Good questions.
If yours isn't here, just ask.
For groups
Is it really free?
Our work is free. DigitalFeather is run by volunteers and never charges for design, building or handoff help. We don't host websites or sell domains. When the work is done, we hand it over for you to own. If it's a website, you choose where to host it, and you pay any domain or hosting company directly. A domain is often about $10 to $25 a year.
How do we start a project?
Fill out our short project request form. It takes about 5 minutes. Before we build, we both sign a one-page agreement.
Do we have to be in Hampton Roads?
No. We're open to groups anywhere in the United States, but those in the Hampton Roads area get priority.
Who runs DigitalFeather?
DigitalFeather is run by volunteers. We're not yet a registered nonprofit. Read why we started.
What kinds of groups do you help?
Community groups and nonprofits, like civic leagues, neighborhood associations and local organizations. We don't take on partisan, campaign or political work.
How long does a project take?
There's no set timeline. Volunteers build in their spare time, so we can't promise a start or finish date, and some projects take months.
What will you need from us?
A main contact person and a little time to answer questions by email, or on a quick call if that's easier. For a website, the words and photos you want on the site. For a workflow, a short description of the task you do by hand now.
Who owns the work when it's done?
You do. We hand the work over for you to own. For a website, we hand over the finished site files and don't host the site. For a workflow, we build it with free tools like Google Forms and Sheets, then hand it over for you to own. We don't keep accounts in your name.
Who keeps it up after handoff?
You do. We hand the work over and give 30 days of email help after handoff. After that, keeping it up is on you.
For volunteers
How do I volunteer?
Fill out our short volunteer sign-up form. It takes about 2 minutes. All skill levels are welcome.
Do I need to live in Hampton Roads?
No. Volunteers can join from anywhere in the United States, since build meetings happen on Google Meet.
What happens after I sign up?
We'll reach out by email and match you with a project that fits your skills when one opens up. Once you're on a project, your build team meets on Google Meet at least once a week.
How much time do volunteers give?
We ask for at least 2 hours a week, on whatever schedule works for you. The sign-up form asks how much time you can give.
How do I log in to the members area?
Your account is created when you sign up. Use Log in at the top of any page to see where things stand.