Something is changing in the social sector—quietly, and faster than many expected. After years of volatility for the nonprofit sector, corporate engagement, and civic participation, we’re seeing a meaningful shift: a renewed rise in pro bono service.
This isn’t about a single organization or program. It’s a broader movement in how people are choosing to contribute, how companies are structuring engagement, and how nonprofits are seeking support. And it carries real implications for how the sector prepares for the next decade.
A Clear Signal in the Data
From every corner of the sector, we’re seeing compelling data that shows this sea change:
- The latest US Census Bureau/AmeriCorps survey finds nearly one in three Americans aged 16 and up volunteered last year.
- A 2023 report from the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals shows more than 60% of companies saw increases in employee volunteerism.
- Corporate partners across industries report rising demand for purpose-driven engagement, especially opportunities that build human skills.
We are witnessing a reacceleration of civic participation, centered not on one-off service days, but on skilled service, the application of professional expertise to nonprofit needs.
Our own analysis of Taproot’s data also reflects this trend year over year:
- Pro bono hours delivered doubled year-over-year to 64,296 hours, or over $14 Million in services delivered.
- Nonprofits seeking support increased 92%.
- Volunteer applications rose 46%.
Taken together, with national data, corporate sentiment, and nonprofit need, they point to the dawning of a different phase of engagement.
Why Now?
Over the past few years, several forces have set the stage for a resurgence in skilled volunteerism:
► Nonprofit needs are shifting from crisis response to long-term capacity
Many organizations are moving past immediate pandemic-era challenges and focusing on digital infrastructure, strategic communication, operational stability, and the integration of new tools, including AI. These are areas where skilled volunteers can play a direct, substantive role.
► Professionals are seeking meaning and connection
Research across sectors shows high levels of isolation and a desire for purpose-driven work. Skilled service offers something people increasingly want: a way to apply what they know to a cause they care about, in a flexible and high-impact way.
► Companies are rethinking talent development in an AI era
As AI reshapes the world of work, employers are investing in experiences that build creativity, communication, and adaptability. Volunteerism and service are emerging as one practical pathway to cultivate those uniquely human skills.
► The supply and demand curves are finally aligning
For years, nonprofits needed capacity building support they couldn’t access. Now, more pro bono consultants with the right expertise are stepping forward and digital platforms make matching easier than ever.
A Real-World Look at Skilled Service as a Capacity Builder
The Community Bots has received crucial storytelling and videography support from volunteers, who have developed an ongoing relationship with the nonprofit that culminated in a service trip to the Dominican Republic. A team of ServiceNow volunteers had the opportunity to meet and interact with the students affected by The Community Bots’ work, allowing them to support communities abroad while team building internally. The Community Bots’ Executive Director, Jack Cooley, says that the organization has “been in real need of targeted volunteer support over the last few years, and the skilled volunteers at Taproot have completely stepped up to the plate. We were able to find the kind of help we needed, when we needed it, from true professionals in their field. That said, we are still looking for volunteers who can guide us with their fundraising skills.” |
Projects with our partners, like The Community Bots, clearly demonstrate these principles in action: ServiceNow volunteers sourced through Taproot developed crucial skills and built a stronger team rapport through their work with What It Means for the Sector
The rise in skilled service is not yet universal, and it’s too early to declare a full transformation. But if the data continues to trend upward, skilled service could shift from a “nice-to-have” to an essential infrastructure for the nonprofit sector and how nonprofit organizations approach capacity-building.
It’s not a replacement for funding or as a one-off project, but as part of a modern, hybrid model of strengthening organizations.
► For nonprofits, it may be time to think more expansively about how to access and integrate outside expertise.
► For companies, it presents an opportunity to connect talent development with real community needs.
► For practitioners and intermediaries, it raises questions about infrastructure, equity, standards, and accountability.
This moment is brimming with potential, for nonprofits, companies, and professionals alike. Now the next step is to understand it, support it, and shape it so that skilled service strengthens—not substitutes—the long-term capacity building support that nonprofits deserve.
The rise of pro bono service is a shared opportunity for organizations, professionals, and partners alike. Reach out to discover how you can join Taproot in building a more accessible, equitable, and effective pro bono marketplace.
