How to get pro-bono services

Free stuff and services go a long way, especially given charities are feeling the cost-of-living pinch. While charities are used to giving away benefits, there are opportunities to tap into generous corporations, businesses, and individuals.

 

We round out the top ways to access pro-bono services.

 

 

How to engage law firms for free advice

 

Law firms are more than willing to do their part in supporting charities. The free services that they provide come in the form of legal advice and corporate fundraising.

 

Slaughter and May, one of the City’s most prominent law firms, does work around its own community. Focusing in on Islington, London, Slaughter and May are partnering with the Islington Law Centre and Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Volunteer lawyers help clients manoeuvre around the legal system.

 

The law firm also supports St Luke’s Community centre by providing volunteering resources. The volunteers help with literacy and digital skills with the aim of improving employability.

 

Partnerships with law firms vary by nature, but all start from the right approach. To engage with them, do your homework on their expertise and find a responsible Partner.

 

Use social media to follow charitable work, both from a corporate and personal perspective.

 

In addition to making personal connections, use digital platforms to facilitate the relationship. Law Works is a resource you should know. They not only provide free documents and tips, but also facilitate legal assistance. Both one-off and regular legal advice is available.

 

The other one to know is Advocate. They match charities with barristers. Once connected, it’s worthwhile to cultivate a long-term relationship.

 

 

Free IT services and infrastructure

 

Pro bono digital services and hardware isn’t hard to find – it’s actually about selecting what you want. The most in-demand services, CRM, website hosting, software, and cloud-storage are available as limited free services and trials.

 

Salesforce’s Power of Us programme helps non-profits and charities by offering ten free subscriptions, discounted services and products. LibreOffice is perfect for charities looking to cut out software costs. The platform has tools that mimic Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Other than a little getting used to, these alternative tools are free. Since there are so many free services in this space, use them to test drive what works.

 

Our top tips for free IT services and infrastructure is to do your homework. There are many free alternatives to market-leading software, but, you may need to take time to learn how to use them.

 

 

Need free space?

 

As part of the transition to hybrid working, many charities downsized their office space to take advantage of reduced rent. Some charities, like Action for Hearing Loss, even went so far as to get rid of the physical office all together.

 

There may be times when events and team meetings are better held on premises. Hosting them for free is even better. For general work spaces, check out Centric Community Projects.

 

 he charity for charities helps smaller organisations with office and event spaces. Teams can preview the properties on the website before applying to use them.

 

Impact driven tenancies are also in vogue. Linking up with 3Space for networking, social, and community spaces makes sense for organisations looking for one-off uses. The BuyGiveWork programme gives away work and office space whenever tenants come on board. For non-profits, this is an opportunity to become part of the community fabric.

 

Our top tip for free space is to hunt around for a bargain. For office space, there are lots of hotdesking and hoteling options which charge by the hour or day.

 

Most spaces come with different types of facilities, so make sure that you compare your needs against what’s available.

 

 

Get free expert advice

 

Valuable strategic advice can be found at no cost. While the first port of call should be to engage with your trustees other experts might come in handy. 

 

The Cranfield Trust, a charity working with charities, offers management support. They can do what costs a fortune – management consultancy, leadership mentoring, webinar training, and free document coaching. Their pro-bono work focuses on empowering leaders to do more.

 

A lot of external professionals have expertise to share, so make sure charity staff are included in the project. Organisations like Pro Bono Economics work in partnership with charities in the policy space so it’s a chance to learn for free.

 

Our top tips to engage professionals outside the industry is to make sure that you’re prepared with a proper ask and rationale. Many programmes on offer include an eligibility section which charities detail their purpose and reason for wanting help. Make sure you’ve got the information to hand.