Frequently asked questions about Taproot Plus

Who can submit a pro bono Project or Virtual Office Hour Session request on Taproot Plus?

Any employee, volunteer or board member of a 501c3 nonprofit, fiscally sponsored organization or public school in the United States, India, United Kingdom and European Union countries with charity verification processes. The only exceptions to this are organizations that seek to advance a religious doctrine or actively discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, disability, national origin, political affiliation or religious belief.

How does Taproot Plus work?

Taproot Plus is designed to help you get to the right skilled volunteer as quickly as possible. Submit a request and we will drive interested volunteers with the right skills to your inbox.

What is the difference between a Project and a Session?

Sessions are a single one-hour call with a pro bono expert. Sessions are great if you have a specific question or need advice on how to approach a problem. A Session can be a good way to prep for a Project as you can use that time to clarify the scope of work for your Project and then post that to Taproot Plus. Projects pair you with one or two skilled volunteers to complete a focused, concrete deliverable. Typically, projects require about 30 hours of time from a volunteer.

How many projects can I submit?

There is no limit to the number of Projects you can submit. However, it is important to remember that each Project requires an investment of time and resources. Best outcomes are achieved when the Project is a high priority for your non-profit. Consider how much you realistically can do at a given time.

My project was just approved. What happens next?

In most cases, we will market your project to skilled volunteers via LinkedIn’s Volunteer Marketplace, and we will also promote your project to our existing pool of skilled volunteers. When a volunteer applies for your project, you will be notified by email to schedule a screening call with the candidate.

Does Taproot Plus screen volunteers?

Taproot Plus screens for skills and commitment. The screening call is an opportunity to vet the volunteer as you would for any position at your organization. Feel free to ask for a resume, references, and examples of prior work where applicable.

How do the screening calls work? What if a screening call is missed?

Skilled volunteers interested in your project will submit a statement of interest along with a list of times in the near future they are available to have a conversation. You can select a time or send back alternative options. Once both parties confirm a time, you will receive a confirmation email with conference line information for the call. YOU MUST CALL THE CONFERENCE LINE. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A CALL. Report a missed call on your Dashboard. This is the quickest way to get back in touch with the volunteer applicant.

Do volunteer applications expire?

Yes, respond to all volunteer applications within 48 hours. Look out for emails from Taproot Plus as they will remind you about deadlines for taking action on inquiring volunteers. Data proves that the more responsive you are to volunteers, the quicker your project will match and the more successful your project will be.

How many volunteers can I accept for each project?

You can accept more than one volunteer on a project but make sure volunteers are on board with working with others. If you need additional volunteers but require different skills, simply post another project. After you accept each volunteer, you can choose to close the listing or leave it open for additional volunteers. Always make sure to report when you have matched with a volunteer so that we can track your project and be there to support you along the way.

Does Taproot Plus provide resources I can use for project planning?

Yes, we highly recommend taking the time to plan your project in detail. Best outcomes are achieved when you fully define what you and your volunteer will and won’t do for the project, set a timeline for the work, and agree to a communications plan. You can find a number of resources, including a Pro Bono Project Guide on your project dashboard.

Who manages the project?

You and the skilled volunteer do, in a collaborative effort. Taproot Plus is a tool that allows you to access a pool of skilled volunteers. The overall success of the project will depend on your relationship and management of the project with the volunteer. Use the resources we share on your Dashboard once the project is matched. These resources will guide you through vital steps such as scoping the project and setting a timeline.

What do I do if something goes wrong with my project once matched?

You should report an issue with your project to our Help Desk as soon as you believe something is amiss. You can do that by emailing us at help@taprootplus.org or by responding to one of our check-in emails. The sooner you report an issue, the sooner we can troubleshoot with you and either resolve the issue or get you on track with another volunteer.

How long does it take to get matched?

On average, projects match within about 20 days.

Where do I go to find the status of a project?

Click the “Details” button next to the project on your Dashboard. This is also where you can manage volunteer inquiries, report the status of the project and ask for help.

I noticed Team Projects and Events on the Browse Opportunities page. What is this?

Team Projects and Events are in-person programs that Taproot Foundation delivers in certain markets in the United States. Nonprofits CANNOT apply for these programs through Taproot Plus. We simply use the Taproot Plus marketplace to find skilled volunteers to participate in those programs. To learn more about Team Projects and Events, visit Taproot Foundation’s website. https://taprootfoundation.org/ Please direct any specific questions about these programs to our Program Team at volunteer@taprootfoundation.org.

What is the difference between a Project and a Session?

Sessions are a single one-hour call with a pro bono expert. Sessions are great if you have a specific question or need advice on how to approach a problem. A Session can be a good way to prep for a Project as you can use that time to clarify the scope of work for your Project and then post that to Taproot Plus. Projects pair you with one or two skilled volunteers to complete a focused, concrete deliverable. Typically, projects require about 30 hours of time from a volunteer.

I noticed Team Projects and Events on the Browse Opportunities page. What is this?

Team Projects and Events are in-person programs that Taproot Foundation delivers in certain markets in the United States. If you have any questions about the program or a specific posting, contact our Program Team at volunteer@taprootfoundation.org. We leverage the Taproot Plus marketplace to find skilled volunteers to participate in those programs. If you are located in the same area as one of our Team Projects or Events and are interested in participating, apply through Taproot Plus and a Taproot team member will follow up with you by email.

What should I do if I’m interested in a project but not sure if it’s right for me?

We recommend you go ahead and apply. You will then have the opportunity to discuss the project directly with the organization contact before deciding to move forward. This is an opportunity to ask questions about the project and the organization itself.

I applied for a project. What happens next?

We’ve notified the organization contact of your interest. Next, they will confirm a screening call so that you can discuss the project in more detail and better understand expectations before committing to moving forward. Sometimes an organization will select another volunteer before you get the chance to speak with them. If that happens, we will notify you ASAP and we encourage you to find another project opportunity.

How do the screening calls work? What if a screening call is missed?

When interested in a project, you will submit a statement of interest along with a list of times in the near future you are available to have a conversation. The organization contact will select a time or send back alternative options. Once both parties confirm a time, you will receive a confirmation email with conference line information for the call. YOU MUST CALL THE CONFERENCE LINE. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A CALL. Report a missed call on your Dashboard. This is the quickest way to get back in touch with the organization contact.

Does Taproot Plus provide resources I can use for project planning?

Yes, we highly recommend taking the time to plan your project in detail. Best outcomes are achieved when you fully define what you and your volunteer will and won’t do for the project, set a timeline for the work, and agree to a communications plan. You can find a number of resources, including a Pro Bono Project Guide on your project dashboard.

Who manages the project?

You and the organization contact do in a collaborative effort. Taproot Plus is a tool that connects skilled volunteers with a curated list of pro bono opportunities. The overall success of the project will depend on your relationship and management of the project with the organization. Use the resources we share on your Dashboard once the project is matched. These resources will guide you through vital steps such as scoping the project and setting a timeline.

What do I do if something goes wrong with my project once matched?

You should report an issue with your project to our Support Team as soon as you believe something is amiss. You can do that by emailing us at help@taprootplus.org or by responding to one of our check-in emails. The sooner you report an issue, the sooner we can troubleshoot with you and either resolve the issue or get you on track with another project.

How do I withdraw an application?

Log in to projects page. Select the applicable project and choose the option to cancel your application.