The right friends can change your life
Zuv Naizuud/Friends
Helping formerly incarcerated individuals find their way back.
Role : UX Designer, Web Designer, Acting head of Product, Created by-laws and co author of Grant Proposal.
Tools : WordPress, Elementor, Google Drive.
The Objective
Zuv Friends began as many great things do: with a simple, human desire to help. Run by the founder who had been previously incarnated. Frustrated that there was no help for someone entering the world again he decided to help others. Zuv Friends was already doing the hard work of housing initiatives on the ground, but they were hitting a “Hardware Ceiling.” They had the passion to help thousands, but their internal systems were needing an upgrade. Below I list out the numerous projects I was involved in.
Digital Transformation
Cloud
The first step that I took was to research how the organisation was running currently. Everything was saved on paper. I knew that to secure bigger grants it would be helpful to move online.
- I created their one drive workspace on google with the discount given to NGO’s. Where I moved all of their historical data, papers and relevant information.
The impact was that it made it easier to find all the necessary information easier for members. Including being able to send it to others.
The online presence
I started with research into different NGOs, specifically analyzing Robin Hood in New York. I wanted to understand how successful social impact command authority and drive action. I used the main framework to make the right fit for Zuv Friends.
The Collaborative Build I worked directly with the founder to map out what would be best way to display their initiative to the world. We focused on what Robin Hood used and applied it :
The Story: I architected a “Story of Us” section that turned their grassroots history into a compelling narrative for donors and partners.
Lead Generation & Contact Systems: I integrated custom contact forms to streamline communication with international stakeholders.
Frictionless Funding: I implemented a strategic Donation Engine to ensure that when people feel the mission, they can act on it instantly.
The Hardware (Elementor & Autonomy) I chose to build the site on Elementor for one specific reason: Sovereignty. I didn’t want the client to be a “Passenger” to a developer. I built a professional-grade interface that allows the leadership to make their own updates in real-time. I wanted them to be able to make changes without me.
Institutional Governance & Strategic Communication
Mission Statement
I authored the Mission Statement. By synthesizing their grassroots energy into a sharp, professional narrative.
By Laws
I also co authored the By-Laws. I led this initiative because because I was also asked to help with writing a grant proposal. I delved into what was necessary first and started to work on what was missing. By writing their internal rules and transparency standards, I provided the structural integrity that governments demand. This would be necessary to be taken seriously internationally.
Grant Proposal
I co-authored and translated. I worked with the founder and an external organisation that had sustained different grants. This strategic liaison work led to the ultimate “Win”: securing a physical housing asset from the government. A percentage of units in a government initiative was awarded to Zuv Friends.