Greater Washington

Consulting Services

Pro Bono Strategic Consulting

Compass provides highly personalized strategic consulting projects to nonprofits by recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer business professionals. Our consulting projects help our clients address key strategic challenges and opportunities.

For More Information review our FAQs or contact Hallie Smith, Executive Director.

Common Good City Farm, 2021-22 Compass Client

Classic Consulting 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 nonprofit application closed on Monday, June 5 at 5:00 p.m.

Timeline

  • The nonprofit client application is open from April 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.

Eligibility

  • Registered IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  • Local mission – benefits Greater Washington (DC, Northern Virginia, and/or suburban Maryland)
  • Mission does not promote specific religious beliefs or political parties/movements
  • Minimum operating budget of $700,000
  • Minimum of three full-time staff
  • Active Board of Directors

Please contact us if you have any questions around our eligibility requirements.

Project Service Lines

Compass offers projects in different “Service Lines,” or topics. Nonprofit applicants select one service line and project focus in the nonprofit application. For more information on our service line offerings, click here.

On Demand Program

On Demand engagements are short-term (eight weeks) pro bono services focused on nonprofits’ immediate needs and connect business professionals to support them. Nonprofits are matched with one volunteer consultant from the local business community. Full list of On Demand project offerings (also listed on application).

The On Demand Nonprofit application is now open.

Timeline

  • The nonprofit client application is now open, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
  • When we identify a volunteer with the skills and background that matches a request, we will reach out to the nonprofit to confirm the project specifics. Then we will interview the volunteer to confirm their skills and availability.
  • After confirming with both the nonprofit and the volunteer, the volunteer is given the go ahead to reach out to the nonprofit client and begin the engagement.

Eligibility

  • Registered IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  • Local mission – benefits Greater Washington (DC, Northern Virginia, and/or suburban Maryland)
  • Mission does not promote specific religious beliefs or political parties/movements

Please contact us if you have any questions around our eligibility requirements.

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.

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 September through May, and are valued at approximately $65,000. Micro Projects are offered by invitation only.