Pro bono and Mentoring
Lawyers, doctors, designers, IT specialists help NGOs and people with their profession. An hour of pro bono is worth much more to an NGO than an equivalent monetary contribution.
«Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.»
What you gain and what changes
- An hour of qualified help is worth 5-20 times more to an NGO than an equivalent monetary contribution.
- Pro bono saves your money but gives others your main resource — expertise.
- This is the best way to change an NGO from within: your expert perspective brings structural improvements.
Step-by-step plan
- 1
Describe your professional «product»
Not «I am a lawyer», but «I can conduct an audit of an NGO's employment contracts in 4 hours and provide written recommendations». The more specific, the easier it is to match you with a task.
What to check- Formulated 1-3 services you are willing to provide
- Defined format: one-time / regular / in projects
- Set boundaries: what you definitely DO NOT do
Documents- Professional resume
- Description of pro bono services
- 2
Choose a platform
ProCharity (procharity.ru) is the largest intellectual volunteering exchange in Russia. Also «Lawyers for Civil Society», «Tyoply Dom», «Nuzhna Pomoshch» (Need Help). The platform takes on the verification of NGO clients.
What to check- Profile registered on the platform
- Verification passed (diploma / certificate)
- Subscribed to new tasks in your field
Documents- Scan of diploma or lawyer's ID
- Consent to personal data processing
- 3
Take on the first task
Start small — 4-8 hours. Document the scope, deadlines, and format of the result in writing. This protects against task creep («since you're here, help with another question»).
What to check- Terms of Reference agreed in writing
- Pro bono agreement signed
- Result delivered on time
Documents- Agreement on voluntary assistance (Art. 17.1 of Federal Law-135)
- Act of acceptance of work
- 4
Turn it into practice
After 2-3 successful tasks, offer the NGO ongoing support: 4 hours a month for consultations, or a role on the board of trustees. This is deeper and more effective than one-off consultations.
What to check- Framework agreement concluded
- Communication channel defined
- Meeting rhythm established (monthly / quarterly)
Documents- Framework agreement on volunteer cooperation
Flow diagram
A visual map of how your support turns into real outcomes and who is responsible for each step.
Legal basis
- Federal Law-135Art. 17.1-17.6 — volunteer status
A volunteer has the right to a written agreement, expense compensation, and an entry in the volunteer's book. Does not receive remuneration for work.
- Federal Law-63Art. 26 — free legal aid
A lawyer can provide pro bono assistance without coordination with the chamber; assistance is counted towards experience.
- Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1036Attracting volunteers by state organizations
Regulates how a hospital, school, or museum can formalize a volunteer using a standard form.
Beware of scammers
- Do not transfer original client documents through intermediaries.
- Clarify who is responsible for the result: the organization or you personally.
- If you are asked to pay for «membership» in a volunteer platform — these are fraudsters.
Stories that inspire
A network of ~700 lawyers who provide free consultations to NGOs on corporate and tax law. Over 10 years of work — more than 5000 completed consultations.
Developers and designers create websites and services for regional NGOs — they receive digital infrastructure that they would not be able to afford themselves.