History
Already in the past century, provision of pro bono services was an established practice for law firms, when qualified lawyers were providing ‘pro bono’ – or free – legal services to those that needed it but were unable to afford hiring a lawyer.
Professionals from across the world, representing various companies, share for free with nonprofit organizations their knowledge and expertise in the areas of strategic planning, financial issues, marketing and communications, human resource management and application of computer technologies etc.
GLOBAL CONTEXT
In the modern world, pro bono services are a rapidly growing trend. An increasing number of companies consider pro bono services as an inseparable part of their community programs.
The most important resource for pro bono programs are companies providing professional services (e.g. consulting firms, companies operating in design area, etc.). However, other sectors also keep up to actively adopt the trend. For example, pro bono is one of priority directions of social programs for Linkedin, BMW Foundation, Google and others.
In addition, many organizations emerged that aim to promote pro bono practices in the world and connect pro bono companies and beneficiary organizations – the so called pro bono intermediaries.
FIGURES AND FACTS
- 92 percent of employed Americans agree that volunteering improves employees’ broader professional skill sets, improves communication and leadership skills.
- 82 percent of employers are more likely to choose a job candidate with volunteering experience.
Source: Impact Survey, Building Leadership Skilss Through Volunteerism, Deloitte, 2016