Author: Derika Crowley

Applying for strategic support can be a big lift, especially when you’re already juggling program work, fundraising, and day-to-day operations. If your nonprofit is considering applying to become our next WWPR 2026-2027 pro bono client, here are some of the top FAQ answers and section-by-section guidance to help you along the way.  

The application deadline of August 29th, 2025, has now passed. Thanks to all those who applied, and we look forward to providing an update on the final selection later this fall.

General Application Overview

Here are the answers to some of the FAQs we receive about the WWPR Pro Bono application process.

Q: How much time should we spend on the application?

A: We recommend allocating 60-90 minutes to thoroughly review, research, and complete all questions.

Q: The application asks a lot of questions – why?

A: The WWPR Pro Bono partnership is a two-year partnership where both parties are deeply invested in the work. The better we understand your nonprofit’s structure and needs, the better we can determine if the partnership is a good and valuable fit.

Q: What if we don’t have all the requested information, such as an annual report or a marketing brochure?

A: That’s absolutely fine. Share what you do have that might fit that mold—whether it’s an email newsletter to subscribers, or your social media presence. The most important thing is to be honest about where you are in terms of your strategic communications needs.

Q: What if I’m not sure about how to answer a question?

A: Do your best, similar to above; however, if you would like some support, please email us at probono@wwpr.org and we will be glad to help.

Q: Can we send our application by email?

A: While we provide a sample document to draft your answers, only applications submitted through the official form by Friday, August 29th, will be accepted.

Section-by-Section Suggestions

As you complete the application for the pro bono partnership, here is our advice on how to approach each section, especially if you’re still building capacity in some areas. View the sample application form and follow along with this article.

Section I: Contact Information

Why we ask: So we can reach you easily and know who’s who during the review process.

Suggestion: Ensure the primary contact is someone actively involved in your organization, should it be selected. If that’s different from your executive director or communications lead, that’s fine.

Section II: Organization Overview

Why we ask: We need to fully understand who you are, who you serve, and how your organization is structured. Although it may seem like a lot of details, it is essential information for WWPR to validate your 501(c)(3) status and understand your organization’s operations.

Suggestions:

• Be specific about who your key stakeholders are: Avoid “the general public” as it is too broad. Instead, try “first-time mothers in Ward 7,” “Latina survivors of domestic violence,” “small-increment donors,” or “workforce development partners.”
• Similarly, choose your top critical audiences to reach rather than all: Who needs to hear your message right now — donors? Potential volunteers? Policymakers? Media? 
• Don’t overthink your development plan: Simply explain your primary funding sources, whether it’s a single gala event, small grants, or monthly donors. This helps us understand your ecosystem.

Section III: Current Communications Capabilities

Why we ask: This helps us understand your current capacity, where we can best support you, and how we’d work together.

Suggestions:

• If you do not have an official communications strategy, that’s okay. Explain where you are in terms of communications. Your need for a structured strategy may be your starting point with WWPR.
• Be honest about where you think help is needed – even if you don’t know. It’s normal to feel that “you don’t know what you don’t know.” If this is your nonprofit’s feeling, explain that. If you have some areas you’re not sure about, share them anyway in that context of uncertainty. This helps us to understand where you are.  
• If media coverage is not something you’ve had yet, say that, or share a blog post, partner newsletter, or story from a client that reflects your impact.

Section IV: Goals and Expectations

Why we ask: We want to align our communications strategy with what matters most to you in the next 12–24 months.

Suggestions:

• Examples of top organizational goals: These could include growing your donor base, recruiting volunteers, launching a new program, or expanding visibility with local media.
• Who you want to reach: Again, think beyond “everyone.” Think in terms of your most important audiences: funders, local policymakers, young women, etc.
• Types of outcomes to include: Think of what “raising awareness” would do, e.g., bring in more funding, attract media interest, build partnerships, etc.

Section V: Supplemental Materials

Why we ask: This provides us with additional context, helping us understand how your organization communicates with the outside world.

Suggestions:

• Reference: Ideally, choose someone who’s worked closely with your organization — a board member, partner, or longtime funder—and can speak to your mission and integrity.
• If you don’t have an annual report: No problem. Share your last year-end email to donors, an event program, or even a one-pager.
• If you don’t have marketing/comms materials, share what you are using in your outreach on your website, in your emails, on social, etc. We are looking for materials that show how you currently talk about your work.

The application deadline of Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET has now closed. We are grateful for all applications and look forward to updating you soon.