Pro bono professionals help nonprofits serving communities impacted by the pandemic
Metropolitan Family Service (MFS) launched a social enterprise program, Social Purpose Works (SPW) to place experienced career professionals with nonprofits needing project-based technical assistance in a variety of areas - from accounting to strategic planning. The program is funded in part with grant dollars from the Oregon Community Recovery Fund, a pooled community fund managed by Oregon Community Foundation (OCF).
MFS Social Purpose Works - designed by a nonprofit for nonprofits - has a unique opportunity to help organizations across the state. SPW will support a dozen organizations helping serve those most impacted by the COVID pandemic - communities of color, rural communities and Oregon residents and families dealing with emerging health, economic, and social impacts of COVID-19. Nonprofits must be registered with the state of Oregon. Grant dollars will also include cultural humility training for pro bono professionals.
Slots are available on a first come first served basis and will remain open until filled. [Please note: All slots have now been filled]
“We are pleased that Social Purpose Works partners with us to provide technical assistance services to Oregon nonprofits through professionals offering their time pro bono. It’s a great opportunity to support organizations as they are challenged by this pandemic and leverage the efforts of those who want to give back by offering their professional skills,” said Carly Brown, Program Officer, Community Engagement with Oregon Community Foundation.
The MFS Social Purpose Works Director works with each nonprofit to define and customize their project within these broader categories: Accounting, Finance and Operations; Strategic Planning; Marketing and PR; Technology; Fundraising and Development; Human Resources; Impact and Outcome; and Volunteer Engagement. Projects can range from 20-500 hours, averaging 130 hours. Support is provided throughout the project.
Pro bono professionals are highly skilled volunteers who want to leverage the career skills they’ve honed and donate their time and expertise to nonprofit projects. To qualify for placement in projects, pro bono professionals are thoroughly vetted. Social Purpose Works requires applications, resumes, phone interviews, reference checks and criminal background checks. Candidates complete a required orientation to facilitate making a transition from corporate/business to the nonprofit sector.
The value of having an important project completed by an SPW pro bono professional can be tremendous. With these dedicated professionals, nonprofits can tackle projects that might have been too expensive or lacked in-house time or expertise - projects that can build sustainability, increase efficiency and aid in recovering from COVID-19.
Do you work for or know a nonprofit that would benefit from this service, or are interested in becoming a pro bono professional? For more information about Social Purpose Works, visit www.socialpurpose.works.
The mission of MFS is to help people move beyond the limitations of poverty, inequity, and social isolation. To learn more about MFS, visit www.metfamily.org.
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) puts donated dollars to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships support Oregonians annually. For more than 45 years, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving – time, talent and resources from many generous Oregonians – creates measurable change. Application materials are available through the Foundation’s Portland office. Individuals or businesses interested in establishing a fund may visit www.oregoncf.org.