Nonprofit Spark – Tapping into the power of pro bono services for non-profits – 11/12/12

Summary: On this week's show, my guest and I focus on pro bono services that can make a huge difference for non-profit marketing, human resources, technology and other areas that it can be hard to raise money for. Many nonprofits have had mixed experiences with pro bono professionals, though, and are skeptical about seeking them out. It really takes some hard thinking and time to make such relationships work. My guest this week is Aaron Hurst, president and founder of Taproot Foundation (http://www.taprootfoundation.org). Its mission is to lead, mobilize and engage professionals in pro bono service that drives social change. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has connected some 3,000 nonprofits to pro bono consultants and has compiled everything its learned into a new book, Powered by Pro Bono: The Nonprofit's Step-by-Step Guide to Scoping, Securing, Managing and Scaling Pro Bono Resources (http://www.poweredbyprobono.org). It really is a "how to" book for nonprofits of all sizes who want to increase income through donated services. Taproot Foundation works with nonprofits in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington, D.C. But even if you're not located in any of those cities, you can still benefit from Taproot Foundation experience by listening to this interview with Aaron, by reading the book, and by checking out the organization's website at taprootfoundation.org (http://taprootfoundation.org). As you listen to the interview, start thinking about what you dream of accomplishing in the next 12-18 months. It all is possible with pro bono consultants! Dream big and enjoy the show.