By Melissa Nelson / Image courtesy of Charleston Parks Conservancy
The app enables Conservancy staff to input a brief description of volunteer needs and then uses AI to scan and assess local businesses and organizations for a fit.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is embracing cutting-edge technology to deepen community engagement. As host of the CharlestonHacks Innovation Engine Hackathon, the Conservancy brought together civic and tech leaders to solve local challenges, including volunteer recruitment, by adopting the event’s winning app, “Volunteer Finder,” an AI-powered platform that will streamline outreach and expand impact across Charleston’s parks.
The CharlestonHacks Innovation Engine Hackathon, held throughout June, invited developers, designers and community stakeholders to collaborate on real-world solutions for Charleston. The event kicked off on June 1 and concluded with final presentations and awards on June 29, all hosted at the Conservancy’s headquarters on Magnolia Road. The month-long sprint aimed to generate deployable tools that address civic needs ranging from workforce development to digital access and demonstrated Charleston’s growing role as a hub for tech-powered civic innovation.
Developed by Jack Teitel, founder of Title AI, and Brian Sullivan, Design Strategist at EY Wavespace, “Volunteer Finder” earned top honors for its practical utility, clean design, and immediate deployment. The app enables Conservancy staff to input a brief description of volunteer needs and then uses AI to scan and assess local businesses and organizations for a fit. It extracts contact details, aligns potential partners, and populates a custom CRM, automating research and outreach. A powerful export feature also supports tracking and collaboration across the team.
“Volunteer Finder is a powerful new tool that’s helping us better connect with the community and strengthen support for Charleston’s parks,” said Collin Howell, Volunteer Manager, Charleston Parks Conservancy. “We’re committed to caring for these shared public spaces, and this technology makes it easier to reach people who want to lend their time and talents in meaningful ways.”
Refined through real-time feedback and hands-on testing, the result is a low-cost, high-impact solution that meets the Conservancy’s immediate needs and sets a precedent for how parks organizations and nonprofits can harness technology to expand their reach.
The app supports volunteer programs like Weeding Wednesdays, which promote a sustainable weed management plan that emphasizes hand-pulling invasive species over the use of toxic chemicals. With Volunteer Finder, the Conservancy can identify volunteers and promote new ways to get involved.
“I’m proud to have built something that supports the Conservancy’s mission of inspiring the community to connect with and care for our parks,” said Jack Teitel, who developed and deployed the app in under 40 hours. “It’s amazing to see an idea go from code to real-world impact, and I’m honored to help protect what makes Charleston beautiful.”
Volunteer Finder was developed through close collaboration with stakeholders, including direct input from Charleston Parks Conservancy staff and CEO and Executive Director Darlene Heater. Refined through real-time feedback and hands-on testing, the result is a low-cost, high-impact solution that meets the Conservancy’s immediate needs and sets a precedent for how parks organizations and nonprofits can harness technology to expand their reach.
The Innovation Engine Hackathon also produced a slate of standout projects, including “GradShowcase,” a portfolio platform for recent tech graduates; “SC Innovation Hub,” a statewide digital resource network; and several honorable mentions focused on hyperlocal connections, digital equity, and startup growth. The event was driven by CharlestonHacks in partnership with civic leaders, including Heater, Matt Brady of the Town of Mount Pleasant, Kaity Miller of Build Carolina, Doug Hamilton of the Medical University of South Carolina, and Jamie DeMent of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, who provided challenge statements and feedback throughout the process. CharlestonHacks continues to support South Carolina’s tech, entrepreneurial, and creative communities, showcasing the power of cross-sector collaboration and local innovation.
To explore volunteer opportunities with Charleston Parks Conservancy, including Weeding Wednesdays and other hands-on efforts to support 26 of Charleston’s parks, gardens and trails, visitcharlestonparksconservancy.org.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy secures 90% of the funding required to maintain 26 parks, gardens and trails across the city through private and corporate donations, while the City of Charleston covers 10% of costs. The Conservancy team provides year-round park care, with a focus on strategic seasonal plantings, major park revitalizations, and sustainable maintenance. In 2024 alone, the organization planted over 46,000 plants and 1,000 trees, donated two tons of fresh produce and 1,200 fresh flower bouquets grown in its parks and gardens, and advocated for the vital role of parks in urban life. Through 180 hours annually of free programming, including popular events like the Teddy Bear Picnic, the Conservancy cultivates vibrant, welcoming green spaces that serve as hubs for recreation, relaxation, and community connection. For more information, visitcharlestonparksconservancy.org.
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