VolunteerLocal Mobile App

Summary

The VolunteerLocal mobile app served its purpose for more than a decade since we developed it. Now, it was time for an upgrade to the latest technology, with some UX and feature updates while we were at it.

Challenge

The original VolunteerLocal mobile app was functional but lacked the adaptability and user experience necessary for today’s audiences. Plus, it was built on an old platform and could no longer be updated in the App Store and Google Play. VolunteerLocal wanted an updated, easy-to-use, streamlined app for its volunteers to use on the go.

Solution

Far Reach built the new mobile app in Microsoft .NET MAUI, the latest in cross-platform development. Some elements of the old app, like interactions with VolunteerLocal’s API and certain logic for dates and times, were retained. But the new version was designed with a focus on simplicity, speed, and security.

The revamped app brings significant improvements for both volunteers and nonprofits:

Enhanced Usability: Volunteers can now view their shifts, check in, and even sign up for new shifts directly in the app.
Streamlined Volunteer Management: The app provides volunteers a clear and organized interface to manage their commitments.
Improved Tracking for Nonprofits: Organizations can track volunteer hours with greater accuracy.
Modern UI: The app’s redesigned interface is intuitive and accessible.

The partnership between Far Reach and VolunteerLocal goes back a long way. In fact, leaders of the two companies met at Big Omaha 2011, of which we happen to have photos. With this foundation and a successful app together, Brian Hemesath, President of VolunteerLocal, trusted us enough to come back for another project.

"Being able to talk directly to a developer, like Chris [Rouw], was a huge asset. He’s really good at bridging the gap between customer needs and technical solutions."

Brian Hemesath | President of VolunteerLocal