Compass Pro Bono Celebrates 25 Years of Connecting Corporate Professionals and Nonprofits to Strengthen Communities

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass Pro Bono will celebrate 25 years of strengthening nonprofits and communities through pro bono partnerships between corporate professionals and mission-driven organizations at an anniversary celebration on Oct. 15 in Washington, D.C. Over the past 25 years, Compass Pro Bono has engaged more than 9,600 business professionals in more than 4,200 nonprofit projects, contributing an estimated $165 million in pro bono services to nonprofits across the country.

The milestone celebration, taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Long View Gallery, will bring together Compass Pro Bono volunteers, nonprofit leaders, corporate partners, and supporters to celebrate the people, relationships, and shared commitment to community impact that have shaped the organization over the past quarter century.

Since its founding in 2001, Compass Pro Bono has built a community around the belief that when business professionals bring their skills, experience and passion together with nonprofit leaders, they can together create meaningful and lasting change for their communities. What began as a single idea has grown into a network of thousands of professionals and hundreds of nonprofit organizations working together across Washington, D.C. and beyond.

What makes Compass Pro Bono unique is its hands-on, high-touch approach. Compass works closely with local nonprofits to understand their challenges and with volunteers to understand their skills and goals, then thoughtfully matches them to make the greatest impact. Its local-to-local model connects professionals with nonprofits in the communities where they live and work, creating lasting relationships grounded in local knowledge and shared investment.

In the Washington, D.C. region alone, Compass Pro Bono has engaged more than 5,700 volunteers, partnered with more than 660 nonprofits and contributed an estimated $94 million in pro bono services.

"For 25 years, Compass Pro Bono has shown what is possible when people invest their skills, experience and passion in their local community," said Bethany Rubin Henderson, Compass Pro Bono CEO. "Their impact goes far beyond any one project. Nonprofits grow stronger, volunteers gain new perspectives and connections, and together they build stronger communities. That shared investment is what has powered Compass Pro Bono for 25 years, and it's what will carry us into the next 25."

A Celebration of 25 Years of Impact

The anniversary celebration will feature stories from the nonprofit leaders and volunteers who have helped shape Compass Pro Bono and experienced its impact firsthand.

The evening's program will include:

• A look back at Compass Pro Bono's founding: A Compass Pro Bono co-founder will open the speaking program by sharing the story behind the organization's beginnings and the idea that launched 25 years of community-centered pro bono service.
• Nonprofit perspectives: Two nonprofit leaders will share how their organizations' relationships with Compass Pro Bono have contributed to their work and missions.
• Volunteer stories: Two longtime Washington, D.C. volunteers will share how being part of the Compass Pro Bono community has shaped their personal and professional journeys. Both began as early-career volunteers and have since grown into project leadership roles within the organization.
• Looking ahead: Compass Pro Bono Executive Director Bethany Rubin Henderson will close the program with a look toward the organization's next 25 years, including plans to grow Compass Pro Bono to even more geographies.

The celebration will also feature craft cocktails, passed appetizers, seasonal savory bites and bite-sized desserts from Heirloom Catering & Event Design, creating an informal setting for guests to connect and celebrate.

Looking Ahead to the Next 25 Years

As Compass Pro Bono looks toward its next 25 years, it will continue building connections among professionals, nonprofit leaders and community members who believe in the power of working together. The organization's future will be shaped by the same spirit that has guided its first 25 years: bringing people together, sharing strengths and creating opportunities for nonprofits and communities to thrive.

Event Details

What: Compass Pro Bono 25th Anniversary Celebration
When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, 6:00–9:00 p.m. ET
Where: Long View Gallery, Washington, D.C.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through Compass Pro Bono's 25th Anniversary page.

About Compass Pro Bono

Compass Pro Bono brings together corporate professionals and nonprofit leaders to strengthen organizations and create lasting community impact. For 25 years, Compass Pro Bono has cultivated a community where people share their skills, experience and passion in support of nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.

Compass Pro Bono has engaged more than 9,600 volunteers in more than 4,200 nonprofit engagements, contributing an estimated $165 million in pro bono services. In the Washington, D.C. region, Compass Pro Bono has engaged more than 5,700 volunteers, partnered with more than 660 nonprofits and contributed an estimated $94 million in pro bono services.

For more information, visit Compass Pro Bono.

Media Contact:
Kathy Fowler
[email protected]
410-963-2345

SOURCE Compass Pro Bono