Is there a website for web developers wanting to give development time to charity?

Question

I'd be willing to invest some time working for a charity, but I feel like I'd be more useful if I get to work in my field (web development). I know that a lot of non-profit are in desperate need for new websites since I already worked for some doing web work.

The thing is the organizations I've worked for were always within my personal network, and lately I ended up with nothing to do in that field. There's only so many non-profits you know personally ^^

So, is there a website to help non-profit meet with web workers (graphists, devs & co) willing to do some volunteer work for a given amount of time? If not, do you think it would be a good idea to create one?

Answer 1

Answer to 1st question: No, not that I know of.

Answer to 2nd question: Yes, good idea. :)

Alternative: perhaps you can try to google for non-profit and approach them and offer them your interest. Or you could go to some freelance website / forum, post up your info and interest there and wait for them to contact you.

Answer 2

If you really have some time and are truly interested in offering your services then you should start looking at what is available in your home town. There are numerous small non-profit organizations in every town that would love to have someone helping out. chances are the help they need barely qualifies as technical support (helping manage lists in Excel, running an online survey using a third- party tool, etc...) but you can be sure that your help would be appreciated. Non-technical people are intimidated by the Internets and any assistance can only help.

Putting together a resource to help non-profits hook up with designers is a great idea but it is also quite ambitious. If you could pull it off, I'm sure it would be something the community would love to participate in. However, in the meantime, just call up local groups and ask if they need help. It is almost guaranteed that they do.