Staff Report
Published May 14, 2009

A new Web service launching Friday seeks to connect nonprofit organizations in the Lowcountry with consultants and other businesses hoping to work with them.

Called Pluff Mud Connect, the service is a low-cost way for nonprofits and businesses to find one another, according to founder Laura Deaton, a consultant who specializes in helping nonprofit organizations in transitions.

On the new Web site, Deaton writes that nonprofit leaders are busy juggling many hats and often don’t have time to seek competitive local prices for services including accounting, marketing, Web site design and facilities repair.

At the same time, Deaton said she has met professionals looking for ways to get their names in front of nonprofit organizations.

The new Web site is meant to be the connection.

Nonprofit organizations, which can register for free, have access to a database of local consultants and other qualified service providers. Nonprofits seeking local bids for a project can submit a form online that will be e-mailed directly to local consultants.

Consultants and service providers must pay an annual fee that is tiered based on business size. Once registered, businesses create a detailed profile of the services they offer and are listed in categories based on their offerings.

Pluff Mud Connect is designed for Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Jasper and Hampton counties.

“In these eight counties alone, nonprofits generate more than $5.5 billion in annual revenue,” Deaton said.