What is Project Management for Change?

Project Management for Change (PM4Change) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide the project management discipline to nonprofits to accelerate the realization of positive social outcomes. We are staffed entirely by volunteers.

Does PM4Change have a headquarters?

PM4Change is based out of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, but does not have a brick and mortar presence.

Is PM4Change affiliated with THE Project Management Institute (PMI) or any of its chapters?

PM4Change is not affiliated with PMI or any of its chapters, but we do have a working relationship with chapters in he Washington, D.C. area (Baltimore, Montgomery County, Silver Spring, Southern Maryland, and Washington D.C.). Our staff and project manager volunteers participate regularly at local PMI chapter events, especially in preparation for local PMDoS events. Many PMDoS events are conducted by PMI Chapters in the U.S. and PMI and [add IPMA spell-out here] (IPMA) chapters in other countries around the world, with support from our Global Operations
Team.

WHAT IS CVD?

PM4Change (PM4Change) is offering support to the nonprofit community throughout the year via a program called Continuous Value Delivery (CVD). Under this program, PM4Change partners with nonprofits to provide project management support through short engagements (3-6 months) supported by volunteer project managers.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN CVD?

Both new and experienced project managers can engage in pro bono project management support for local nonprofits through our CVD program.

Project managers and nonprofits can find more information about our CVD program here.

WHAT IS THE DAY OF SERVICE ABOUT?

The Project Management Day of Service® (PMDoS) is typically a one-day community service event where experienced project managers provide pro bono (free and professional) project management services to local nonprofits. Our signature PMDoS event is held annually in the Washington, D.C. region, and is replicated globally to help nonprofits around the world improve their ability to deliver on their missions - whether it’s feeding the hungry, housing veterans, or any of a myriad of worthy social causes.

WHERE ARE PMDoS EVENTS HELD?

The original PMDoS was held in the Washington, D.C. region and since then there have been PMDoS events in regions all over the world, including St. Louis, MO; Houston, TX; Hampton Roads, VA; Atlanta, GA; New York, NY; Brisbane, Australia, Melbourne, Australia; Sydney, Australia; Gdansk, Poland; Wellington, U.K.; Wellington, New Zealand; and Auckland, New Zealand.

WHAT types OF NONPROFITs ATTEND PMDOS?

PMDoS attracts a wide variety of nonprofits from multiple sectors, including, but not limited to:

• Youth Development

• Veterans Support

• Art, Culture, Education

• Health and Wellness

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery

• Foreign Affairs and National Security

• Agricultural Development

• Public & Social Benefit

WHAT types OF NONPROFIT NEEDS ARE ADDRESSED AT PMDOS?

The nonprofits’ needs that are addressed at PMDoS range from strategic to tactical, operations to administrative, and human to technical. They cover topics such as marketing/branding, volunteer recruitment, fundraising, grant writing, and event planning.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES AN EVENT PARTICIPANT NEED TO DEDICATE TO THE EVENT? IS THERE TRAINING?

There is no standard length for a PMDoS event. Depending on the location of the event, it may be from a few hours to a full business day, or may occur across multiple days.
Events typically include dedicated time for networking as well as for project working sessions. Time for meals may also be included as appropriate.

Prior to the event, volunteers and nonprofits may be required to participate in training. Training helps project manager volunteers become familiar with the unique needs and challenges facing nonprofits, and the logistics of the PMDoS event. Training also helps nonprofit representatives to become familiar with project management concepts, and the logistics of the PMDoS event. In addition, the local event team may provide coaching to nonprofit participants for selecting and describing their project problem statements.

HOW ARE VOLUNTEERS PAIRED WITH NONPROFITS?

The local event team uses a volunteer’s event registration information and possibly also their LinkedIn profile (if available) to create a match with a nonprofit based on how well the volunteer’s skills and interests align with the nonprofit’s mission and project needs. While matches are made prior to the event, they may need to be adjusted on the day of the event based on event attendance. For that reason, match information may not be made available to participants until the day of the event or if the match information is provided in advance, it may be subject to change.

As a Volunteer, CAN I PICK THE NONPROFIT I WORK WITH?

We try to match volunteers with the most appropriate nonprofits based on the volunteers’ interests and skills. We also understand that there may be an organization that is close to your heart. Should there be a specific nonprofit you would like to work with, please contact your local event team, and every effort will be made to provide that match.

CAN MY EMPLOYER SEND A TEAM TO A PMDOS EVENT?

Yes! Please contact your local event team for more information.

AS A VOLUNTEER, CAN I GET PDUS FOR VOLUNTEERING? HOW DO I CLAIM THEM?

Yes, PMDoS event participation is eligible for PDUs! Volunteers are encouraged to self-report any applicable PDUs on PMI's Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS). Additional information and guidance can be obtained from your local event team.

As a Volunteer, Do I NEED TO HOLD A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION?

You do not need to possess a project management certification (e.g., PMP®, CAPM®, IPMA®, PRINCE2®) in order to participate, nor do you need to have an explicit clinical understanding of project management principles. We value the contributions of subject matter experts (SMEs), from other industries, who are able to make positive contributions to the goals of our nonprofit participants.

HOW Are NONPROFITs PREPARED FOR PMDOS?

The local event team may coach nonprofit participants on selecting and describing their project problem statements prior to the event. In addition, nonprofit participants may be required to participate in training that familiarizes them with relevant project management concepts, and the logistics of the PMDoS event.

WHERE IS THE D.C. REGIONAL PMDOS HELD? IS IT METRO-ACCESSIBLE?

The D.C. Regional PMDoS event is usually held at the Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland, College Park - a metro-accessible location! For those using the D.C. Metro, College Park is accessible via the Green Line, as well as multiple bus lines.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?

This is a professional event. Business casual attire, is encouraged (even for virtual events).

WHAT HAPPENS TO AN IN-PERSON EVENT IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER?

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Decisions on inclement weather will be made the day before the event. Participants will be notified of any changes (i.e., a start time change or event cancellation) by email and announcements will be made via social media, and on the PM4Change website.

DO I NEED ANYTHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT?

You will need a computer (preferably a laptop and not a tablet). We will provide project planning templates. For in-person events, we will also provide office supplies such as pens, and paper. For virtual events, you will need a microphone and speakers (either attached to your computer, or built into your computer); a camera is recommended but not required.

WILL MEALS BE PROVIDED? WHAT ABOUT ALLERGIES?

Lunch and snacks will be provided to all attendees for in-person events. Please contact us at dcquestions@pm4change.org if you have food allergies so we can address your concerns.

IS THERE A COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE EVENT?

A registration fee is required from each project manager volunteer to help cover event costs. All registration fees and donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Registration fees are typically not required from nonprofit participants. However, a limit to the number of non-paying nonprofit representatives may be established; additional representatives above that limit would be charged a fee to offset increased event costs.

I SIGNED UP, BUT NOW I CAN’T ATTEND! WHO DO I CONTACT?

Please send an email to dcquestions@pm4change.org as soon as possible so appropriate changes can be made.

HOW MANY Project managers ARE ON A TEAM? Which project manager is "in charge?"

Each team is composed of 2-4 PM volunteers, with three filling distinct roles: Facilitator, Timekeeper, and Scribe. We have found in past years that teams are most productive when self-assigning these roles. Nonprofits are generally represented by 1-2 staff members.

NOTE: Our nonprofit participants receive the greatest benefit from the diversity of perspective coming from the team of project managers. PM backgrounds, styles, industries, and work environments vary widely in the profession. PMDoS is intended as an opportunity for each PM to contribute equally, regardless of specialty. Therefore, we discourage PMs from performing strictly "administrative" duties in their group, and respectfully request the active and supportive contributions from every PM volunteer.

AS A VOLUNTEER, I’D LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR THE EVENT WITH FRIENDS/COWORKERS. CAN WE BE ASSIGNED TO THE SAME TEAM?

Everything is better with a friend! We will try to honor team requests wherever possible. Please send an email to dcquestions@pm4change.org, and we will make every attempt to accommodate such requests.

What is an Impact Director?

At Project Management for Change (PM4Change), an Impact Director is the lead in a specific region for providing pro bono project management support to nonprofits in that region. The project management support to nonprofits can be provided at Project Management Day of Service (PMDoS)®  events, through Continuous Value Delivery (CVD) engagements, or both.

What are the benefits of running a PMDoS event? 

By running a Project Management Day of Service (PMDoS) event in your region, you provide an opportunity for local project managers (PMs) to have social impact through skills-based volunteerism. PMs can have a direct impact on local nonprofits, practice skills (including those they may not have the opportunity to use in their day-to-day jobs), learn new skills, expand their personal and professional networks, and earn continuing education credit for their professional certifications (e.g., PDUs).

As an Impact Director, you can earn continuing education credits (e.g., PDUs) by planning and running the event, and you can leverage PM4Change’s resources and exchange best practices and lessons learned with other Impact Directors around the world.

How do I recruit project managers for my PMDoS event?

To recruit project managers (PMs) to help plan your PMDoS event, tap into your professional network (including executives and other colleagues at your own place of employment), and reach out to local chapters of project management industry associations such as Project Management Institute (PMI) and International Project Management Association (IPMA).

To recruit PMs to participate in your PMDoS event, tap into the professional networks of all the members of your event planning team, and reach out to local chapters of project management industry associations. 

• You can provide a flier for chapters to circulate among their members and speak about your event at chapter dinners and symposia and conferences. 

• In a region with multiple chapters, those chapters may want to have a friendly competition to see which can register the most PMs for your event. 

• Chapters can choose to subsidize the registration fees for their members who register for your event (e.g., PMI-Southern Maryland pays half the registration fee for their members to register for the D.C. Regional PMDoS).

Finally, make sure that PM4Change has all of your event information to publish at https://www.pm4change.org/all-events.

When should nonprofits be recruited for a PMDoS event?

You should establish the size of your PMDoS event, in terms of how many nonprofits and PMs will participate, before beginning your recruitment activities. Ideally, you will also have some viable options for the venue, and can use the capacities (and availability) of those candidate venues to help guide the determination of the event size (and date).

PM4Change recommends beginning the nonprofit recruiting activities relatively early in the process of planning your event, and continuing those recruitment activities until you’ve reached the desired number of nonprofits. It may be ideal to select and reserve the venue prior to beginning nonprofit recruitment, so that the location and date can be communicated to potential nonprofit participants during all recruiting activities.

What is the recommended number of nonprofits that I should target for my PMDoS event? 

The number of nonprofits can be small (e.g. 2-3 nonprofits), large (20-30 nonprofits), or somewhere in between. The number you target could be based on a number of factors including venue capacity, anticipated availability of volunteer PMs, and whether it is your first event (sometimes it is easier to “start small”). 

Note: You may allow nonprofits to bring more than one project to the PMDoS event. In that case, it may be useful to set a goal for the number of projects rather than the number of nonprofits. Note that nonprofits must send at least one representative per project to participate in the event. 

PM4Change recommends that nonprofit representatives be limited to no more than three per project. 

What is the recommended number of PM volunteers that I should target for my PMDoS event? 

PM4Change recommends a ratio of 2-4 PMs per nonprofit project. Having multiple PMs provides the benefits of diversity, especially when different levels of experience are represented (newer PMs offer fresh perspectives and can learn from more experienced PMs). Also, when there are at least 3 PMs, dedicated roles can be assigned such as: Timekeeper, Scribe, and Facilitator. 

How do I recruit nonprofits for my PMDoS event?

Create a marketing campaign to get the word out to potential nonprofit participants. Your marketing campaign can include social media posts and direct email, as well as a referral strategy.

Social media posts should be made from the host organization’s LinkedIn profile, at a minimum. In addition, you should look for LinkedIn groups with nonprofit audiences, and post to those groups and potentially also message directly to group members (this does not require a LinkedIn premium account or direct message credits).

To identify potential nonprofits for direct email marketing, you can use an online repository such as the GuideStar website (https://www.guidestar.org), which provides a large searchable repository of U.S. nonprofits. In addition, you might reach out to local foundations to identify nonprofits that can be recruited. 

A referral strategy could include requesting event staff and PM volunteers to reach out to nonprofits they know. In addition, you can check with your employer and the employers of your event planning staff to find out if there are nonprofits with whom they have existing relationships, or nonprofits with whom they would like to build relationships. Some companies have dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility teams who should be able to help; otherwise, check with the Chief Operating Officer, Director of Operations, or Human Resources Director. 

Finally, make sure that PM4Change has all of your event information to publish at https://www.pm4change.org/all-events. 

How do I find an event venue?

A local PMI or IPMA chapter may be able to help with identifying potential venues, including venues they have previously used for chapter symposia, conferences, and other chapter events. In addition, employers and other professional connections of your event planning staff may be able to help identify potential venues. Finally, check with local educational institutions (e.g., colleges and universities) – especially those with a project management curriculum. You may be able to get the venue for free (an in-kind donation) or at a reduced rate based on PM4Change’s nonprofit status.

Another possibility is to use a venue identified or provided by a nonprofit organization who plans to participate in your PMDoS event. (This has been done in St. Louis.)   

Can my PMDoS event be virtual?

Yes, a virtual or hybrid event may be the best choice when there are significant public health concerns (e.g., from COVID-19) or when the desired audience for the event is geographically diverse.

Do I need sponsorship?

It is possible to run a PMDoS event without any sponsors. However, if you have event expenses, you may want to solicit sponsorships from companies and individuals to provide cash and/or “in-kind” donations that offset event operating costs. In addition, if you are planning your event far enough in advance, you may be able to apply for one or more grants.

What kind of support can PM4Change provide to me?

PM4Change will include information about your PMDoS event on the PM4Change website (www.pm4change.org) and social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X. YouTube), provide templates and other documents that you can use to plan and run your event, host Impact Director information exchange meetings, and provide direct support to your event planning staff (through virtual meetings, phone calls, and email).

For a virtual PMDoS event, PM4 Change might also be able to provide the virtual platform (Cisco Webex).

Can PM4Change provide registration support? 

PM4Change has previously provided registration support for PMDoS events outside of the D.C. region, but we generally don’t do that anymore. We will consider providing this support on a case-by-case basis. 

How long has PM4Change been hosting events?

PM4Change has been hosting PMDoS events since January, 2015. 

Is there a community of impact directors that I can reach out to for guidance on how to host a successful event?

Yes: there are several Impact Directors who have experience with running PMDoS events. PM4Change hosts periodic meetings to provide a forum for Impact Directors to share best practices and lessons learned.

How do I become an Impact Director?

Submit this form, and someone from PM4Change will reach out to you to discuss your interest in becoming an Impact Director. After that, you will be requested to fill out the onboarding form. After you are onboarded, you will have access to PM4Change’s Google Drive, and you will have your own pm4change.org email account.