Volunteer
Skills-Based Volunteering: Put Your Work Experience to Work for Good
A nonprofit can always use another pair of hands. But the bookkeeper, the electrician or the retired nurse who offers their expertise can do something few others can.
Why skills matter
Most small nonprofits can't afford a full-time accountant, IT person or marketer. A few hours of expert help can save them thousands of dollars and months of trial and error: setting up proper books, fixing a website, writing a grant, wiring a new kitchen. That's skills-based (or "pro bono") volunteering.
Skills in demand
- Finance: bookkeeping, budgets, setting up controls, preparing for an audit.
- Technology: websites, donor databases, security basics, equipment setup.
- Communications: writing, photography, social media, newsletters, grant applications.
- Legal and HR: policies, contracts, employment questions (through proper pro bono channels).
- Trades: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, landscaping and repairs.
- Health and education: screenings, tutoring, training staff.
- Leadership: strategy, project management, coaching a new executive director.
- Military experience: logistics, planning, and the calm that comes from having handled worse.
How to find a project
- Filter VolunteerMatch or Idealist by "skills-based" or by your profession.
- Ask your employer whether it runs a pro bono or volunteer program.
- Check your professional association, bar association or trade union for service programs.
- Simply offer: email a local nonprofit director with a short note about what you can do.
Scope it so it succeeds
Skills-based projects fail most often because nobody agreed what "done" looks like. Before you start, write down, together:
- The problem in one sentence.
- The deliverable: what you'll hand over.
- The timeline and how many hours you're giving.
- Who on their side owns the result after you leave.
- How it will be maintained. A website nobody can update isn't a gift.
Build for the next person. Leave simple written instructions. The best pro bono work keeps paying off after the volunteer is gone.
Serving on a board
Board members oversee a nonprofit's finances, hire and support its leader, and keep it true to its mission. Many boards look for people with finance, legal or community experience. Before you join, ask for the latest Form 990, financial statements and board minutes; ask what's expected in time and giving; and ask whether the organization carries directors and officers (D&O) insurance.
A note on taxes
The value of your professional time is not tax-deductible. If you itemize, some unreimbursed expenses of volunteering may be, such as supplies you buy for the charity, or driving your car for it at 14 cents a mile. See IRS Publication 526 and 2026 deduction rules.
Questions people ask
What skills do nonprofits need most?
Common needs include bookkeeping and financial controls, technology and websites, marketing and writing, legal and HR advice, trades and repairs, and strategy. Health professionals and teachers are in demand too.
Can I volunteer professional services and deduct their value?
No. The value of your time and services isn't deductible, even if you'd normally bill for it. Certain unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses may be deductible for itemizers; see IRS Publication 526.
Do I need special insurance or licensing?
If you give professional advice, such as legal, medical or accounting advice, check your license rules and the organization's insurance. Some professions have specific pro bono programs that provide coverage.