Designers are often asked to provide our services for free to a worthy cause (i.e. pro bono). This can be a great way to give back to the community while at the same time honing your skills, adding work to your portfolio, and opening the doors to more opportunities. But before you zealously jump in, think about the pros and cons and make sure to maintain your professional standards. The more you consider pro bono work as equivalent to your paying work the more the client will respect you as a designer and value your time.

10 things to consider before you accept a pro bono project or client:

1. Are they a low-budget non-profit and do you believe in their cause? DC is full of nonprofits that have budgets to pay, but that doesn’t mean they won’t ask for pro bono or reduced rates, so choose carefully and believe in the work they do.
2. Is it a for-profit business? They may tug at your heart strings that they have no money and try to get you excited about their personal project or new business but remember you might be a small business too and you need to make a living. Consider bartering. “Oh you’re starting a catering company and have no money for a logo? That’s great because I’m hungry all the time!” If you give your work away for free to a for-profit business in hopes that they will have more work in the future for payment it will likely not happen and is not good for the industry. Once someone sees you as a cheap or free designer it will be hard for them to value your work later.
3. Are there any benefits to you? For example feeling good about doing good, portfolio piece, practicing skills, leading to potential paying work, and networking can make it worthwhile. Note: pro-bono design services can not be listed as a donation on your taxes.
4. State your provisions up front and in writing (preferably in a proposal or contract format). Don’t leave things too open ended. You don’t want to be seen as the ongoing “free designer” or with unlimited time for alterations. Perhaps you’d like to offer art direction only and aren’t willing to do production.
5. Prepare a proposal or contract that states how much your fee would normally be for the project. This will help you to be recognized as a professional and will give value to your time. It also gives them an idea of your rates for future projects. Be sure to also list all of the work you plan to accomplish and any expenses that might incur costs such as couriers, fonts, photography etc. 
6. Make sure that you have the time and that it won’t conflict too much with your billable work or full-time job. Be clear about your availability. You may say yes now while you’re slow, but what if the project is delayed and lands on your desk during your busy season?
7. Consider a partial pro bono, in particular for a large or multi-piece project. Let them know that you can offer them a %50 percent rate or that you can do the first 20 hours pro bono with any additional hours being charged at your regular rate for example.
8. Is this for a family member or friend? Would this person gladly return a favor for you? Read this list very slowly and remember it’s ok to say no.
9. Make sure you get credit (wether your name is on the printed piece, there’s a link to your web page, a mention of thanks in the program, etc.). And if this is a printed piece make sure you receive samples.
10. Have fun! Pro bono work is a great time to push those creative boundaries. The client should be more flexible, allow for more artistic license, and fuss less in return for waived fees.