Why is it free? What's the catch?
Sightline Studio builds websites for local businesses for a living. Sites for Service is how we give back to the people who serve. The software that runs these sites is shared, so each new department costs us very little. There is no upsell: we will never ask a department for money, and memorial pages never carry our name.
What do you need from us?
One contact person, permission from whoever needs to give it (chief, board or members), and your photos. We draft everything else from public records and your Facebook page, then you correct it.
How long does it take?
A first draft usually reaches you within two weeks of the request. How fast it goes live depends on how quickly you can review it, often a few days.
Who keeps it up to date?
You can, from a phone: the burn status, calls, news and events are simple fields. Or just text or email us the change and we'll make it.
Can we keep our domain and our Facebook page?
Yes. We'll use the web address you already have, or help you register one in the department's name. Your Facebook page stays, and the site links to it.
Does the site meet the accessibility rules?
We build to WCAG 2.1 Level AA, the standard in the Justice Department's 2024 rule for state and local government websites. Under the current schedule, special districts and governments serving fewer than 50,000 people must comply by April 26, 2028; larger ones by April 26, 2027. Each site includes an accessibility statement. Ask your attorney how the rule applies to your organization. Read: What the ADA web deadline means for a volunteer department
What if Sightline goes away?
Nothing changes for you. The domain, the hosting account and the code are in your department's name, and the shared software behind them is public, so any web developer can maintain it.
Do you also handle donations and donor records?
Yes. Operation Charity, our free donor and fund tracking system, keeps your donors, gifts, receipts, restricted funds and grants in one place; see Your donors and your money, in one place. Check "Donor and fund tracking" on the request form and we will set it up with your site, or on its own. Read more about Operation Charity.
Do you work outside Colorado?
Yes, anywhere in the United States. Our first department site is in Michigan.
