Black-owned · DMV Ministry Tech
Rooted OS
The Operator System.
Built for your community. Runs like one of us.
Most software operates on you. Rooted OS operates for you — an operator that knows your mission, knows your org, and keeps everything running while you focus on the work.
Planning Center. Brightwheel. Procare. None of them built this for you. We did.
3
Dashboard Templates
$0
Pilot Cost
2 cmds
To Get Started
DMV
Primary Focus
Real Problems We Heard
We talked to churches and daycares first.
Then we built.
Based on interviews with 8 ministry leaders, 5 daycare directors, and 34 job postings across the DMV. These aren't guesses — they're what you told us.
"If our AV person doesn't show, we're scrambling."
7 of 8 churches we interviewed had at least one service disruption per year because their AV knowledge was trapped in one person's head.
✓ Start Service checklist + AV Console give every volunteer the same step-by-step SOP
"We still use a paper sign-in binder at the daycare."
4 of 5 childcare programs we surveyed store child sign-in sheets in a physical binder. MD and DC licensing requires those records to be kept and accessible.
✓ Care Dashboard provides timestamped digital check-in that meets MSDE requirements
"Volunteers don't confirm until the morning of."
Confirmation rates below 60% when using WhatsApp and text chains. Coverage gaps appear the morning of an event.
✓ Volunteer scheduling with built-in reminder flow and coverage request — no more morning chaos
"We track donations on a notepad."
Most outreach ministries receive giving via Cash App, Venmo, or cash — with no official receipt, no running total, and no donor list for reporting.
✓ Lead Ministry Dashboard records gifts, tracks campaigns, and generates receipts
"We can't show funders how many people we served."
Outreach ministries can't access grants because they have no documented participation counts, volunteer hours, or resource logs to show impact.
✓ Outreach event log captures people served, volunteers, and resources — exportable for grant reports
"Our senior pastor doesn't do computers."
100% of pastors we surveyed cited accessibility as a concern. Ministry tech can't require a tech person to operate it.
✓ Senior Mode + Pastor Quick View designed for dignity and ease — one screen, one button
Three Purpose-Built Templates
Pick the one that fits your ministry.
All three start free during the pilot. No credit card. No tech team required.
Ministry / Church
Ministry Dashboard
For churches that stream Sunday service and need a reliable AV hand-off process.
- Step-by-step Start Service launch flow
- Weekend Readiness checklist
- AV Console with OBS integration
- Volunteer scheduling + reminders
- Media library (slides, lyrics, videos)
- KJV scripture reader with display button
- Message board for musicians, AV, clergy
- Two-way Google Calendar sync
- Pastor Quick View — one-glance readiness
Care / Daycare
Care Dashboard
For childcare programs that need digital check-in, incident documentation, and compliance records.
- Digital check-in / check-out log (MSDE-ready)
- Incident log with FERPA privacy controls
- Student roster with guardian contacts
- Guardian messaging with thread history
- Per-student file storage
- Staff scheduling with coverage gaps
- Privacy controls and access logging
- Data export for licensing audits
Lead Ministry
Lead Ministry Dashboard
For outreach teams and prison fellowships that need to document impact and track giving.
- Volunteer roster with hours log
- Outreach campaigns with event log
- People served + resources distributed
- Giving and donation recording
- Donation receipts by email
- Impact reports (exportable for grants)
- Team communications + SMS broadcast
- Grants module with application tracking
"
We've been using a Google Sheet and a group chat to run Sunday service for three years. The first time I opened this dashboard, my AV volunteer said: 'I wish we had this before Band Member left.'
Composite from pilot feedback — DMV Ministry Leader, 2026
Name withheld per privacy request during closed pilot
Name withheld per privacy request during closed pilot
Simple by Design
Two commands to get started.
No app store. No IT team. Open a browser, fill in your org name, and your dashboard is ready — with your branding, your calendar, and your team already seeded in.
1
Apply for the Pilot
Fill out the 2-minute application. We review it within 3 business days and confirm your spot in the current cohort.
2
We Set It Up
We configure your dashboard with your org name, colors, and calendar. You receive a link and login credentials the same day.
3
Start Using It Sunday
Your team walks through the guided tour. The AV volunteer uses the Start Service checklist. You open the Pastor Quick View. Done.
Pricing Built for the Community
Priced for the mission, not the megachurch.
Five tiers, from free to multi-site. Verified 501(c)(3) orgs take 30% off any paid tier — and The Grove Grant covers Rooted entirely for orgs that can't pay yet.
Seedling / Seedling Plus
Free – $29/mo
Just planted, finding your roots
Core Command View, then 50 children, 2 operators, 200 SMS, and basic DocuSign on Seedling Plus.
Rooted — Most Chosen
$79/mo
Established, growing · $55 with 501(c)(3)
Unlimited children, 5 operators, 1,000 SMS, full workflows + DocuSign, and Rooted AI.
Deep Rooted / Grove
$149 – $299/mo
Thriving · multi-site network
Giving + Grants, priority support, then multi-site, API access, 99.9% SLA, and a dedicated account manager on Grove.
Grants & Funding
You shouldn't have to pay for tools
to document the work you're already doing.
We've researched every grant, discount, and partner program available to churches, daycares, and outreach ministries in the DMV. Here's what's available, who qualifies, and how to apply.
How to use this page: Each program below has a direct application link and eligibility notes. For each grant, ORT provides a prefilled starter checklist in your admin dashboard. Apply for your dashboard first →
Technology Discounts & Credits
Start with these — fastest to apply, immediate value.
Google for Nonprofits
Google · google.com/nonprofits
Access to Google Workspace for Nonprofits (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet), Google Ad Grants ($10,000/mo in search advertising), YouTube Nonprofit Program, and Google Maps Platform credits. Requires 501(c)(3) verification through Goodstack.
Twilio.org Impact Access Program
Twilio · twilio.org
$100 one-time product credit plus discounts on SMS, voice, and messaging products. Reduced carrier fees for long-code messaging. Available for 501(c)(3) organizations, social enterprises, and their equivalents. Enables the volunteer SMS reminder feature in ORT dashboards at reduced cost.
AWS Nonprofit Credit Program
Amazon Web Services via TechSoup · aws.amazon.com/nonprofits
Up to $2,000–$5,000 in AWS promotional credits per fiscal year (July 1–June 30) for qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Distributed through TechSoup. Credits can offset dashboard hosting, file storage (S3), and database costs. One grant per fiscal year.
Zoom for Nonprofits / Education
Zoom · zoom.com/en/industry/nonprofit
Discounted Zoom Pro/Business plans for eligible nonprofits, typically 50% off standard pricing. Useful for remote volunteer coordination, board meetings, and guardian communications for Care Dashboard orgs.
Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits
Microsoft · nonprofit.microsoft.com
Free Microsoft 365 Business Basic for up to 10 users; discounts on Business Standard and Premium. Includes Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange email. Validated through TechSoup.
Canva for Nonprofits
Canva · canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits
Free Canva Pro (normally $120/yr) for eligible nonprofits. Useful for creating bulletin graphics, social media posts, and outreach materials to accompany your ministry operations.
Capacity & Technology Grants
Grants that fund technology for community organizations.
Note: Grant availability and deadlines change. All information below is current as of May 2026 research. Always verify eligibility and deadlines directly with the funder before applying.
DC Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement — Capacity Grants
DC Government · onse.dc.gov
ONSE funds community organizations working on violence prevention, reentry, and community wellness in DC. Technology capacity projects (including operational software) have been funded. Relevant for Lead Ministry and outreach orgs operating in DC.
Maryland BEACON Fund — Capacity Building
Governor's Office of Community Initiatives
Maryland's BEACON Fund supports capacity building for faith-based and community organizations, including technology investments. Eligible organizations include churches and childcare programs with 501(c)(3) status. Check current RFP cycle for open applications.
Lilly Endowment — Faith & Learning
Lilly Endowment · lillyendowment.org
Lilly funds programs that support the vitality of Christian congregations and the pastoral leadership of churches. Technology capacity grants have been included in prior INSPIRE initiative cycles. Black Baptist churches have historically been eligible and funded.
Techqueria / AFSC Digital Equity Funds
Various funders via GrantStation and Candid
Multiple national funders specifically support digital equity and technology access for Black-led nonprofits and community organizations. Candid.org and GrantStation offer searchable databases. Use search terms: "Black-led nonprofit technology" + your state.
Grant Application Guide
What most technology grants require
Prerequisites to have ready:
- ✓ IRS determination letter (501(c)(3) confirmation)
- ✓ Most recent Form 990 or 990-EZ (or 990-N postcard)
- ✓ Board resolution or officer approval to apply
- ✓ Organizational budget (current year)
- ✓ Brief narrative about your program (1–2 pages)
- ✓ Impact metrics: people served, events, volunteer hours
Typical timeline:
- Week 1: Gather documents, confirm eligibility
- Week 2: Write program narrative, get board sign-off
- Week 3: Submit application + required docs
- Weeks 4–8: Review period (varies by funder)
- Week 8+: Award notification or follow-up
ORT Dashboard tracks your grant application status, documents, and next steps in the admin panel.
Sponsor a Church or Daycare
Your investment gives a ministry the tools they need — not the ones they can afford.
Sponsored seats cover the hosting, setup, and support cost for one organization to use ORT Dashboard for an entire year. Here's what that looks like.
⚠ Pending legal review: Tax deductibility of sponsorships depends on ORT's entity structure. Sponsor acknowledgment language below is drafted for lawyer review before publication. Do not represent contributions as tax-deductible until 501(c)(3) status is confirmed or legal counsel approves.
Sponsor Packages
Choose how you want to show up for your community.
Seed Sponsor
$500 one time
🌱 Sponsors 1 Community seat for 1 year
- One church, daycare, or outreach ministry gets a fully set-up ORT Dashboard at no cost
- Your name / org acknowledged in the dashboard onboarding screen for that org
- Annual impact summary email (people served, volunteer hours logged)
- ORT Thank You in quarterly newsletter
Most Impactful
Cohort Sponsor
$3,000 one time
🌿 Sponsors a full cohort of 6 orgs for 1 year
- 6 organizations (churches, daycares, or ministries) fully equipped for one year
- Dedicated cohort named in your honor (e.g., "The [Your Name] Cohort")
- Bi-annual impact report with aggregate metrics from all 6 orgs
- Recognition on ORT website Sponsors page
- Invitation to virtual cohort celebration at 6 months
- Priority access to new features for sponsored orgs
Annual Partner
$8,000+ /year
🌳 Sustains the program for a full year
- Up to 20 sponsored seats across ORT's community cohort
- Co-branding on ORT Dashboard onboarding for sponsored orgs
- Quarterly impact report with case studies
- Logo + description on ORT website and in product
- Invitation to join ORT's advisory circle
- Option to direct seats toward specific communities (e.g., DC daycares only)
Expected impact per cohort of 20 orgs over 12 months
Projected from pilot data and research. Actual results vary by org engagement.
80+
Volunteers with documented scheduling
600+
Child check-ins/mo (compliance-ready)
240+
Outreach events logged with participant data
$0
Cost to sponsored orgs
Questions about sponsoring? Reach out directly.
info@oliveroottech.comPartner Programs
Resources for organizations we serve.
These are the programs ORT works with or recommends. When you're set up on an ORT Dashboard, we'll help you apply for the ones that fit.
Technology Partners
🔍 Google for Nonprofits
Up to $10K+/mo in Google Ad Grants + Workspace
Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Calendar), Google Ad Grants, YouTube Nonprofit Program. Requires 501(c)(3). ORT dashboards integrate with Google Calendar directly.
Apply →
💬 Twilio.org
$100 credit + SMS discounts for 501(c)(3)
Powers the volunteer SMS reminders and donor notifications in ORT dashboards. Impact Access Program gives nonprofits reduced rates and a $100 starter credit.
Apply →
☁ AWS Nonprofits
$2,000–$5,000/yr hosting credits via TechSoup
Amazon Web Services credits that can offset ORT Dashboard hosting costs. Applied for through TechSoup. Available to 501(c)(3) organizations once per fiscal year.
Apply →
🎨 Canva for Nonprofits
Free Canva Pro ($120/yr value)
Design bulletins, social posts, outreach flyers, and grant report covers. Works alongside ORT Dashboard for full communications capacity.
Apply →
🏢 Microsoft for Nonprofits
Free Microsoft 365 for up to 10 users
Exchange email, Teams, SharePoint, and Office apps. Good alternative or complement to Google Workspace. Also validated through TechSoup.
Apply →
📦 TechSoup
Gateway to 50+ nonprofit tech discounts
TechSoup validates 501(c)(3) status and gives access to discounted software from Microsoft, Adobe, Intuit, Cisco, and many more. Create your TechSoup account first — it unlocks most of the programs on this page.
Get Started →
Integration Partners
📅 Planning Center
Direct API integration (Core/Premium tier)
If your church already uses Planning Center for services, people, and check-ins, ORT can sync volunteer schedules and calendar events directly. Requires an active Planning Center subscription.
Visit →
🎚 OBS Studio
Free streaming software — ORT integrates directly
OBS Studio is the free streaming tool most DMV churches already use. ORT Ministry Dashboard connects via WebSocket to show stream status, start/stop stream, and switch scenes from the AV Console.
Download Free →
📺 YouTube Live
Built-in stream management in Ministry Dashboard
Manage your YouTube Live broadcast directly from the ORT AV Console. Create broadcasts, monitor status, and get the stream key — without leaving the dashboard.
YouTube Info →
About Olive Root Tech
Built from inside the community. Not for it from the outside.
⚠ Pending bio verification: Founder bio below is a placeholder draft. Please provide your public bio link (oliveroottech.com About page or LinkedIn) so all facts can be sourced before publication. Replace [VERIFY] tags with confirmed, publishable information.
🧑🏾
Dante Oliver
Founder, Olive Root Tech
Most software operates on you. Rooted OS operates for you. We built an operator system — not just tools, but a presence that knows your mission, knows your org, and keeps everything running while you focus on the work. Built by a Black founder. Built for Black communities. Built from the ground up. Just like the truck.
Dante Oliver is the founder of Olive Root Tech, a Black-owned technology company based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. [VERIFY: Confirm specific background details from public bio before publishing.]
ORT was founded on the belief that the organizations doing the most essential community work — the Sunday morning church that feeds 200 families, the neighborhood daycare that makes working-class parenthood possible, the street ministry that shows up when no one else does — deserve the same operational infrastructure as any well-resourced institution.
Before building ORT, Dante [VERIFY: insert background — ministry involvement, technology background, DMV community connection]. That experience is the foundation for every design decision in ORT's products: built for the pastor who doesn't own a laptop, the daycare director keeping compliance records in a binder, and the outreach leader who has no way to document what their team accomplished this year.
Dante Oliver is the founder of Olive Root Tech, a Black-owned technology company based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. [VERIFY: Confirm specific background details from public bio before publishing.]
ORT was founded on the belief that the organizations doing the most essential community work — the Sunday morning church that feeds 200 families, the neighborhood daycare that makes working-class parenthood possible, the street ministry that shows up when no one else does — deserve the same operational infrastructure as any well-resourced institution.
Before building ORT, Dante [VERIFY: insert background — ministry involvement, technology background, DMV community connection]. That experience is the foundation for every design decision in ORT's products: built for the pastor who doesn't own a laptop, the daycare director keeping compliance records in a binder, and the outreach leader who has no way to document what their team accomplished this year.
Black-owned · DMV-based
Ministry Technology
Community-first
Contact: info@oliveroottech.com
Our Commitments
🌿
Community-priced, always
Pilot seats are free. Core pricing scales with the org's budget. We will never price out the community we were built to serve.
🔒
Your data is yours
We don't sell or share org data. If you leave, you get a full export. Student records (Care Dashboard) stay in your org's control.
📢
Honest about what we are
We tell you what the product does and doesn't do. We don't promise compliance outcomes or guaranteed uptime. We promise to be honest and responsive.
Privacy & Data
How we handle your organization's data
⚠ Full privacy policy requires attorney review before publication. These are working draft snippets. See legal_flags.md FLAG-03 for full context.
Organization data: We store the information you enter — org name, user accounts, and any records you add (volunteers, students, donations). This data belongs to your organization.
Student records (Care Dashboard): Student and guardian records are stored on your behalf. We do not use them for any purpose other than providing the service. Your organization is legally responsible for compliance with applicable childcare licensing and privacy laws, including FERPA where applicable.
Deletion: You can request full data deletion by emailing info@oliveroottech.com. We'll provide a data export first and delete within 90 days of account termination.
Third parties: We use third-party services for hosting (Railway, Vercel), file storage (AWS S3), and communications (SendGrid, Twilio). We do not sell data to advertisers.
This summary is not a complete privacy policy. A full policy is in preparation and will be published before the public pilot launch.
Apply for Pilot — Free
Apply for a free dashboard seat in our next pilot cohort.
We review every application and confirm within 3 business days. Current cohort: Ministry and Care templates. Lead Ministry coming in Wave 2.
Pilot Application
Takes about 3 minutes. We use this to match you with the right template and confirm eligibility for any sponsored seat programs.