Jeff got his start in web design by creating a site for the (fictional) burger chain Mr. Beefburger. After that entertaining project and several sites for (real) local businesses, he decided on a career path that combined his love of art/design and technology. Working with advisors at the University of Detroit Mercy, he designed his own hybrid degree – because no web design degree even existed at the university yet. (Yes, he’s older than he looks…)

Since 2009, Jeff has served as the Director of Communications, the Director of Design + Digital, and the Director of Digital Experience at Ward Church in Northville, Michigan. The evolution of his position at Ward has allowed him to explore the best ways to employ evolving and new technologies in support of a multimillion-dollar organization. At the same time, Jeff has also been working as a freelance web developer, using his numerous IT and design skills to support smaller nonprofits and local businesses. Further, Jeff has personally raised $30,000 through the nonprofit organization Venture. He has cycled over 6,000 miles to fundraise in support of building a school in Uganda, helping Burmese refugees in Thailand, and rescuing children and women trapped in sex-trafficking. The funds he has raised include nearly $25,000 in corporate sponsorships to cover the overhead costs of his cycling trips, with the result that all individual donations went directly to support Ugandan students, Burmese refugees, and trafficked individuals.

To view Jeff’s resume and learn more about his individual work, visit www.jeffmitch.com. 

For questions about Kumquat Creative’s website development, web hosting, and IT/web maintenance services, contact Jeff at jeff@kumquatcreative.com.

At the age of six, Lauren wrote her first book about her favorite flavors of ice cream. When that magnificent narrative was complete, she decided that she would become some sort of writer. As an adult, Lauren became passionate about having an impact in areas such as literacy, education, the arts, child welfare, and community leadership. She was thrilled to realize that she could use her writing superpowers to help support nonprofits and expand their programs. With each grant that Lauren successfully secures, she has the satisfaction of knowing that she is helping to change the world – one nutrition program, school library, or foster care mentoring program at a time.

To that end, Lauren has been involved with fundraising and nonprofit work since 2003 and began working as a Grant Writer in 2010. In the last 13 years, Lauren has secured $32.6 million in government contracts and $1.3 million in private funding for various nonprofit programs through the formal grant application process, an additional $2.2 million at formal fundraising events, and $837,000 through fundraising campaigns. Lauren’s previous and current clients include organizations in the New York City metro area; Washington DC; Baltimore, Maryland; Alexandria, Virginia; Boston, Massachusetts; Orlando, Florida; Des Moines, Iowa; and the southwest region of Michigan.

To view Lauren’s resume, learn more about her individual work, and view her writing and art portfolios, visit www.laurenaliseschultz.com. 

For questions regarding Kumquat Creative’s fundraising and nonprofit services, graphic design projects, and ongoing communications services/support for nonprofits, contact Lauren at lauren@kumquatcreative.com.