Reviews
Would you recommend Taproot Foundation?
13 reviews
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(January 7, 2017)
Multiple serious problems. Not enough actual volunteer opportunities so there is a glut of talent, and yet they keep right on recruiting, requiring you to attend an in-person, on-site orientation which turns out to be a complete waste of time. Some account directors require you to be available at any time including weekday mornings, which is unrealistic for any volunteer who isn't either retired or unemployed.
(November 26, 2015)
Too many volunteers for too few opportunities. You have to waste an afternoon/evening commuting to a required "orientation," fill out a stack of paperwork, and then after that, nothing.
(January 9, 2013)
It's interesting that John S. had a bad experience with Taproot. I did as well, although I loved my NYC experience. I don't want to go into details, just say that you may have to be extremely flexible with your daytime schedule and lucky enough to work on a team of people who are polite and organized. I was really surprised at how different DC worked.
(June 18, 2012)
I have professional skills as an editor and writer 20 plus that I'd like to use for a good cause. I'm interested in copy eiting or writing white papers, grants or reports.
(May 21, 2012)
While I had great experiences with the Chicago Taproot office, I have to say the Washington office was a different story! They don't care about the volunteers or their opinions. All that matters is getting projects completed, whether the clients get crap or not.
(January 23, 2012)
I have been an Account Director with Taproot since December 2009 and I would HIGHLY recommend that any professional person join Taproot.
It’s great to be able to use my professional skills and experience to make a difference throughout the Los Angeles area. Only through Taproot have I found an opportunity to work with a wide variety of non-profits, and on a wide range of projects. And, working with Taproot, it’s nice to know there’s a great support system and infrastructure backing me. The management staff at Taproot is supportive and encouraging, all while allowing their Account Directors to manage a project relatively autonomously.
Taproot is also a great place to network with other professionals, both in your field and in complementing fields. The camaraderie amongst Taproot consultants is second to none.
If you are looking for a place to use your skills and where you can make a substantial contribution to a multiple non-profits, Taproot is for you!
(January 13, 2012)
Unfortunately, I have to totally agree with reviewer David S. I did 5 projects for Taproot and noticed the same evolution. Additionally, they will not honor the copyright protocol for any artists working on any of their projects, they can do whatever they please with your work forever. Caveat Emptor.
(December 8, 2011)
I volunteered with Taproot for 5 years from 2006-2011 as a web developer, project manager, and account director. They used to award grants to non-profits based on need and value to the community. Now their grant awards are based on the dictates of the marketing departments of their corporate sponsors. IE: The marketing department of rich XYZ corp thinks it would be good PR to donate to a charity that saves gray squirrels because it's the sexy cause of the moment. So they pay Taproot to find such an organization and award a grant. The "pro-bono" team does all the work for free with zero help and support from Taproot staff, and Taproot / XYZ Corp reap all the benefits. Taproot started out as a great organization, but they have lost their vision. They used to hold their volunteers in high regard, but now treat them like commodities. In my opinion it has gotten to the point of borderline scam. If you are unemployed or fresh out of school maybe they'll work for you.
(November 2, 2011)
Taproot Foundation is THE BEST! As a 4-year pro bono project Account Director, I have always experienced exceptional commitment, care, professionalism, business-savvy, results-oriented staff, volunteers and clients. Taproot is a well-run, forward-thinking, trend-setting organization that believes we can make a real difference ... and we DO!
(June 3, 2011)
I am in the middle of my 2nd DC Taproot project, serving as Account Director, and I have found the TR staff to be very supportive and appreciative, the pro-bono volunteers professional and enthusiastic and the client NPs thankful. I look forward to my next project.
(May 20, 2011)
I've worked with Taproot on 3 projects, in different roles, and each experience has been terrific. Projects are well-scoped and structured, there is solid support, and a network of smart, interesting, fun volunteers. I have and will continue to recommend Taproot to my colleagues and friends who are looking for new ways to apply their skills to a cause that matters.
(May 19, 2011)
Great place to work with a team of professionals in helping a number of worthy organizations that are active in your community.
(May 17, 2011)
Taproot, does a poor job of working with thier volunteers. If an organization is able to have the symptoms of bi-polar, Taproot has it. I think they have a great mission and vision it is just poorly executed at least in the Washington DC office. There is a reason they have problems finding web-designers as thier reputation proceeds them.