize their talents can benefit nonprofits and their careers.