Cleveland GiveCamp
Empowering nonprofits through technology and community support
The Challenge
We had only 48 hours from kickoff to final presentation to design, develop, and deploy a complete website redesign.
The Solution
We used Agile methodology with Taiga for project management, broke the work into sprint cycles, and focused on MVP features first. Clear communication and role division allowed us to work efficiently in parallel.
My Role
Full-Stack Developer & Designer
Timeline
Weekend Event - October 2024
Client
Cleveland GiveCamp Inc.
Team
6-person volunteer team
Technologies Used
Key Features
- ✓Responsive design with custom events section and sponsor carousel
- ✓User-friendly CMS enabling non-technical staff to manage content
- ✓Improved navigation and clear CTAs for volunteers and nonprofits
- ✓Built and deployed in 48 hours using Agile methodology
Challenges & Solutions
Time Constraints
Challenge:
We had only 48 hours from kickoff to final presentation to design, develop, and deploy a complete website redesign.
Solution:
We used Agile methodology with Taiga for project management, broke the work into sprint cycles, and focused on MVP features first. Clear communication and role division allowed us to work efficiently in parallel.
Balancing Customization with Maintainability
Challenge:
The organization needed custom features but also wanted a platform that non-developers could maintain long-term.
Solution:
We chose Squarespace as the foundation for its user-friendly CMS, then added custom HTML/CSS components for the sponsor carousel. This gave them flexibility where needed while keeping the core platform accessible.
Stakeholder Requirements
Challenge:
Multiple stakeholders from the nonprofit had different priorities and visions for the website.
Solution:
We held structured check-ins every 4 hours to gather feedback, prioritize features collaboratively, and ensure alignment. This kept everyone informed and prevented scope creep.
What I Learned
- 💡Time-boxed sprints and clear role division are essential for rapid delivery under pressure
- 💡Choosing the right platform matters - Squarespace gave us speed without sacrificing customization
- 💡Regular stakeholder check-ins prevent scope creep and keep everyone aligned
- 💡Volunteer collaboration strengthens both technical skills and community bonds
- 💡Giving back through technology creates meaningful impact beyond just code
Interested in working together?
Let's build something amazing together