Giving vulnerable members of our communities a helping hand by sharing our professional expertise — that's what pro bono financial planning is all about. Throughout the country, FPA chapters are working with community partners to assist those with the greatest need for and the least access to the power of financial planning.

The FPA Pro Bono Program targets low income individuals and families striving to build assets and improve their lives but cannot afford to engage a planner on their own. Chapters may also outreach to other populations in need to meet the specific needs of their communities. 

Volunteering as an FPA pro bono planner is a great way to give back, build professional skills and strengthen ties with your community and fellow FPA members. Join your chapter program now!

New — Financial Assessment System

Introduced in November 2008 at the Pro Bono Forum @ Chapter Leaders Conference, the Financial Assessment System is a tool accessible to both planners and their pro bono clients. The system allows clients to participate in a financial education tutorial via the Money 101 program from anywhere they have Internet access.  

While walking through the basics of banking, credit and budgeting, the client is asked to enter their financial data, which is automatically compiled in to a downloadable report highlighting common financial concerns. This same report can be accessed by an FPA pro bono volunteer who can then provide more in-depth assessment and advice.

• Learn more about the Financial Assessment System 

Conference Calls

Please join us for the next Chapter Pro Bono Director's Quarterly Conference Call: 

Friday, August 14, at 2 p.m. EST. 

• RSVP Now

Pro Bono News

Read about pro bono programs that have been recognized by both internal and external media.

June

May 

Read the Q2 Pro Bono Update, featuring a case study of FPA of Austin. 

The Wall Street Journal ran a piece highlighting financial advisers who are waiving or reducing fees for troubled clients.

April

Read a Special Edition of the Pro Bono Update, which highlights new resources that are available to chapter pro bono directors.

• Read More Pro Bono News

Chapter Leader Resources

If you are a chapter leader starting or running a program, FPA has a wealth of resources to help you.

Pro Bono Guidebook (PDF | 145KB) 
Find everything you need to know about starting and running a pro bono financial planning program, including advice, resources and best practices.

Pro Bono Toolkit
Get all the resources outlined in the Pro Bono Guidebook and more, including:

• FPA Pro Bono Guidelines and tools for building a chapter pro bono program
• Tools for working with volunteers and partner organizations, such as sign-up sheets, outreach brochures and an MOU template
• Tools for working with clients, such as presentations, worksheets and engagement documentation

Pro Bono Forum
Find materials circulated at the Pro Bono Forum, held November 9-11, at the Chapter Leadership Conference.

FPA's Pro Bono Program is funded in part by generous grants from the Foundation for Financial Planning.