‘Nerds’ want to retool Kansas City nonprofits’ websites

‘Tis the season to help your fellow man — and their website.

That seems to be the driving force behind a volunteer-led program to improve the digital presence of several Kansas City nonprofits.

The Nerdery and its foundation will host the Overnight Website Challenge, which over the years has tapped hundreds of volunteers to complete more than $6 million in pro bono services. The Minneapolis-based application and website development group has already hosted three such challenges in Kansas City and have helped more than 175 nonprofits around the nation.

“The Overnight Website Challenge is a community-driven event, by the community and for the community,” said Nerdery executive director Ginger Bucklin in a release. “We’re excited to build capacity in the nonprofit community in the Kansas City area. And we’ll offer additional opportunities for technologists to connect, grow and volunteer.”

Here’s how it works. Volunteers group up into teams of 6 to 12 and are paired with an eligible nonprofit. On Feb. 25, the challenge begins. Organizations articulate their vision to their team of volunteers in hopes that they can showcase that mission clearly on their website. Teams with “nerds” of varying skills — including project management, digital strategy, user experience, graphic design, copywriting, quality assurance, frontend and backend development — retool the organization’s site. The challenge wraps up at 9 p.m. Feb. 26.

On Mar. 16, The Nerdery Foundation will host the Web Challenge Awards in which teams are recognized for their design, functionality and impact.

Eligible nonprofits are registered 501(c)3 organizations located in Missouri and Kansas. Nonprofit groups and nerds can apply online to participate — applications are open now through Jan. 20.