Why join the Pro Bono Committee?
FPA of Metro New York has been a leader in pro bono financial planning since 9/11. Volunteering as an FPA Pro Bono Committee member is a great way for financial planners to give back to their communities and help our profession. Pro bono activities increase public awareness of financial planning, build bridges with community leaders, strengthen a chapter’s esprit de corps and attract new members. It also helps individual planners develop their own planning knowledge and skills.
Our volunteers help by providing sound, objective advice free of charge and not linked to any sales or promotion of products or services. They do it to help the less fortunate. They do it out of pride in their profession. They do it because it’s the right thing to do.
What services does the Pro Bono Committee provide?
Pro bono services are offered to clients of social service partner agencies or community-based organizations (CBOs) that work with working poor, unemployed, and financially illiterate publics. Services include customized workshops, financial literacy certification program, and one-on-one coaching programs based on the needs of the CBO. Workshops are typically conducted onsite at various partner locations or virtually. Some organizations may also refer clients that need individual planning services.
What local organizations does the Pro Bono Committee support?
Click here to learn more about the CBOs we work with!
What are the requirements to join the Pro Bono Committee?
- You must be a current FPA member, qualify to volunteer per the FPA Pro Bono Eligibility Policy, adhere to all pro bono policies and guidelines, and work on behalf of an FPA pro bono program to be eligible. FPA provides Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance for FPA members while conducting pro bono financial planning that meet these requirements.
- All pro bono volunteers are required to complete a one-hour online FPA Pro Bono Financial Planning Training course. A link to the course will also be provided when you complete the enrollment form noted below.
- Complete the Pro Bono Enrollment Form.
Do I have to have my CFP® designation?
No. The Committee includes CFP® certificants and aspiring financial planners with a wide range of experience. New planners can shadow CFP® professionals on pro bono engagements to receive relevant work experience credits for their work with the Pro Bono Committee.