My client in Los Angeles, LA Commons, has received two pro bono service grants from Taproot Foundation based in San Francisco. Taproot’s concept is very clever – instead of applying for cash, non-profits can request professional assistance in areas that aren’t usually covered by grants, e.g. visual identity, marketing and branding, and database development.
LA Commons’ current Taproot grant is for visual identity, creating a new logo. I attended my first meeting via conference call last night and was very impressed with the thoroughness and professionalism involved with the project. Extensive work is completed prior to beginning the design work including a lengthy questionnaire about everything from the organization’s target audience to specific print requirements. A creative brief will be presented to LA Commons, after which the volunteer designer will begin the logo development process.
Upon visiting Taproot’s website yesterday, I found that Taproot has a partnership with AIGA, the professional association for graphic designers. AIGA is encouraging its members to give 5% of their time to pro bono work. I like that AIGA is taking the lead in this area; they have also promoted design work for social change and design involvement in elections.
