We’ve been absolutely fascinated by how Design Insights transform our understanding of problems and rocket us towards success. We strive to surface them throughout the course of each project to help us build unstoppable momentum. Nothing tests our ability to do this more than ZURB Wired, our annual event where we work 24 hours straight to help one special nonprofit achieve their goals.
Over the last two decades, we’ve helped 9 different organizations in these crazy 24 hour sprints, crafting entire marketing campaigns consisting of new responsive websites, videos, t-shirts, posters, mailers and more. We work straight through the night and pull in as many resources and partners as possible to ensure that the chosen nonprofit leaves with all of the marketing collateral they need by the next morning. The amount of work that our team creates in just 24 hours is so staggering that several of the organizations we’ve worked with are still using those pieces now, even years later!
But while the artifacts themselves are incredibly useful, the greatest value is the lasting change and momentum we’re able to create. The chosen nonprofit will work along with us for the full 24 hours, learning the same Progressive Design methods, strategies and processes we use to help our startup and Fortune 500 clients tackle their biggest problems. Several of the past nonprofits have said that ZURB Wired was the catalyst they needed to spark incredible change in their organizations. We’re extremely proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far, and this year marks a special milestone, our 10th ZURB Wired!
Highlights from Last Year: Life Services Alternatives
Last year, we selected Life Services Alternatives (LSA), an organization that provides housing for developmentally disabled adults and helps them learn life skills to lead normal lives with as much independence as possible. LSA was looking to add a 12th house to their portfolio, and needed $600k more to make it happen.
With that clear goal in mind, we worked 24 coffee-fueled hours to create an entire marketing push for their campaign that included a brand new responsive website, posters, fundraising mailers, a three email drip, and an entire social media campaign to help them meet their fundraising goal. We even posted the entire project online to get live feedback from the thousands of people following along in real time.
We are happy to announce that through the campaign we crafted with them and their amazing donors, LSA was able to purchase their 12th home, and are currently in phase 2 of their project which involves furnishing it for the future residents!
Life Services Alternatives Executive Director Dana Hooper had this to say after ZURB Wired 2016 wrapped up:
"Working with the team at ZURB was an exhilarating experience! The creative energy and talent that went into producing a marketing campaign involving print, website and social media was more than we could have ever imagined. We really enjoyed collaborating with them and will fondly remember our 24 hours together. Thank you for the opportunity and kudos to ZURB for supporting the nonprofit community in this way each year!”
Become our 10th Nonprofit!
Do you have an inspiring cause and a passionate team? If so, you may be the nonprofit we're looking for! We are now accepting applications for this year's Wired. The deadline is July 21st, 2017.
We have two requirements:
- Your nonprofit must be a registered and IRS compliant 501(c)(3)
- Your nonprofit must focus on providing services to the Bay Area community
In addition these requirements, we'll need you to submit a proposal. Here's what your proposal needs to include:
- Inspire us with your organization's mission.
- Name three teamwork tactics that will make your organization a perfect fit for ZURB Wired.
- Describe a clear goal that your entire organization wants to accomplish.
- Say which team members will commit to participating all day and night.
- Name one or two people from the team who are capable of making executive decisions on the organization's behalf. There's no time to consult with the board at two in the morning!
We'll review submissions over the next couple of weeks to pick one nonprofit. We can't wait to mobilize our team and put our experience to work for positive cause. Apply today!
