Practical tools for charities and social enterprises, built at cost, not markup
I build and recommend simple, dependable software for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector: the systems that save volunteer hours, keep funders happy and free your team to do the actual work. Priced at cost plus a small margin, and the first conversation is always free.
A fairer way to get the tools you need
Good software shouldn't be out of reach because you're a charity. My whole approach is built to get VCSE organisations a dependable tool for the least money that honestly does the job.
Priced at cost, plus a small margin
You pay what the build actually costs to make, plus a modest margin. No agency mark-up, no padded day rates. I'm happy to show you the maths.
The first conversation is free
The consultation costs nothing and carries no obligation. If a short chat is all it takes to solve your problem, that's a good outcome for both of us.
Low or near-zero running costs
I build on free and low-cost tiers wherever they fit, so your tool keeps working without a monthly bill that eats into your funding.
I'll point you to a tool before I sell you one
If the right answer is an existing (often free) tool, I'll help you set it up and tell you so. I only build custom when it genuinely beats what's already out there.
I know the sector
I've already worked with a number of VCSE organisations, so I understand tight budgets, volunteer turnover, trustee reporting and what funders want to see.
Yours to keep, no lock-in
Everything is documented and handed over. You're never dependent on me to keep it running, and you can take it elsewhere any time.
New CICs and start-ups get a landing page free
If you are a registered CIC, registering one, or launching a new business, I will build you a simple one-page website at no charge: minimal functionality, complete ownership, and nothing to pay to keep it running on today's free hosting tiers. Send your logo, colours and a feel for what you want through one short form.
Three honest steps
A free chat
Tell me the problem. We work out what's actually needed, which is often less than you'd expect.
An honest recommendation
Either I point you to the right existing tool and help you set it up, or I quote a fixed, cost-plus price to build one. You decide, with no pressure either way.
Built to look after itself
If we build, I deliver it, document it, and set it up to need as little maintenance and cost as possible.
The kind of tools that make a difference
A few of the everyday jobs I can take off your plate, whether that means setting up the right existing tool or building something simple and custom.
- Volunteer and rota management
- Donor, member and supporter records
- Funder and impact reporting dashboards
- Booking, referral and intake forms
- Lightweight case management
- Websites your team can actually keep updated
- Automations that remove repetitive admin
- Tidying data that lives in tangled spreadsheets
VCSE is my focus, not my limit
The VCSE sector is where I do my best work, but the same honest, cost-first approach is open to startups, SMEs and teams inside larger organisations. The offer is the same for everyone: a free first conversation, fair pricing, and tools built to last. Four ways in:
Questions charities ask
How much does software for a small charity cost?
Often less than you'd fear, because many charities need a free or donated tool set up well rather than a build. When something does need building, I quote at cost, plus a small margin, after a free first conversation.
What charity software should costWhat's a good free or cheap CRM for a small charity?
Usually a free or donated tool you can claim today, set up properly. The guide compares the options, including what each free plan really includes and where the catch is.
Free and cheap CRMs for charitiesShould a charity build its own software?
Only when nothing ready-made fits, for example referrals, casework and funder reporting that generic tools can't follow. Otherwise a free or donated tool, set up well, is the better use of your money, and I'll say so.
What does 'cost, plus a small margin' mean?
You pay what the build actually costs to make, plus a modest margin. No agency mark-up and no padded day rates, and I'm happy to show you the maths.
What will it cost to keep running each year?
As little as possible. I build on free and low-cost tiers wherever they fit, so your tool keeps working without a monthly bill that eats into your funding.
What happens when volunteers or staff change?
Everything is documented and handed over, and everyone gets their own login that you can switch off the day they leave. You're never dependent on one person, including me.
Do you work with community groups and CICs, not just registered charities?
Yes. The offer is for the whole voluntary, community and social enterprise sector: charities, community groups, CICs and social enterprises.
Can you help us report our impact to funders?
Yes. Funder and impact reporting dashboards are one of the tools I build, often starting from the spreadsheets you already keep.
How do you look after our supporters' data?
With UK GDPR in mind from the start: collect only what you need, give each person their own access, and keep a record of how and when people agreed to hear from you. The data stays yours.
We're a new CIC. Can you help us get online?
Yes. New CICs and start-ups can get a simple one-page website free, with complete ownership and nothing to pay to keep it running on today's free hosting tiers.
Claim a free landing pageLet's work out what you actually need
Book a free, no-obligation consultation. Worst case, you leave with a clearer idea and a pointer to the right tool. No cost, no pressure.