From paying for advertisements to promoting events on social media to allocating volunteer time, there are plenty of hidden costs to planning a fundraiser. With so many surprise costs and hidden obstacles, planning a fundraiser might seem intimidating for small businesses and nonprofits.

Knowing where to look for help can simplify this whole process.

There are plenty of pro bono resources for nonprofit fundraisers to access, making the whole fundraising process quicker, easier, and more affordable.

What is Pro Bono?

A pro bono project is a professional service that is offered free of charge.

For instance, the American Bar Association recommends that lawyers offer at least 50 hours of pro bono services every year, although that number may be higher or lower depending on the state. In this example, volunteer lawyers identify disadvantaged members of their community in need of legal assistance and subsequently offer them free legal aid.

Finding Pro Bono Nonprofit Resources

Sure, it’s possible to Google “pro bono resources for nonprofits near me,” but that search query might not yield the best results. Fundraising campaigners might instead have better luck using online tools that are specially designed to pair nonprofit organizations with pro bono resources in their area.

Such tools and resources include the following.

1. National Council of Nonprofits

The National Council of Nonprofits is an advocacy group and network of nonprofit organizations, with tens of thousands of members across the United States. The Council of Nonprofits helps nonprofits find each other as well locate community resources, among other services.

2. United Way

United Way is an international network of nonprofit organizations. A local United Way chapter could help nonprofits locate pro bono services in their communities.

3. Taproot Foundation

Taproot Foundation is all about connecting nonprofit organizations with pro bono resources and skilled volunteers in their area, from volunteer social media management to pro bono legal assistance.

4. Pro Bono Partnership

Pro Bono Partnership is a network of pro bono providers who offer business law aid. Services and aid provided include the following:

• Applying for tax-exempt status with the IRS
• Registering and protecting trademarks and other kinds of intellectual property
• Reviewing or negotiating leases on various kinds of real estate

5. Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation

Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation provides free online learning programs and webinars to non profit organizations.

6. Prometheus Radio Project

Prometheus Radio Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to radio stations advocating for social change. This organization has collected a state-by-state legal support resource reference list for nonprofits; it can be accessed here.

Final Thoughts

Everyone needs a little help now and again, including nonprofits.

That’s where pro bono resources can come in handy.

They can offer free services, such as legal aid, to charities or small organizations that may otherwise not be able to afford them. If your nonprofit is looking for assistance with fundraising, that’s where we can come in handy. You can go here to download our FREE fundraising packet  so we can help you get started on your fundraising journey.