Charity Work - Pro-bono work, do you do it?

[asolitaryfigure]

Hi there

I was just wondering what the general opinion on here is of Pro-Bono work for charities and local groups who have limited funds.

Do you think its a good thing and does anyone on here participate in helping others for no fee?

 

[10Yetis]

I think it is a good idea and we have done so in the past. A good way to increase your portfolio size.

 

[Astaroth]

We have likewise done pro-bono work for good causes and many many years ago I did a fair number of them to build my portfolio (back in the days when I considered myself a programmer).

Recent ones have been carefully selected but the problem with the first batch I did was word got round and I was flooded with requests and it was initially hard to say no to good causes but at the end of the day I had bills to pay which free work doesnt cover.

 

[reggiemental]

We like to help where we can, however, we get so many requests for help we just can't please everyone, so a few years back took the decision to help just one major charity, (with a local office), and this works well. We don't provide free print, but supply it at just over cost and turn away every other request.

 

[antonia]

I usually help a couple of charities each year - by promoting their event or getting a case study into a womens magazine. I like to be able to do it - using my PR powers for good

 

[Dawg]

 

[creospace]

We also support charities - I was actually with a trustee only last night as we're doing a website and logo for a local youth project.

Whilst it should never be mandatory it's a good exercise for every business to give a little back and get involved. To be honest its' strange how it will often pay for itself many times over in the long run but you shouldn't' do it on that basis of course.

 

[HAZEL B]

We do several sets of accounts for local good causes, we do however try and keep it to sensible levels.

 

[Antonia @limeone.com]

work also however we do carefully vet those requests and only work with a small percentage based on the funds raised to use for cause ratio.

 

[formerguest]

Many members on here have helped Stamp Out Suicide! Indeed, it was only possible because people pulled together to contribute and offer services.

At present, Stamp Out Suicide! is not a charity or Community Interest Company but a good cause. It is essentially a web based resource that has the potential to help anyone who may be feeling down, depressed and / or suicidal and it also provides information for those bereaved by suicide. It has information and points of contact for people in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales and we have pointed people from other regions to resources in their area.

It has the potential to expand further and we have had some offers of sponsorship and fundraising, which is very encouraging.

Can't say enough good things about those that have helped because in doing so they have helped others and that's a great thing to be able to say.

 

[Eagle]

I also help and support charities - but what they must understand is that I'm not a charity myself.

 

[MikePage]

I think all business have some sort of responsibility to contribute to the local community. It may be different for the new generation of e-tailers - but for most of us, we derive the bulk of our income from the locality.

Everyone who joins in these forums is involved in the Pro-Bono world - we are either seeking free advice or dispensing it. Not totally altruistic - I confirm my motives in answering queries is partially motivated by the PR/Marketing instinct.

In my career I have given (free) training sessions to organisations like CSV on Starting in Business/Bookkeeping Etc.: which has given me pleasure and the participants (I hope) benefit. In doing work for Charities I've helped on setting up systems or training admin Staff - hated the more formal roles of Treasurer - and no longer do that type of work. People who serve on Committees are a different breed altogether.



Regards



MikePage

 

[Trulli]

I am very grateful for the help that I have received for my project from forum members.

Sarah

 

[yorkshirejames]

I do work for one local voluntary organsiation, however I must say that I am motivated mainly by the position of the main trustee of the organisation and the potential for work/recommendations via his company.

 

[lattejoey]

I do! I'm a volunteer for my local hospice in Worcester - St. Richard's. I help out in the Fundraising and Events Department and have to say, I have a great time! They have become my friends now.
When I first opened The Elgar Suite I donated the first weeks rent to the charity and got the press and other local businesses there etc. At this point I wasn't doing anything for the Hospice but then they collared me! I promote them and their events on my website and my blog page I also take part in their sponsored events. It does work both ways as JDR Leisure has been photographed a number of times with the Hospice. I also think that, whilst we are in business to make some money, it doesn't hurt us to do something for the community.

 

[formerguest]

If you can, offer goods and/or services to charity or a not for profit initiative.

Why?

You will be helping a good cause

Recommendations are important in business and although I can only speak from my experience, I would only have positive things to say about those that have helped Stamp Out Suicide! and I have been asked questions about those that have helped. In short, helping a good cause could help your business.

Although you will be providing goods and/or services for free initially, it could be that the charity or cause could be a potential paying customer in the future.

It's intrinsically pleasing to help others and we like to feel good about ourselves.

I made these points in the most recent UKBF Member Spotlight.

 

[simonr]

Seems to me that - to sum up the thread so far

• everyone does it
• it's intrinsically a good thing to do
• it's got good PR potential too in various ways
• there's a practical limit to how much people can do.

Given the above, it's probably worthwhile remembering that there's a difference between charity work and pro-bono. We do charity work that we charge for too and non-charity work that's pro-bono. Some charities are very well funded and can (indeed should) pay market rates - but others have no cash at all and therefore can't pay.

What we try and do with these latter group is help them find the funding for the training. We offer them a discounted rate but put them in touch with regional organisations with a remit to develop and professionalise charities: these groups can often find the money to pay on the charity's behalf, so everyone's happy.

Simon

 

[creospace]

What we try and do with these latter group is help them find the funding for the training. We offer them a discounted rate but put them in touch with regional organisations with a remit to develop and professionalise charities: these groups can often find the money to pay on the charity's behalf, so everyone's happy.

I've suggested to charities that have approached us before (one's prepared to pay I may add) that funding maybe available but never really known where to point them too, do you have any suggestions?

Or anyone else for that matter?

Gary

 

[borobabe]

I try to donate things for prizes/raffles etc, in return I get good publicity for my business and the potential that the prize winner will become a paying customer.

 

[formerguest]

Gary,

As far as I can gather it (funding) depends on a number of things. Some are:

1. How many people are behind the Charity. SOS! is very limited in that is does not have charitable status and there is only one person actively involved on a day to day basis. For us, it's really a case of people may like what we are trying to do and sponsor us (which will help us buy practical items such as stamps and envelopes). We are very clear that we are not a charity.

2. The type of work they do or group/s they aim to help, as funding can be targeted.

3. Location

A Google search can prove very fruitful.

 

[tsaliba]

I have done pro-bono work. I have also done voluntary work for charities and community groups. I don't necessarily do it for publicity or anything - I usually do it because I identify with a particular cause and want to help. I benefit in many ways and it gives me a personal/emotional boost.

T