Frequently asked questions
Don't see your question? Email chance@devforthought.com. We usually reply within a few business days.
Cost
Is it really free?
Our work is. We never charge for planning, building, fixing or maintaining your tool. There's no trial, paid tier, upsell or ads.
So what would we pay for?
Only what your tool needs to run, paid directly to those companies, such as a domain name, hosting, or another service's subscription. Many small tools cost nothing to run. We'll tell you the expected costs before we start, we never mark them up, and everything is set up in your organization's name so you stay in control.
Why do you do this for free?
Small nonprofits do important work with very little help, and good software can give back hours every week. We'd rather spend our skills there than on another app nobody needs.
Getting started
Who can ask for help?
Nonprofits, especially small ones without tech staff. Registered 501(c)(3)s come first, but tell us about your organization either way. Community groups, churches, schools and mutual aid groups are welcome to ask too.
How does the process work?
- Fill out the form. Tell us about your organization and what's getting in the way.
- Meet with a team member. We'll schedule a call to hear what you need and how your team works today.
- Build it together. We work with you to revise and implement a solution, checking in as we go.
What kinds of things do you build?
Websites, donation pages and online stores, volunteer and event tools, donor and contact lists, intake and application forms, custom web apps, cloud email and file setup, and automations that connect the tools you already use. If it runs on a computer or a phone, we can probably help.
Do we need to know what we want before reaching out?
No. Describe the problem, like "we lose track of who signed up for which shift," and we'll figure out the right fix together. Sometimes the answer is a setting in a tool you already have.
How long does it take?
It depends on the project and how many requests we're working on. A simple website or form can take a couple of weeks; a custom tool takes longer. We'll give you an honest estimate on our first call.
Your data
Who owns our data and the software?
Your data belongs to you. You can export it anytime, and we'll never sell it or use it for anything except running the tool for you. You can have a copy of the code, too.
Where is our information stored?
Usually with well-known providers like Google or Microsoft, on accounts in your organization's name. We'll explain where everything lives before we build. See our privacy policy for how this website handles information.
How do we delete our request or information?
Email chance@devforthought.com with the organization name and email you used, and we'll delete it.
After launch
Who fixes things if they break?
We do, at no charge for the work. Email us and we'll take a look.
Can our team make changes on our own?
Yes. We build things so the everyday edits, like updating text, adding events or changing a form question, don't need us. We'll show your team how.
What happens if you stop running a tool?
We'll give you at least 60 days' notice when we can, help you export your data, and share the code where possible so you can keep using it. Details are in our terms.