Search articles from thousands of Examiners
Write for us
National Society and Culture Chicago Philanthropy Examiner
Chicago Philanthropy Examiner

Taproot Foundation helps professionals donate business skills

January 26, 11:08 PMChicago Philanthropy ExaminerKaryn Brianne Watkins
Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe


Get alerts when there is a new article from the Chicago Philanthropy Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.
Email Address


  Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use


Taproot projects include those for children's orgs

After a long search in the nonprofit sector, I've decided that my professional interests (such as, the use of new media in communications) may be better utilized in the area of public affairs/relations. However, I still have an urge to channel my business background in an avenue which significantly contributes to a better society.

But, what if my new employer doesn't put a great emphasis on charitable giving or volunteerism? Well, luckily for me, there's the Taproot Foundation.

Since 2001, the Taproot Foundation has been pairing business professionals and nonprofits on pro bono projects. The idea is very novel. The Taproot Foundation doesn't grant cash to nonprofits, instead organizations receive service grants, or access to high-quality, professional consulting services. The Foundation focuses on assisting organizations focused in the following four areas: education, health, environment, and social services.

Okay, so where do the business professionals come in?

Business professionals take on roles such as project manager, marketing manager, and copywriter/editor, and agree to work 3-5 hours/week on a 6-month pro-bono project. Past Chicago projects have benefited such organizations as the Chicago Foundation for Education, Girls in the Game, and the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. Projects range from developing brand identities to developing advanced websites, and everything in between.

I've read some of the volunteer spotlights and it seems like most people REALLY enjoy using their business prowess to help a nonprofit grow and prosper. 97% of volunteers stated that they would like to work on another project! That's beyond amazing! I'm hoping to join a Taproot project before the summer. I think it's going to be an experience from which I learn a lot In addition to the volunteerism aspect, it's a great professional development opportunity, as well as a networking tool!

Interested folks can go to the Taproot website and submit a profile to be considered for a project. There are open projects in Chicago, as well as Seattle, New York, Washington DC, Boston, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay area. 

On a related note, if you don't think that you can dedicate 5-6 months through Taproot, there are still other ways that you can sharpen your business skills for a great cause! You can design fliers for a charity event, write a press release for an upcoming charitable initiative, or support fundraising efforts through your marketing prowess. Just contact your favorite charity, and I'm sure they can help guide your talent!

-kb

As always, for fun and exciting ways to support charitable initiatives and causes, head on over to my blog, The Fabulous Giver!

 

Add a Comment

Name:


Comments:
characters left

NOTE: Do Not Alter These Fields:

Recent Articles

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
On the 8th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the country marked the first National Day of Service and Remembrance, and people nationwide lent their …
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
On Sunday, the Chicago Bears will kickoff their regular season against long-standing rivals the Green Bay Packers. While the city turns its full …

Things to see and do

Penn & Teller
24 Nov 2009 - 9 pm
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino – Penn & Teller Theater
More special event »
Live Circus Acts
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino

Follow Me On Twitter!