FAQ for Professionals

What types of professional expertise are nonprofits seeking?

Nonprofits seek a wide range of skillsets in multiple industries such as: Communications, Marketing & Social Media, Business Planning & Operations, Finance & Accounting, Fundraising, Human Resources, Executive Coaching, Board Development, Website and Graphic Design, Information Technology, Law, Real Estate and more. Each pro bono consulting request is unique. Check out our Opportunities to see what areas of expertise and skills are currently in demand.

What types of nonprofits does the Pro Bono Consulting Practice work with?

We work with partner nonprofits that are mission-driven, results-oriented, and accomplishing meaningful work within and beyond the Jewish community. Our partners range from start-ups to well-established organizations. Most are located in the Bay Area, but as we grow the Pro Bono Practice, more overseas partners will post opportunities for virtual help. Get to know our partner nonprofits.

What types of pro bono consulting opportunities are offered?

Opportunities involve strategic, high-priority assignments that will strengthen nonprofit operations and impact. The scope of the assignment is discrete, well-defined, and results-oriented.

How much time is involved?

Each opportunity is unique. They range from a few hours to ongoing consultations for six months or more. You and the nonprofit can design a mutually agreed-upon schedule.

How much of the work can be done remotely?

Typically, most of the work can be done remotely. It’s up to you and the nonprofit to agree on the right mix.

What if I have never worked with a nonprofit before?

That’s fine! Many skills are transferable and in short supply. Let us help you make this your first experience of many.

What support can I count on from the Federation staff?

We do our best to ensure that you have a meaningful pro bono consulting experience. First, all pro bono opportunities are vetted (for feasibility, readiness, importance, etc.) before being posted. During the engagement, we proactively check in with both parties and are always available to help problem-solve. However, you and the nonprofit are responsible for keeping the project on track, communicating openly and regularly, and meeting deadlines.

Can I continue working with the nonprofit once the pro bono engagement is over?

Yes! Many pro bono consultants do. You and the nonprofit should openly discuss the parameters for subsequent engagements (e.g., paid or pro bono). If pro bono, we strongly encourage you and the nonprofit to arrange the work through our practice so that we can provide ongoing support.

Are there networking opportunities for pro bono consultants?

We are building a network for pro bono consultants; if you are interested in helping plan the network, email us. In the meantime, check out the Federation’s current networks of talented and committed professionals: Get Involved.

What's the best way to refer others who want to serve as pro bono consultants?

Share our sign-up link to receive an email when new pro bono opportunities are posted. And thank you—this is a great way to communicate the important work you’re doing and expand your impact.

How do I contact the Pro Bono Consulting Practice?

Email us. We'll get back to you right away.

How do I apply to be a pro bono consultant?

It’s easy. Check out the Opportunities. Filter them by industry area. Find ones that interest you, tell us why, and share your LinkedIn profile or resume.

How does the Federation vet requests from nonprofits for pro bono consulting help?

Requests are reviewed by the Federation staff and an Industry Area Expert (e.g., Industry Lead) to evaluate whether:

1. The scope is meaningful and well-defined with clearly articulated deliverables.
2. The hours required and deadlines are realistic.
3. The nonprofit has the adequate bandwidth and resources to successfully manage the engagement.

Can I apply for more than one opportunity?

Yes!

Can I collaborate with a colleague on an opportunity?

Sure. In the application include your colleague’s experience and why she/he is interested in collaborating on the engagement. Whichever of you will be the lead consultant should fill out the application.

What happens after I submit my application?

Applications are shared with nonprofits once an Industry Area Expert (e.g., Industry Lead) confirms that the application indicates the requisite skills/experience to carry out the engagement. Nonprofits have two days to decide whether to interview the professional. We then formally introduce the professional and the nonprofit via email and ask that you hold an interview (in person if at all possible) within ten days to determine whether to partner on the engagement.

How soon will I know if the nonprofit and I will interview each other?

We will try our best to let you know within two weeks. Feel free to check in if you need to know sooner.

What if no opportunities are currently available?

Sign up to hear when new opportunities become available. In the meantime, if you are interested in helping us grow the Pro Bono Consulting Practice, email us and tell us how you would like to help.

What transpires at the interview?

The interview (preferably held in person or, if not possible, by live video conference) allows you and the nonprofit to determine whether to partner on the engagement. Thus, go to the interview with questions that will help you make this decision. Be ready to share some or all of the following: your professional background, examples of your work, why the engagement interests you, ideas for accomplishing the work, your communication style, your availability, parameters for subsequent engagements, etc. After the interview, you and the nonprofit have two days to inform us whether you wish to collaborate. See Tips for a Successful Pro Bono Engagement.

What if I decide after the interview that it's not a good fit?

That's fine. It’s better to figure that out before you begin. We hope you will apply again and find an opportunity that suits you.

What if I need help with my online account?

Check out our user manual or email us.

What happens after the engagement is agreed to?

Please see our Tips for a Successful Pro Bono Engagement which will help you and the nonprofit map out a work plan including the tasks, deliverables, responsible parties, timeline, means and frequency of communication, and process for resolving any concerns (e.g., scope creep). Parties need to decide whether to have formal agreements on nondisclosure and/or liability issues and about sharing and ownership rights of deliverables.

How can I ensure the engagement stays within scope?

You and the nonprofit should communicate regularly about the progress of the tasks and deliverables. These “check-ins” should be pre-scheduled and written into the work plan. If complications arise, proactively and openly raise your concerns, recommend resolutions, and amend the work plan to reflect the changes. We are always available to help; just email us.

What if I need advice during the engagement?

We are here to support you. Email us. We will respond right away. We also have a team of Pro Bono Industry Leads who are available to be sounding boards and advise. And, we send periodic email check-ins, so let us know how we can help.

What if I need help with my online account?

Check out our user manual or email us.

What happens once I’ve completed the engagement?

Celebrate with the nonprofit! We want to hear about and learn from your experience. Please inform us by completing the final survey and submitting testimonials and stories for the Federation’s blog. And share the experience with your network. Most importantly, we hope you will sign-up for more opportunities and encourage colleagues to do so.