Pro Bono Strategic Consulting

Compass provides highly personalized strategic consulting projects to nonprofits by recruiting, training, and supporting teams of volunteer business professionals. Our consulting projects help our clients address key strategic challenges and opportunities. While our processes help guide our work, each Compass project and team is unique and tailored to the specific needs of each client.

For more information, review our Nonprofit FAQs or contact Melinda Johnson, Executive Director, at mjohnson@compassprobono.org If you would like to be added to our email list to receive updates about upcoming opportunities, please contact us.

Classic Projects

Nonprofits are matched with a team of nine volunteer consultants from the local business community to conduct a strategic consulting project. Projects run from late September through May, and are valued at approximately $200,000.

The application closed on Monday, June 26th. Nonprofit applicants will be notified of their application status in late August.

Timeline

  • The Classic project application is open from May to June each year.
  • Following the application deadline, Compass interviews the Executive Director and Board Chair to determine the readiness for a Compass project.
  • Clients are selected and announced in late-August.
  • Project Leaders begin working with clients in September. Teams will be formed, trained, and begin working on the project by late October, with projects concluding by June of the following year.

If you would like to be added to our email list to receive updates about next year’s application, please contact Samantha Campbell, Associate Program Manager, at scampbell@compassprobono.org.

Eligibility Requirements

  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • Mission that benefits Greater Philadelphia*
  • Minimum operating budget of $650,000.
  • Minimum of three full-time paid staff.
  • Active Board of Directors

We do not accept clients that promote specific religious or political beliefs.

*Includes PA counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia, and NJ counties: Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester

Micro Projects

Nonprofits are matched with a team of five volunteer consultants from the local business community to conduct a strategic consulting project. Projects run from late February through June, and are valued at approximately $65,000.

The Micro Project Nonprofit Application is now closed. View our 2022-23 Micro Clients here.

Timeline

  • The Micro Project application is open from October to November each year.
  • Following the application deadline, Compass interviews the Executive Director to determine the readiness for a Compass project.
  • Clients are selected and announced in mid-December, and will attend an orientation in February.
  • Volunteer applications will open in January, teams will be formed, trained, and begin working on the project by late February.
  • Projects conclude by June.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Registered IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
  • Local mission – nonprofit work benefits Greater Philadelphia in the following counties: Philadelphia (PA), Montgomery (PA), Chester (PA), Delaware (PA), Bucks (PA), Burlington (NJ), Camden (NJ), and/or Gloucester (NJ).
  • Mission does not promote specific religious beliefs or political party/movement.

On Demand Program

On Demand engagements are short-term (eight weeks) pro bono services focused on nonprofits’ immediate needs and connects business professionals to support them. Nonprofits are matched with one volunteer consultant from the local business community.

The application for our 2023 On Demand projects is now closed.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Registered IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
  • Local mission – nonprofit work benefits Greater Philadelphia in the following counties: Philadelphia (PA), Montgomery (PA), Chester (PA), Delaware (PA), Bucks (PA), Burlington (NJ), Camden (NJ), and/or Gloucester (NJ).
  • Mission does not promote specific religious beliefs or political party/movement.

On Demand Options

The On Demand Program has two options, Consulting Projects or Thought Partners. The application allows you to note which type of project you’re interested in and for what topic.

  • On Demand Consulting Projects
    On Demand Consulting Projects address a single issue. Compass connects nonprofits to a business professional with the expertise to quickly understand and address an immediate challenge with tailored recommendations. Volunteer consultants are not expected to support implementation, although many do continue to work with their client in a personal capacity after an engagement concludes.
  • On Demand Thought Partners
    Compass connects seasoned business professionals with nonprofit leaders. In a confidential setting, Thought Partners provide a trusted ear for scenario planning, courses of action, and may also facilitate conversations among board, staff, and leadership. Depending on a client’s needs, a Thought Partner may offer several informal calls or schedule formal check-ins with an agenda.