How to Build Your Own Track It Forward
Replace Track It Forward with a custom build. Volunteer Time Tracking Done Right
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 22 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 22 features
Management(5 features)
Create custom fields to collect specific volunteer information during profile setup.
Ability to add file upload fields in volunteer hour logs.
Track multiple chapters, programs, or sites in one place.
Set different permission levels for multiple administrators to manage the system.
Choose which volunteer info to collect on first sign up. Choose to approve or verify volunteer hours. Set different permissions for multiple administrators.
Automation(2 features)
Use conditional logic to create conditional statements in volunteer hour logs. One thing only occurs if a previous thing enables it.
During setup, use conditional logic to create conditional statements in volunteer profiles, volunteer hour logs, and milestones.
Communication(2 features)
Send email messages to volunteers. Customize hour reminders and event notifications. Send message blasts to segments of volunteers.
Improve volunteer communication with texting feature. Administrators can send mass text messages and emails to volunteers.
Events(2 features)
Quickly sign in and out of events with digital sheets. Upon sign out, time is automatically logged into the database or approval queue.
Create and categorize an event calendar. Volunteers can RSVP, receive reminders, and log hours instantly with digital sign-in sheets.
Goals & Tracking(2 features)
Create conditional logic for milestones to set specific requirements.
Set up requirements or goals for volunteers to hold themselves accountable. Both volunteers and organizers can see milestone progress.
Mobile(2 features)
Volunteers can log hours on mobile, access timesheets, and sign up for events. Admins can add volunteers, view hours, and approve/decline submissions.
For mobile app users, allows hours to be logged when experiencing loss of data, wifi, or cell signal. Offline hours queue for logging when service is available.
Tracking(2 features)
Check in system that logs hours automatically. Works for one-time, repeat, or group volunteers. Hours are logged when volunteer checks out.
Volunteers can log their own hours online, via mobile app, or onsite check-in. Core feature focused on accurate data capture.
Approval Workflows(1 features)
Approve hours before they get logged into the system. Approve hours in bulk, on the mobile app, or with notifications when they get logged. Delegate to different administrators.
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Track It Forward
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 22 features at very easy complexity.