Everything you may
want to know.

eSora Gives is eSora Studio’s program that provides professional creative services at no studio cost to selected people and organizations working for a meaningful cause.

eSora Gives is eSora Studio’s way of giving back. We set aside part of our studio’s time and talent to help selected people and organizations working for a meaningful cause — with services like websites, branding, and storytelling provided at $0 studio fees for the agreed scope. Applying is free and never guarantees selection. If that sounds like you, we would love to hear your story.

Because we believe good ideas deserve the chance to be seen, even when budgets are small.

We created eSora Gives because good ideas deserve the chance to be seen. Not every meaningful project has a budget, and we believe even a small contribution of professional design, technology, and storytelling can make a real difference. eSora is proudly Canadian, and giving a little of what we do best to the communities we are part of simply feels right.

eSora is proudly Canadian, and this program is one way we take responsibility for the communities we are part of.

eSora is proudly Canadian — our home is in Toronto and our work reaches around the world. eSora Gives grows directly from that. We feel responsible to the communities we are part of, and this program is one practical way we act on that belief, by sharing the craft we have with people doing meaningful work.

Yes — for selected projects, eSora’s professional studio time is free for the agreed scope. Only possible outside costs, agreed in writing first, may remain yours.

Yes, genuinely. If your project is selected, eSora provides the agreed creative services at $0 studio fees — you will never receive an invoice for that agreed scope. Some projects need outside expenses like a domain, hosting, printing, advertising, or paid licences; those are not automatically included, and anything like that is always confirmed with you in writing before anything begins. Applying is free too, and it never guarantees selection.

Use the guided application on the eSora Gives page — five short steps, plain words, nothing to prepare.

Apply through the guided application on the eSora Gives page. It takes you through five short steps: about you, your cause, the support you need, readiness, and a final review. Plain words are perfect — you do not need a proposal or a deck. Your progress saves on this device as you go, and nothing is sent until you choose to send it from your own email app.

Projects with a clear benefit to people or a community, a real need for creative support, and enough readiness to work with us.

The strongest applications show a clear benefit to people or a community, a genuine need for the kind of creative support a studio provides, and enough readiness to work with us through the process. Small is completely fine — a neighbourhood project can matter as much as a national one. We select based on need, benefit, readiness, fit, and our current capacity.

No. Plain, honest words are perfect — the application asks simple questions in plain language.

No. Plain words are perfect. The application is a series of simple questions about you, your cause, and what you need — answer them the way you would explain your idea to a friend. There are no formatting requirements and no documents you must prepare before you start. Clear, honest answers help us far more than a polished presentation.

Start with the problem, not the deliverable — describe what you are trying to make possible and we can help shape the rest.

Start with the problem, not the deliverable. In the application, describe what you are trying to make possible and who it could help — you can select “Something else” for the type of support if nothing fits. If your project is shortlisted, shaping the right scope is something we do together, and it is always confirmed in writing before work begins.

The application itself is the best first step — it is free, and every application is read by a person.

The application itself is the best first step. It is free, it only takes a short time, and every application is read by a real person — so your questions and context reach us directly. If you have a general question about the program first, you can reach the studio at info@esoralabs.com. Either way, you are not committing to anything by getting in touch.

Send them the eSora Gives page link — sharing it may be exactly how the right project finds us.

The kindest thing you can do is pass it on. Send the eSora Gives page to the person or organization you have in mind, or share it in your community channels — most of the people who need this program will never find it on their own. Anyone is welcome to browse the help centre and apply whenever they are ready.

Yes, individuals can apply — one person with a genuine cause can be enough.

Yes, individuals are welcome. You do not need an organization, a registration number, or a team — one person with a genuine cause can be enough. In the application, simply choose “Myself or an individual” and the form will only ask for what is relevant to you, like your name, city, and how to reach you. What matters is the purpose and the people it could help.

No. Registration is not required — registered or not, what matters is the work and who it serves.

No, registration is not required. Registered charities, nonprofits, community groups, early initiatives, and individuals are all welcome to apply. If you do have a registration status, the application simply asks you to share it — it helps us understand your situation, and it is never a barrier for individuals. What matters most is the purpose, the need, and who benefits.

Yes — early is fine. We regularly help ideas become legible for the first time.

Yes, early is fine — we regularly help ideas take shape for the first time. If your initiative is not registered yet, choose the applicant type that fits best and select “Not registered”, “Registration in progress”, or “I am not sure” for the status. Readiness still matters: tell us what you have so far and what support would make possible next.

Yes — neighbourhood-scale is exactly the right scale for this program.

Yes, absolutely. Community and grassroots groups are exactly who this program is for — neighbourhood-scale is the right scale here. You do not need formal structures or paperwork to apply; choose “A community or grassroots group” in the application and tell us who is involved and who benefits. Small is not a weakness in this program — often it is the point.

Social enterprises can apply when the outcome genuinely helps people — the purpose matters more than the structure.

Social enterprises and mission-driven small businesses can apply. What we look at is the purpose: if the outcome measurably helps people or a community, it belongs in this program. A project that is mainly commercial promotion is usually not a fit. If you are unsure, apply anyway and explain the benefit honestly — choosing what fits our capacity is our job, not yours.

No automatic preference — registration is not required, and every application is weighed on its own merit.

No one receives automatic preference for being registered. Registration is not required, and we weigh every application on the same considerations: the need, who benefits, the readiness of the project, the fit with what our studio can genuinely contribute, and our current capacity. A registered charity and an unregistered community group are read with the same care.

The application works best when it comes from the people involved — but pointing someone to the program is a wonderful way to help.

The strongest applications come from the people directly involved, because the questions ask about your cause in your own words. Rather than nominating someone, we suggest sharing the program with them — it is free to apply and takes a short time. If you are helping someone apply, as a volunteer, board member, or friend, that is completely fine — just tell us your role.

Yes — you are welcome to apply again, especially with a new or refreshed project.

Yes, you are welcome to apply again. Not being selected usually means the timing, scope, or our capacity was not the right match — it is not a verdict on your cause. A future application with a refreshed or different project is read fresh, with the same care as the first. There is no penalty for applying again.

One strong application is better than several — tell us about the project that matters most right now.

We recommend putting your energy into one strong application for the project that matters most right now. Reviewing takes real care and our capacity is limited, so a single clear story helps us understand your need properly. If you are involved with genuinely separate initiatives, you can mention that in your answers rather than sending multiple forms.

Urgency is part of what we consider — tell us honestly about dates and why support is needed now.

Urgency is one of the things we genuinely consider, especially when a real date or event is connected to the project. Tell us honestly in the application why support is needed now — the readiness questions are there to help us understand feasibility, not to disqualify you. What we cannot do is promise a delivery date before a scope is agreed in writing.

Choose the closest option — it only shapes which questions you see, and it never decides your eligibility.

Choose whichever option feels closest — it simply adapts the application so we ask the right follow-up questions. For example, “Myself or an individual” keeps things personal and never asks for an organization name, while the group options ask about your structure. There is also “Something else” if nothing fits. Your choice never decides whether you qualify; it just helps us listen properly.

When in doubt, apply — or email the studio first. Eligibility is broader than most people expect.

When in doubt, apply — it is free, and deciding what fits our capacity is our job, not yours. Eligibility is broader than most people expect: individuals, community groups, early initiatives, nonprofits, charities, and social enterprises are all welcome. If you would rather ask first, email info@esoralabs.com with a sentence or two about your project and we will point you in the right direction.

Websites, brand strategy and identity, UX and UI design, campaigns and landing pages, storytelling and content, and creative or technical direction.

Selected projects may receive the same craft we give our clients: website design and development, brand strategy and visual identity, UX and UI design, campaigns and landing pages, storytelling and content, and creative or technical direction. What your project actually receives depends on your need and our capacity, and it is always defined together in a written scope before anything begins.

Yes — a complete website, designed and built to be fast, clear, and easy to use, is one of the most common eSora Gives projects.

Yes. Website design and development is one of the most common things selected projects receive — a complete site designed and built to be fast, clear, and easy to use. You provide the content and feedback; we bring the design and the build. Remember that running costs like the domain and hosting are outside expenses, discussed honestly and confirmed in writing before anything begins.

Yes — tell us what is not working today and what a better version would make possible.

Yes, redesigns are welcome. In the application, tell us about your current site, what is not working, and what a better version would make possible for the people you serve. It also helps to share who currently updates it and what systems it depends on — that context shapes a realistic scope, which we would then agree together in writing before any work begins.

Yes — brand strategy and identity is one of our core services, from naming to a mark and a system people remember.

Yes. Brand strategy and visual identity is one of the studio’s core crafts — from a name and a mark to a simple system of colours, type, and rules that people remember and trust. For a young initiative, this can be the difference between an idea and something people believe in. Tell us who you need to reach and what you want them to feel.

Yes — flows and screens people understand without a manual, for websites, tools, or campaigns.

Yes. UX and UI design means shaping the flows and screens people move through so they understand things without a manual — whether that is a website, a small tool, or a campaign journey. If your community struggles to use something you already have, describe that moment in your application; those real stories help us design the right fix within an agreed scope.

Yes — one focused page that moves people to act can be a complete eSora Gives project.

Yes. Sometimes the right answer is not a whole website but one focused page that moves people to act — for an event, a fundraiser, a petition, or a launch. Campaign and landing pages are well suited to eSora Gives because the scope is clear and the impact is direct. Tell us what action you need people to take and by when.

Yes — storytelling and content is a core service, from your message to the words on the page.

Yes. Storytelling and content is one of our core services — helping you explain your work so people actually get it and remember it. That can mean clarifying your message, structuring your story, or writing key pages with you. You know your cause best, so we build from your voice and materials rather than replacing them. Tell us who needs to hear the story.

Yes — a senior eye on direction, structure, and quality, for example before you commit to a bigger build.

Yes. Sometimes the most valuable thing is not production but direction: a senior eye on your idea, structure, and quality before you spend energy or money. Creative and technical direction can be its own eSora Gives scope — for example reviewing a plan, a platform choice, or a draft identity. Describe the decision you are facing and what good guidance would unlock.

Accessibility is part of how we build — tell us about any specific needs your community has.

Yes. Accessibility is part of how we build everything — our own studio site follows WCAG 2.2 AA practices, and we bring the same care to selected projects. If your community has specific accessibility or language needs, tell us in the application so we can plan for them from the start rather than patching later. Small fixes here often change who can participate at all.

We can design for multilingual content, but professional translation itself is usually an outside cost.

We can design and build so your content works in more than one language — structure, layouts, and navigation that handle it gracefully. The translation work itself, though, is usually a third-party service with its own cost, and outside costs are not automatically included in eSora Gives. If language access is central to your cause, tell us — it helps us shape the right scope together.

Simple donation links can fit; full stores and payment processing involve third-party providers and fees we would discuss first.

Sometimes, within an agreed scope. A page that points people to your existing donation platform is straightforward. A full online store or payment processing is different — it involves third-party providers, their accounts, and their fees, which are outside costs and are never included automatically. Tell us what you are hoping to sell or collect and we will scope honestly what is realistic.

Larger custom applications are usually beyond this program — direction on your plan may be the better fit.

Usually, a full custom application is more than this program can carry — eSora Gives is designed for clear, bounded scopes like websites, identities, and campaigns. What often fits instead is creative or technical direction: helping you shape the plan, choose tools, or review an approach before you invest. Describe what the application needs to do and we will tell you honestly what we can contribute.

Things like ongoing maintenance, paid advertising, printing, and large custom software builds are not normally part of eSora Gives.

eSora Gives provides professional creative services, not everything around them. Not normally included: ongoing maintenance after launch, paid advertising, printing and production, paid software licences, large custom software builds, and cash funding of any kind. Outside expenses like domains or hosting are only ever included when agreed in writing. If you are unsure whether your need fits, tell us in the application — honest scoping is part of the program.

We can design print-ready materials, but the printing and production costs themselves are outside expenses.

Our studio time is design work — and yes, for a selected project that can include designing print-ready materials like a poster or a simple brochure. The printing and production costs themselves are third-party expenses and are not automatically included. If printed materials matter to your project, mention it early so any outside costs can be discussed and agreed in writing before anything begins.

We design with the materials you have; licensed photography, fonts, or stock assets are usually outside costs.

We can absolutely art-direct and design with the materials you have — your own photos are often the most honest choice. When a project needs licensed stock photography, paid fonts, or other licensed assets, those are third-party costs and are not automatically included in eSora Gives. We always discuss options openly first, and there are usually free or lower-cost routes we can suggest.

Yes — a clear handover is part of doing the job properly, and the details are agreed in the written scope.

Yes. We want you to be able to use what we create together, so a clear handover is part of doing the job properly — for example, showing you how to update your website or use your new brand files. What that includes exactly depends on the project and is agreed in the written scope before work begins, so expectations stay clear on both sides.

It means you pay nothing for eSora’s professional time on the agreed scope of a selected project — no invoice, no hourly meter.

It means exactly what it says: if your project is selected, you pay nothing for eSora’s professional time on the scope we agree together. There is no hourly meter running and no invoice at the end. The only money conversation we may ever have is about outside costs — things like a domain or hosting — and those are always discussed and confirmed in writing before anything begins.

Possible outside costs are things like domains, hosting, printing, advertising, and paid licences — never assumed, always agreed in writing first.

The costs that may remain are third-party expenses, not eSora fees: things like a domain name, website hosting, printing, advertising, or paid software licences. They are not automatically included in eSora Gives. If your project needs any of them, we talk about it openly, and nothing is committed until the costs and responsibilities are confirmed in writing — so there are never surprises.

Not automatically — domains and hosting are third-party costs that stay outside the program unless agreed in writing.

Not automatically. A domain name and website hosting are services from third-party providers, not from eSora, so their fees are outside costs. For some selected projects we may be able to help arrange or advise on them, but they are never silently included — anything like this is discussed with you and confirmed in writing before work begins, so you always know what is yours to cover.

Not automatically — paid licences are third-party costs, and we look for free or low-cost routes first wherever possible.

Not automatically. If a project needs a paid tool, platform, or plugin licence, that is a third-party cost rather than studio time, so it is not included by default. Our first instinct is always to look for free or low-cost options that do the job well. If a paid licence is genuinely the right answer, we discuss it with you and confirm any cost in writing before anything begins.

Not automatically — licensed assets are third-party costs, though free, high-quality alternatives often work beautifully.

Not automatically. Stock photography, paid fonts, and other licensed assets belong to their own providers, so their fees are outside costs. The good news: free, high-quality alternatives and your own authentic materials often work beautifully — sometimes better. If a paid asset is genuinely worth it, we explain why, and any cost is agreed with you in writing before anything is purchased.

No — printing and production are third-party costs; our part is the design work itself.

No. Printing and production are services from third-party suppliers, so those costs are not included in eSora Gives — our part is the professional design work, like creating a print-ready poster or document. If printed materials are important to your project, tell us early. We will be honest about what the printing might involve, and any outside cost is agreed in writing before anything begins.

No — advertising spend is always a third-party cost and is not part of eSora Gives.

No. Advertising — for example paid social or search ads — is spend with third-party platforms, and it is not part of eSora Gives. What a selected project can include is the creative work that makes promotion effective: a strong page, a clear message, a memorable identity. If you are thinking about paid promotion, mention it in your application so we can scope the creative side realistically.

No — selected projects receive the agreed scope at $0 studio fees. You will never be invoiced for that agreed work.

No. If your project is selected, the scope we agree in writing is provided at $0 studio fees — you will never receive an invoice from eSora for that agreed work. The only costs that could ever appear are third-party expenses you approved in writing first, and those are typically paid by you directly to the provider, not to us. Free means free.

Yes — always. Nothing with a cost begins until the scope, responsibilities, and possible expenses are confirmed with you in writing.

Yes, always. One of the program’s firm rules is that nothing begins without agreement: the scope, timeline, responsibilities, deliverables, and any possible outside costs are all confirmed with you in writing first. You will never discover a surprise expense after the fact. If a project cannot work within what you can cover, we reshape the scope together instead.

Tell us early — we will look for free alternatives or reshape the scope so the project still works.

Tell us early — it never disqualifies you. The readiness questions in the application ask about outside expenses precisely so we can plan honestly, not to filter people out. Often there is a free alternative, a simpler approach, or a reshaped scope that still reaches the goal. And nothing with a cost ever begins without your written agreement, so you stay in control throughout.

No catch. Selected projects get the agreed scope free; possible outside costs are discussed openly and agreed in writing first.

No catch, and no hidden fees. The honest version is this: we can only say yes to a limited number of projects, so applying never guarantees selection. If you are selected, the agreed scope is free. Possible outside costs — domains, hosting, printing, licences — are discussed openly and confirmed in writing before anything begins. That is the whole model, and this help centre exists to keep it transparent.

No — this program never asks for payment, card, or banking details. Never share sensitive information in your application.

No. eSora Gives never asks for payment, credit card, or banking details — there is nothing to pay for the agreed scope of a selected project. Please never include sensitive information like passwords, account numbers, government ID, or health details in your application or files; we do not need them and do not want the responsibility of holding them. If anything ever feels off, contact us directly.

No — we provide creative services, never money. What we give is our time, craft, and care.

No. eSora Gives provides professional creative services — design, technology, and storytelling — never cash, grants, or funding of any kind. If your project is selected, what you receive is our studio’s time and craft on an agreed scope. If what you need most is money itself, a community foundation or grant program will serve you better, and we genuinely wish you well finding it.

No — eSora is a creative studio, not a charity, and nothing about this program involves donations or tax receipts.

No. eSora Studio is a creative-technology studio, and eSora Gives is a studio initiative — not a charity, not a donation program, and nothing about it involves charitable tax receipts or deductible contributions, in either direction. We simply reserve part of our capacity for meaningful work. For anything with legal or tax implications in your own situation, please speak with a qualified advisor.

Because we can, and because it matters — reserving part of our capacity for good work is a choice, not a marketing trick.

Fair question. Studios like ours depend on reputation, and reputations are built on the work we choose to do. We reserve part of our capacity for meaningful causes because we believe thoughtful design and storytelling can genuinely change what a small project becomes. eSora is proudly Canadian, and this is one way we stay responsible to the communities we are part of. That is the whole reason.

No — selected projects get the same team, craft, and care as our client work. What is limited is capacity, not quality.

No. What is limited in this program is capacity, not quality. Selected projects are produced by the same studio team, with the same standards and care as our client work — we would not put our name on anything less. The trade-off is that we can only say yes to a small number of projects, and each one is scoped realistically so we can finish it properly.

Just your story in plain words and a way to reach you — no documents, accounts, or fees are needed to apply.

Very little: your story in plain words, a way to reach you, and a short stretch of quiet time. There are no documents you must prepare, no accounts to create, and nothing to pay. The application walks you through five short steps — about you, your cause, the support you need, readiness, and a review. Your progress saves on this device as you go, so you can pause anytime.

A few honest sentences per question is plenty — clear beats long every time.

A few honest sentences per question is plenty. Each answer has a generous character limit with a visible counter, but the limit is headroom, not a target. The most helpful applications are specific: who benefits, what you are trying to make possible, and why support is needed now. Clear beats long every time — write it the way you would explain it to a friend.

No documents are required — if we need anything more, we will ask you directly.

No supporting documents are required to apply. The application is built to be complete with your words alone. If your project is shortlisted and something specific would help — like an existing brand file or a current website link — we will simply ask. When your application opens in your email app, you may attach a few files if you wish, but it is entirely optional.

Your progress saves automatically on this device — come back anytime in the same browser session and continue.

No problem. The application saves your progress automatically as you go, and you will see a small “Saved” note when it does. You can also use “Save and continue later”. One honest limitation: your draft lives only in this browser session — there is no server copy — so it disappears when the browser session ends or when you delete it. “Delete my draft” is always available too.

Once sent, the application is with us — email us any correction or update and we will attach it to your file.

Before you finish, the review step lets you check and edit every section without losing anything. After your application is sent, it is with us — but nothing is final. If something changes or you spot a mistake, simply email info@esoralabs.com with your application reference and the update, and we will make sure it is considered alongside your application.

Yes — email us with your reference and we will withdraw it, no explanation needed.

Yes, at any point. Email info@esoralabs.com with your application reference and a short note asking to withdraw — no explanation needed, and there is no penalty of any kind. Withdrawing simply closes that application; you are welcome to apply again later with the same or a different project whenever the timing is right for you.

The form guides you through what is missing before it can be sent — so a truly incomplete application rarely reaches us.

The application checks each step with you before you move on, and the final review shows everything grouped by section — so a genuinely incomplete application is hard to send by accident. If something important is still unclear when we read it, we may contact you using the details you provided to ask. Answer what you can honestly; “I am not sure” is always an acceptable answer where it is offered.

No — we read for the cause, not the grammar. Plain, honest words are exactly right.

No, not at all. We read for the cause, not the grammar. Every application is reviewed by a person who is looking for the need, the people who benefit, and the readiness — not for polished prose. Plain, honest sentences are exactly right. If writing is a barrier, ask someone you trust to help you complete the form; that is completely fine and changes nothing.

Yes — a friend, family member, or volunteer can absolutely help. Just tell us who is involved.

Yes, absolutely. A friend, family member, support worker, or volunteer can help you complete the application — or complete it with you. If someone is applying on behalf of a group, the form asks for their role or relationship to the organization, which keeps everything clear. What matters is that the answers genuinely describe your cause and that the contact details reach someone who can respond.

Use an address you check regularly — it is how we will reach you about your application.

Use an email address you actually check — it is the main way we will reach you if we have questions or an update about your application. If you are applying for a group, an address that more than one person can access is even better, so nothing is missed if someone is away. Your details are only used to handle your application, as described in our Privacy Policy.

Attachments are optional — when your application opens in your email app, you may add a few files before sending.

Attachments are optional. Because the application composes in your own email app, you may add up to about three small files — a photo, a PDF, an existing logo — before you press send. Please never include sensitive information like passwords, banking details, ID numbers, or health information; we do not need it. Nothing is required: your words are what matter most.

Yes — your draft stays on your own device and is never sent anywhere until you choose to send it.

Yes. Your draft is saved only in your own browser session — nothing is transmitted or stored on any server while you work. The finished application is composed on your device and only goes anywhere when you choose to send it from your own email app. If you are on a shared computer, use “Delete my draft” when you finish, and close the browser when you are done.

A person reads every application and weighs the need, who benefits, readiness, fit with our skills, and our current capacity.

Every application is read by a real person — never filtered by a machine. We weigh five things: the genuine need, who benefits and how, the readiness of the project, the fit with what our studio can actually contribute, and the capacity we currently have. Shortlisted applicants may hear from us with follow-up questions before any commitment. If selected, we agree the scope together in writing before work begins.

A person at the studio — every single application is read by a human being, with care.

A person, always. Applications are reviewed by the eSora Studio team — the same people who would do the work — and every single one is read by a human being. There is no automated scoring and no keyword filter deciding your fate. We think that matters: you are trusting us with your story, and the least we can do is actually read it.

Five things: need, benefit, readiness, fit with our craft, and current capacity.

Five considerations guide every decision. Need: is the support genuinely needed? Benefit: who does it help, and how meaningfully? Readiness: can the project realistically move forward with us? Fit: is our specific craft — design, technology, storytelling — the right tool? Capacity: what can we carry properly right now? No single factor decides alone, and registration status is never one of them.

Usually capacity, timing, or fit — not the worthiness of your cause.

Usually it comes down to capacity, timing, or fit — not the worthiness of your cause. We can only carry a small number of projects properly at once, and sometimes the honest answer is that our specific skills are not the right tool for what you need, or the scope is larger than this program can hold. You are always welcome to apply again with a future project.

We cannot promise detailed individual feedback, but you are genuinely welcome to apply again.

We wish we could give everyone a detailed answer. What we can say honestly is that most applications that are not selected come down to capacity, timing, or fit rather than anything you did wrong. If we need more information while reviewing, we will contact you. Either way, you are genuinely welcome to apply again — a later application is read fresh, with the same care.

No — applying never guarantees selection. Every application is reviewed, but we can only say yes to a limited number.

No, and we want to be completely honest about that: submitting an application never guarantees selection. Every application is read by a person and weighed on need, benefit, readiness, fit, and our current capacity — but we can only say yes to what our capacity can carry properly. Applying is free and commits you to nothing, so there is no downside to trying.

We review every application on its merits and step back from decisions where a close personal or business connection exists.

We take fairness seriously. Every application is reviewed on its merits — the need, the benefit, the readiness, the fit, and our capacity. If someone involved in reviewing has a close personal or business connection to an applicant, they step back from that decision. If you think a connection like that might exist with our team, mentioning it in your application is helpful and never counts against you.

We will contact you using the details in your application — a few follow-up questions is a good sign, not a hurdle.

We will simply reach out using the contact details in your application — usually with a few short questions by email. Follow-up questions are a good sign: they mean your application is being read carefully and we want to understand the real need before deciding anything. It helps a lot if the email address you give us is one you check regularly.

It means your project is under active consideration — we may ask follow-up questions before any commitment is made.

Shortlisting means your application stood out enough for closer consideration — it is not yet a yes. At that stage we may ask follow-up questions to understand the need properly. Nothing is committed on either side until a scope is agreed in writing. If you are shortlisted, the most helpful thing you can do is simply respond when we reach out.

Scope conversation, written agreement, then we build it together — you always know what happens next.

Selection starts a conversation, not a surprise. Together we define the exact scope: what will be delivered, who is responsible for what, the timeline, and any possible outside costs — all confirmed in writing before work begins. Then we build it together. You provide content, feedback, and approvals at agreed moments; we bring the craft. You always know which step you are in.

Together — based on your need and what we can genuinely deliver well — then confirmed in writing.

Together. Scope grows out of your application and a conversation about what would make the biggest difference: sometimes that is a full website, sometimes one focused page or a clear identity. We are honest about what our capacity can carry, and we would rather promise a small thing done properly than a big thing done halfway. The final scope is confirmed in writing before anything begins.

It is the shared reference for scope, responsibilities, timing, and costs — so there are never surprises on either side.

The written agreement is the project’s source of truth. It records the scope and deliverables, what each side is responsible for, the timeline, and any approved outside costs. It protects you as much as us: nothing begins without it, and anything that changes later is discussed against it. It is plain language, not a wall of legal text — its whole job is clarity.

Tell us as soon as things change — small adjustments are normal, bigger changes are re-scoped openly against the agreement.

Tell us as soon as you know — needs changing is normal, especially for growing initiatives. Small adjustments are usually absorbed as we go. Bigger changes are handled honestly: we look at the written agreement together, discuss what the change means for scope and timing, and agree any adjustment in writing before continuing. You will never be quietly locked into something that no longer fits.

Sometimes, by agreement — but growth is always re-scoped and confirmed in writing, never assumed.

Sometimes — but only by agreement, never by drift. If new possibilities appear mid-project, we talk about them openly: what fits within the current scope, what could be swapped, and what would need to wait or become something separate. Any change to the agreed scope is confirmed in writing. This keeps the project finishable and keeps trust intact on both sides.

Every project is different — a realistic timeline is part of the written scope we agree before work begins.

Every project is different, so we do not publish standard durations — a landing page and a full identity system are different beasts. What we can promise is the process: a realistic timeline is defined as part of your written scope before work begins, based on what your project actually involves and our current capacity. If you have a fixed date or event, tell us early so we can plan honestly around it.

Mainly your content, your feedback, and timely decisions at agreed moments — we handle the craft.

Mainly three things: your content (text, photos, logos, and materials), your honest feedback at review moments, and timely decisions from whoever can approve the work. We handle the design and build. The application asks about readiness for exactly this reason — not to judge you, but to plan a project we can actually finish together. The specifics are agreed in the written scope.

Your words, photographs, logos, and any existing files — the real materials that make the work yours.

The honest materials that make the work yours: the words that explain what you do, photographs of your people and work, any logos or brand files you already have, and access to anything we are redesigning. Do not worry about polish — rough and real is fine, and shaping content is something we can help with within the agreed scope. You confirm you have the right to share what you provide.

In whatever simple way works — agreed together when the scope is confirmed in writing.

Simply and predictably. For most projects this means email and occasional calls at agreed moments — kickoff, reviews, and launch. The exact rhythm is something we agree together when the scope is confirmed in writing, so you always know when to expect us and what we need from you. You will never be left wondering what is happening with your project.

You review and approve at agreed moments — nothing moves forward without your sign-off.

At agreed moments in the project, we present work for your review — and nothing moves forward without your approval. The application asks who can make final decisions on your side precisely so this stays simple: one clear voice is faster than a committee. Approvals, like everything else important, are anchored in the written scope so both sides know what “approved” means.

Life happens — tell us early and we will re-plan together. Delays never cost you the project by default.

Life happens, especially in volunteer-run organizations — tell us as early as you can and we will re-plan together. A delay on your side never costs you the project by default; what matters is communication, because our capacity is scheduled carefully. If a pause becomes long, we may agree to set the project down and pick it back up when you are ready. Honesty early beats silence every time.

Yes — either side can raise a pause respectfully, and anything important is settled against the written agreement.

Yes. If your situation changes, tell us and we will agree a pause or a respectful stop together — no penalty, no hard feelings. In rare cases we may need to raise a pause ourselves if capacity shifts, and we would handle that honestly and early. Whatever happens, anything already delivered and any outside costs are settled clearly against the written agreement, so nobody is left guessing.

Yes — selected projects are produced by the eSora Studio team, with the same care as our client work.

Yes. Selected projects are designed and built by the eSora Studio team — the same people, standards, and care as our client work. Nothing is outsourced to a cheaper hand or generated carelessly; we could not put our name on that. Because our own team does the work, capacity is genuinely limited — which is also why selection is honest and scoped realistically from the start.

Warm, plain-spoken, and organized — you always know what is happening and what we need next.

Warm, plain-spoken, and organized. We explain things without jargon, we tell you honestly what we think, and we keep the process predictable: you always know what is happening, what we need from you, and what comes next. The same care we give paying clients applies here — the only difference is the invoice that never arrives. Most collaborations feel like a partnership, not a service desk.

Mostly short, focused moments — your content, feedback, and approvals at agreed points, not endless meetings.

Less than you might fear, and never vague. Your time is mostly needed at a few agreed moments: sharing your materials early on, giving feedback at reviews, and making approvals. We design the process around people who have day jobs, volunteers, and full lives — short, focused asks rather than endless meetings. The written scope lays out what we will need from you and roughly when.

One clearly named person with the authority to say yes — it keeps the project fast and kind.

Ideally, one clearly named person with the real authority to say yes. Design by committee is where good projects slow down — ten opinions, no decision. The application asks who makes final decisions for exactly this reason, and “not sure yet” is an honest, acceptable answer; we will help you think it through. A clear decision-maker keeps everything faster and kinder for everyone involved.

Not at all — most eSora Gives applicants are first-timers, and the process assumes no prior experience.

Not at all — most eSora Gives applicants are working with a studio for the first time, and the whole process is designed for exactly that. We explain everything in plain language, we never assume you know design vocabulary, and there are no silly questions. You bring the knowledge of your cause and community; we bring the craft. That is the whole division of labour.

Yes, warmly — volunteers are often the heart of these projects. Just tell us who does what.

Yes, warmly — volunteers are often the heart of the organizations this program exists for. What helps is clarity: tell us early who is involved and who does what, especially who gathers content and who can approve work. We keep asks focused and respect that everyone has limited hours. Many hands are welcome; one clear decision-maker keeps it moving.

Honestly and in your own words — tell us what works, what worries you, and why. We handle the design translation.

Honestly, and in your own words. You do not need design language — “this part feels too cold” or “our community would not say it this way” is exactly the feedback that improves the work. Tell us what works, what worries you, and why; translating that into design decisions is our job. The kindest feedback is early and specific, and it is never taken personally.

Say so — that is what review moments are for. We would rather hear it early and redirect than polish the wrong thing.

Say so, plainly — that is exactly what the review moments are for. Disliking a direction is not failure; it is information, and hearing it early saves everyone time. We will ask a few questions to understand what is not landing and why, then redirect. You will never be pushed into accepting something you are not comfortable putting your name on — the work has to feel like yours.

Yes — collaboration with your existing technical people is welcome and often makes the project stronger.

Yes, happily. If you have a developer, an IT volunteer, or a platform you already depend on, tell us in the application — existing systems are important context, not an obstacle. Depending on the agreed scope, we might design while they build, build alongside them, or simply make sure what we create hands over cleanly. Good projects respect the people who will live with them.

No — email and a web browser are enough. Anything a project genuinely needs is agreed in the written scope first.

No. To apply and to work with us, email and a web browser are enough. If a selected project genuinely needs a specific tool or account — say, access to your website admin — we discuss it when the scope is agreed, and any paid tool is treated as an outside cost confirmed in writing. We choose simple, mainstream tools you can keep using after we are gone.

Email info@esoralabs.com — a short, plain message is perfect, and include your application reference if you have one.

Email us at info@esoralabs.com. A short, plain message is perfect — say who you are and what you are wondering about. If you have already applied, include your application reference (it looks like FS-XXXX-XXXX) so we can find your file quickly. During an active selected project, your agreed contact rhythm takes over, but this inbox always works.

Third-party assets stay under their own licences and terms — we always explain what is used and what it means for you.

Third-party assets — fonts, stock photography, plugins, platforms — always remain under their own licences and terms; nobody can give you ownership of someone else’s work. What we do is keep this transparent: if your project uses any licensed asset, we tell you what it is, what the licence allows, and whether any ongoing cost is attached, before it is used. No surprises later.

Only with your permission — sharing is always a separate, optional conversation, never bundled into applying.

Only with your permission. If a selected project turns out beautifully, we may ask — separately, after the work — whether you are comfortable with us sharing it as a case study. That permission is always optional, always specific, and never bundled into your application or your selection. The application simply notes that we may ask later; saying no costs you nothing, now or ever.

With care and discretion — share only what the application asks for, and flag anything sensitive in general terms.

With care and discretion. The application never asks for sensitive information — please do not include passwords, banking details, ID numbers, health information, or anything similar in your answers or files. If your project involves genuine sensitivities — for example, the safety of the people you serve — tell us in general terms and we will plan around it respectfully. Handling of personal information follows our Privacy Policy.

Your information is handled according to our Privacy Policy — used to review your application and contact you about it, nothing more.

Your personal information is handled according to eSora’s Privacy Policy, which is published on this site and linked from the application. In plain terms: the details you provide are used to review your application and to contact you about it — nothing more. Your draft stays on your own device until you choose to send, and the Privacy Policy explains exactly how information is collected, used, and protected.

If your site collects any personal information — even a contact form — it should have one, and we will flag this during the project.

Probably, yes — if the website collects any personal information, even through a simple contact or newsletter form, it should have a privacy policy explaining what is collected and why. Privacy obligations apply to small organizations too. We are designers, not lawyers, so this is not legal advice — but if your project involves collecting information, we will flag it during scoping so you can get proper guidance.

We launch together — final checks, your approval, then the work goes live as agreed in the scope.

We launch together, calmly. Before anything goes live there is a final review with you: checking content, links, and details, and confirming any last outside pieces like a domain. Nothing launches without your approval. Launch itself follows whatever the written scope agreed — and afterwards we make sure you know how to use what you have. It should feel like a milestone, not a handoff cliff.

Have your content final, your approver available, and any accounts ready — we will walk through the checks with you.

Keep it simple: have your final content confirmed, make sure whoever approves the work is available, and have access ready to anything the launch touches — for example your domain account. Before launch we walk through the checks with you, so nothing rests on your memory. If the launch connects to an event or date, tell us early so the plan protects it. Then enjoy the moment.

That is the goal — we build so you can maintain your own content, and a clear handover is part of the project.

That is the goal. We build with mainstream, manageable tools so you can update your own content — we do not believe in websites that hold their owners hostage. A clear handover is part of doing the job properly, and what it includes is agreed in the written scope: for example a walkthrough of how to edit your pages. Your own team or volunteers can absolutely be the ones who learn.

Contact us — if something in the agreed work is not right, we want to know. Email info@esoralabs.com with your reference.

Contact us — if something in the agreed work is not right, we genuinely want to know. Email info@esoralabs.com, mention your project and application reference, and describe what you are seeing. What happens next depends on what the written scope for your project included, but you will always reach a person who can help you figure out the right next step.

Loudly and proudly — it is yours to share. A mention of eSora is always appreciated but never required.

Loudly and proudly — the work exists to be seen. Share it with your community, your funders, and your networks; that reach is often where the real impact lands. A small mention that eSora Studio supported the project is always appreciated but never required, and any public case study on our side only ever happens with your separate permission. This part is all yours.