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Tell HN: I'm making free websites for nonprofits

by grimmfang on 2/20/16, 11:03 PM with 15 comments

• by boulos on 2/21/16, 12:41 AM

  Having done this for friends and others in the past, you'll want to be cognizant of how to leave the nonprofit with something they can update. CMSes like Wordpress are okay, but come with pretty high "update pain" if you tell them "I'll just install this on a Digital Ocean droplet for you". While this is less true now that WordPress has auto updates, you've still got the security hassle of needing to update the Linux box (and the occasional "hey the server is dead").

  If you can swing it, most nonprofits could get by with a simple App Engine based app and never have enough traffic to go beyond the free tier. There's at least no OS updates.

  If the nonprofit just needs a static site though, something like hosting it on Github Pages, S3, or GCS is even better. But, again, then they can't update the content of they're not familiar with how to have done this themselves in the first place.

  Disclaimer: I work for Google on Compute Engine (not App Engine).

• by godzillabrennus on 2/21/16, 12:23 AM

  First, awesome! Non profits need all the help they can get!

  Second, since you are intent on helping others is there any chance you would be willing to mentor junior coders who want experience? I know two young Women who are venturing down the path of becoming developers. One frontend and one backend. They would love mentorship.

  Hit me up hn.mentor at strapr dot com if you are interested!

• by Raed667 on 2/21/16, 6:12 AM

  Been there, done that. (As a student) I wanted to more experience so I did what you're doing for a while.

  Here are some pieces of advice I can give you:

  - Shared hosting is always a good option (cheap, auto-updates, no hassle, and everything via a web-panel (typically c-panel)

  - Make sure all the hosting and domain names are always in their name. (You don't want to be bothered a year later to renew something)

  - WordPress is the way to go.

  - Make sure you have an exit strategy for every project (When do you get off) most NGOs will try to get you working as long as possible as IT support, it can take a lot of your time.

  To take you up on your offer, just one question : Do they have to be US based or anywhere in the world ?

• by PhaseMage on 2/22/16, 6:21 AM

  For the past 20 months I've been designing a new mesh network protocol in my spare time, and I'm planning to incorporate (obviously as a non-profit) eventually, but haven't pulled the trigger because I haven't needed to solicit donations. I already have a WordPress site up and I know how to maintain it, but my web/graphic design skills are seriously lacking (I'm a systems guy).

  The site (and my proposed Protocol Stack Spec) is at isogrid.org. If you find the cause righteous, I'd love the help!

• by grimmfang on 2/22/16, 4:49 PM

  Hey everyone, I've gotten some great feedback already, but it would be awesome if a few more nonprofits were interested.

  If you know of any organizations that are making a impact but could use an improved website please pass along my contact info to them!

  I've created a Google Forms form where you can send me information directly. http://goo.gl/forms/EK08ILOhzv

  Have a great day!

• by codyb on 2/21/16, 12:16 AM

  Neat! Great way to volunteer and learn for yourself as well. Hope you get some bites.

• by wprapido on 2/22/16, 11:25 AM

  hit me up if you need webhosting for nonprofits

• by chirau on 2/21/16, 12:10 AM

  My project is not yet making any profit, does it count?