The program also matches up non-profit organizations that need planning or design services with firms willing to provide their professional expertise. In March, Public Architecture released its third annual survey of pro bono services provided by firms through The 1% program.

Some of the key findings of the survey were that there are a growing number of firms providing their skills to non-profit agencies, and most of those that do are providing more than 1% of their billable time. The study indicates that 74% of the firms answering the survey reported that they exceeded the goal of 1%, with 66% of the firms providing more than 2%, and 6% of the firms committing more than 20% of their time. Perhaps these were firms with few fee-producing projects that were willing to keep their staffs busy and creative by working with pro bono clients.

The firms surveyed ranged from sole practitioners to some of the largest architecture firms in the U.S. Although the survey did not specifically ask about problems or professional liability claims on pro bono projects, no firm indicated that such an exposure was preventing their participation in The 1% program. [Public Architecture worked with Schinnerer on advisory materials and contract language that would minimize the risk of claims on pro bono projects. In addition, policyholders in the Schinnerer program have been made aware that the CNA policy extends coverage to unpaid professional services.]

For more information on Public Architecture or to view the results of the survey, go to www.publicarchitecture.org. For more information on managing professional liability exposures on pro bono projects go to the Schinnerer Management Advisory database at www.Schinnerer.com/risk-mgmt/Pages/Management-advisories.aspx and look for the Advisory titled “Providing Pro Bono Services.” (Our risk management materials are password-protected for policyholder and broker use only.)