Being good at what you do is a great feeling. Realizing that your skills can also do good feels even better. No matter how niche your skill set seems, there’s a worthy organization out there that can use your help in the form of pro bono services.

Though working pro bono isn’t as straightforward as writing a check, it’s worth the extra legwork. Check out the following tips to get out there and giving back faster.

Make Me a Match

The first, most important step to a successful pro bono relationship is finding the right organization and the right opportunity.

Working pro bono is not the same as volunteering – it’s donating your proven professional skills, usually over an extended period of time. While that may seem simple, establishing a fruitful and lasting relationship that works for both parties requires attention to key details, including matching skills with the need, aligning values, and identifying opportunities for growth.

A great place to start is by looking into industries you’re interested in and organizations that you think you’d be most able to help with your expertise. Personal stylist Mellicia of Poplin Style did her homework when looking for a long-term nonprofit partner as part of her business launch: “I knew I wanted to find an organization that I could commit to and that had some relevance to the services I offer. I also was looking for an organization that had multiple ways for folks to get involved. Ultimately, I chose YouthCare and reached out to the team about [volunteering for] potential styling sessions.” 

The result has been an enduring relationship that has blossomed beyond expectations. “I expected that by showing my work in the community, potential clients would get a sense of my values and I would also attract clients who valued giving back. What I did not anticipate was the ongoing connection that many of my clients feel to YouthCare.”

Selecting an organization that fits with what you already do allows for easier integration of the pro bono work into your everyday operations, and has the added bonus of amplifying the positive impact by getting clients involved as well.

Set Expectations

Just because you’re donating your services without charge does not mean you can’t treat it like a normal client relationship. In fact, the outcome is likely to be better for everyone involved if there are clear parameters for the work.

Before getting started, calculate the investment of your time and resources to make sure it’s something you’ll be comfortable with in the long term. “I find that it’s helpful to set a clear scope and time-frame so that at the end of the period, once the commitment has been met, we can reassess and tweak anything that’s not working as well as hoped,” says accountant, Marion. Establishing clear goals is the easiest way to ensure that both parties can honor their commitments and have expectations met.

Work for Less

Pro bono work is usually unpaid, but it doesn’t have to be. Another option is simply to work for less. “Occasionally, I’m asked for a bid, and realize that what the organization is asking for isn’t within their budget,” says Marion. “In those situations, I’ve offered to work for, say, 30% of my usual rate in order to cover costs, but have foregone making a profit.” Opting to work at a steep discount can be a great fit for both sides because everyone wins.

Look in Unlikely Places

Nonprofits are not the only organizations where you can donate your skills for good. Sometimes, the unconventional places are where your expertise is most helpful. Seasoned tech entrepreneur Margare  explains, “I volunteer for venture capitalists in order to mentor entrepreneurs. Working with the most capitalist organization in the world doesn’t really seem like volunteering, but it was where I found I could connect meaningfully with young entrepreneurs and help in the best way I’m able.”

Giving back comes in many shapes and forms, and finding the opportunity that fits what you do well in a way you’re able to maintain is the best bet for sticking with it for the long haul.