Host an Event
By running a Project Management Day of Service (PMDOS®) event in your community, you provide local nonprofits access to pro bono (free, professional) project management support that will empower them to have greater impact. You also provide local project managers (PMs) the opportunity to give back to their community through skills-based volunteering.
You can host a PMDOS event in your community
We can help
Project Management for Change will provide resources and support to help you have the biggest impact possible with your event.
Things to Know About Running a PMDOS Event
Identifying the Impact Director
The Impact Director is the lead for running a PMDOS event. If you’re considering hosting a PMDOS event, then you may be that lead!
Recruiting the Event Team
Leverage your relationships within the host organization (if there is one) and with other professional and personal connections to recruit people with the skills you will need to help plan and run the event.
Finding an Event Venue
A local Project Management Institute (PMI) or International Project Management Association (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.
Getting Sponsors
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.
When to start Recruiting Nonprofits
Determine event size and venue options before recruiting nonprofits. Start recruiting early and continue until desired participation is reached. Secure venue beforehand to communicate location and date effectively.
Targeting Nonprofits
Create a marketing campaign utilizing social media, direct email, and referrals to recruit non-profit participants. Utilize the host organization's LinkedIn profile for social media posts and engage with relevant LinkedIn groups.
Use online resources like GuideStar to identify potential nonprofits for direct email outreach, and consider contacting local foundations for recruitment.
Implement a referral strategy by encouraging event staff and volunteers to reach out to their networks. Additionally, leverage existing relationships through your employer and event staff's connections, including Corporate Social Responsibility teams or other relevant departments within the company.
Number of Nonprofits to Target
The number of nonprofits targeted can vary from small (2-3) to large (20-30), and anywhere in between. Factors such as venue capacity, availability of PM volunteers, and event experience may influence this choice. Consider setting a goal for the number of projects if nonprofits can bring multiple projects. Each project must have at least one nonprofit representative present. PM4Change suggests limiting nonprofit representatives to three per project.
Recruiting Project Manager (PM) Volunteer Participants
Tap into your/your team’s professional network (including executives and other colleagues), and reach out to local chapters of project management industry associations such as PMI and IPMA.
Recommended number of PM Volunteer Participants
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.
Subject Matter Expert (SME) Volunteers
It can be useful to include SMEs from adjacent fields (e.g., marketing, finance, technology, etc.) to consult with project teams during the PMDOS event. SMEs can participate during the entire event or during a specific portion. Leverage professional networks and industry associations to recruit SMEs to support your event.
PM4Change Support
PM4Change will provide templates and other documents you can use to plan and run your event, and we will provide direct support to your event planning staff through virtual meetings, phone calls, and email.. We will also advertise your PMDOS event on our website and social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube).