Giving Compass' Take:

• Seed Consulting Group uses a pro bono business model in order to work on various projects regarding environmental justice. However, the model does come with challenges.

• One challenge is addressing burnout and attrition. Seed Consulting Group offers three paths to solving burnout, but why can't nonprofits emulate these practices?

• Read more on the importance of nonprofit employee wellness.

What does it mean when people are willing to compete for a position that pays a salary of $0? LinkedIn’s Purpose at Work: 2016 Global Report, among other reports, shows that people prefer to work for a company that gives them a sense of purpose. When this isn’t achieved, they may look elsewhere, even if it means adding another five to 10 hours of work to their week. This type of work is unique in that it tends to blur the more traditional lines of work life and personal life. And nonprofit organizations have begun to tap into this previously unidentified market.

For example, at Seed Consulting Group, our model is simple: We provide pro bono strategy consulting services to environmental nonprofits. We’re able to waive all fees for nonprofit organizations because we have a minimal amount of expenses. All of our members, from consultants to the CEO, work pro bono on these projects.

To be successful when using pro bono labor, however, organizations must understand the unique challenges that they will encounter:

  • Challenge 1: How do you ensure people honor the commitment they make? Having good interpersonal skills is key to ensuring that people stay with the organization. Leaders who can tap into their emotional intelligence and use positive reinforcement will thrive in these organizations.
  • Challenge 2: How do you create an operational system to facilitate the work? Finding the right people to maintain and expand the operations of the organization is key.
  • Challenge 3: How do you minimize burnout and attrition? Maintaining a strong sense of community will keep people happy and motivated, allowing for time off and breaks, and lastly, truly celebrate victories.

Read the full article about nonprofit pro bono work by Andrew Garcia at Forbes Welcome