[vanessa]

I’m working to startup a web service called Catchafire that connects professionals who want to volunteer their skills with non-profits and social ventures who need them. Catchafire just finished a pilot program in NYC – I was able volunteer my tech skills then and it was a great experience – and we’re currently working on alpha. We’re always looking out for development help, so feel free to contact me (info in my profile) if you’re interested or have questions or suggestions.

Has anyone else on HN been able to volunteer tech skills directly? What was your experience?

[jeremyw]

After the dot-com bust I spent a few years traveling and ruminating. But I also tried volunteering. I talked to the San Francisco Public Library, the Red Cross and a short list of other organizations. I offered a large block of time (up to 6 mos) and any kind of product or technical help up to engineering management.

I got very nice responses from folks in these orgs who'd clearly dealt with prior attempted tech volunteers. Each explained how they weren't built to accept this kind of help. At the bottom of chart, there was an endless need and clean ability for rotating staff. But in the middle? Not so much. Too many egos, difficult knowledge transfer, etc.

I wish you better luck. There's clearly a support problem to crack.

[vanessa]

What a generous offer! Thanks for sharing your experience. One of the key things Catchafire is hoping to do is guide non-profits to determine discrete, short-term projects. Clear goals help them get organized and have been proven to facilitate quality volunteer experiences. Obviously, though, it's not an easy thing to accomplish.