What Can Be Selected?

Eligible applicants may request a focused digital project such as:

• A professional WordPress website

• A website redesign

• A nonprofit or community resource website

• An event or campaign website

• A basic e-commerce website

• A landing page or digital campaign

• A mobile app prototype

• A SaaS minimum viable product prototype

• An online directory or resource hub

• A member, volunteer, or client portal

• A digital form and workflow system

• A data dashboard or reporting tool

• A website accessibility or performance improvement project

The final project scope is determined by Griot Dev Solutions based on complexity, available resources, technical feasibility, community value, and the applicant’s readiness to participate.

Large enterprise platforms, highly regulated systems, extensive custom applications, and projects requiring substantial paid infrastructure may be reduced to a prototype or phased first release.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to:

• Nonprofit organizations

• Community groups

• Cultural institutions

• Schools and educational programs

• Social-impact startups

• Small businesses with a community-centered purpose

• Independent entrepreneurs

• Artists and creative organizations

• Youth-led initiatives

• Grassroots programs

• Individuals developing solutions to community challenges

Applicants do not always need formal nonprofit status. The strength of the mission, potential impact, project readiness, and demonstrated need are central to the selection process.

Nominate a Deserving Project

You may apply for your own organization or nominate another organization, entrepreneur, or community initiative.

Nominations should explain:

• Who the nominee serves

• What problem the nominee is addressing

• Why the requested technology is needed

• How the project would improve the nominee’s work

• Why the nominee may not otherwise have access to professional development services

If a nominated project is selected, Griot Dev Solutions will contact the nominee directly to confirm interest, eligibility, and readiness.

How Projects Are Selected

Applications are evaluated according to several factors:

Community Impact

The project has the potential to benefit a meaningful number of people or address an important community need.

Demonstrated Need

The applicant has limited access to the financial or technical resources required to complete the project independently.

Clear Purpose

The applicant can clearly explain the problem, intended users, desired outcome, and value of the proposed solution.

Project Readiness

The organization has available leadership, content, branding, documentation, and decision-makers who can participate throughout development.

Feasible Scope

The project can be completed within the program’s available time, supervision, and technical resources.

Long-Term Value

The final product can continue supporting the organization, audience, or community after the initial launch.

Griot Dev Solutions may also prioritize projects that create strong learning opportunities for participating students and volunteers without compromising professional quality.

What the Selected Recipient Receives

Depending on the approved scope, the selected project may include:

• Discovery and project planning

• Requirements and feature definition

• User-experience planning

• Professional interface design

• Development and configuration

• Mobile-responsive optimization

• Foundational security measures

• Quality assurance and testing

• Launch or deployment assistance

• Basic administrator training

• Project documentation

• A limited post-launch support period

Each recipient receives a written project scope outlining the approved features, responsibilities, timeline, deliverables, and any costs not included in the award.

What “Free” Covers

The program covers the professional planning, design, and development services specifically included in the approved project scope.

Recipients may remain responsible for outside expenses, including:

• Domain registration

• Website or cloud hosting

• Premium themes or software licenses

• Third-party applications

• Payment-processing fees

• App-store developer accounts

• Data subscriptions

• Specialized integrations

• Stock photography or paid media

• Ongoing maintenance after the included support period

• Other external products or services required by the project

No outside expense will be added without discussing it with the recipient.

Recipient Responsibilities

The selected recipient must:

• Designate one primary project contact

• Attend scheduled planning and review meetings

• Provide requested content, images, branding, and documents

• Respond to questions and approvals within established timelines

• Give clear and consolidated feedback

• Confirm ownership or permission for all submitted materials

• Maintain professional and respectful communication

• Participate in testing before launch

• Pay any approved third-party expenses

• Credit Griot Dev Solutions for the project when appropriate

• Allow the completed project to be included in the Griot Dev portfolio unless otherwise agreed

Failure to participate consistently may delay, reduce, or cancel the award.

Our Commitment to Quality

A free project does not mean lower-quality work. Every selected project follows Griot Dev Solutions’ professional standards for design, usability, functionality, testing, security, and project management.

Projects may include contributions from students and volunteers working under the guidance and review of experienced technology professionals. All production work is evaluated before delivery to help ensure the final product is reliable, polished, and aligned with the approved requirements.

The Selection Process

1. Submit an Application or Nomination

Complete the form with information about the organization, mission, audience, requested project, and expected impact.

2. Initial Review

Griot Dev Solutions evaluates eligibility, need, feasibility, readiness, and community value.

3. Finalist Conversation

Selected applicants may be invited to a short discovery meeting to clarify the project and confirm the organization’s ability to participate.

4. Monthly Selection

One project is selected based on the program criteria and available development capacity.

5. Scope and Onboarding

The recipient receives an approved project scope, timeline, participation requirements, and list of any outside costs.

6. Design, Development, and Launch

The Griot Dev team works with the recipient to complete and launch the approved project.

Application Information

Be prepared to provide:

• Applicant or nominee name

• Organization or project name

• Contact information

• Website and social media links, if available

• Organization type and current status

• Mission and target audience

• Description of the requested project

• Problem the project will address

• Expected community impact

• Existing content, branding, or technology

• Preferred timeline

• Reason financial assistance is needed

• Any required integrations or special features

Providing complete and accurate information improves the quality of the review.

Important Program Terms

Submitting an application does not guarantee selection. Applications may be reconsidered in future months unless the applicant requests removal.

Griot Dev Solutions determines final eligibility, project scope, development method, timeline, and available support. Awards are nontransferable and have no cash value. Projects must comply with applicable laws, platform requirements, professional standards, and Griot Dev Solutions policies.

The program does not support unlawful, discriminatory, exploitative, deceptive, or harmful activities.

Your Idea Deserves the Opportunity to Grow

If your organization has a meaningful mission and a clear technology need, we invite you to apply. Professional digital tools can strengthen operations, expand access, increase visibility, and help a powerful idea reach the people who need it.