Selected works, 2022 to present

100 + websites managed, since 1998 (28 years).

Websites that help nonprofits raise more, help faith communities welcome more, and help small businesses book more. Built by one person, on a timeline that doesn't blow up the budget.

For Canadian Nonprofits & Charities
A professional website.
Built free.

We design and build your charity a modern, mobile-friendly website at no cost. You only cover a small monthly fee for hosting and support.

Food Banks Animal Rescues Youth Programs Faith Communities Community Arts
$0 to buildthen $50/month hosting & care
Apply in 2 minutes →
A service by Growth Catalysts freenonprofitwebsites.ca
Photographed at The Light House Cowork, Leduc
Chris Gilbert, owner of Growth Catalysts
Chris Gilbert · Independent Creative
About the studio principal

One person. End-to-end.
Tech, Creative & Marketing

I started designing websites in high school. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design from Fanshawe College and an Honours Diploma in Sales & Marketing from Westervelt College. Along the way, I've represented Apple, Amazon, Google, HP, and Epson as a brand ambassador and merchandiser, and spent over a decade in telecom before turning full-time to the web. Growth Catalysts is the result: a studio where the person quoting the work, designing the brand, writing the code, and picking up the phone is typically the same person — me. I do occasionally work with other trusted partners, however will ask for your approval before doing so.

Work is quoted in plain language with honest scope. You own your code, your domains, and your data. No retainers unless you want one.

Outside the studio, I'm a former Rotarian of 10 years and Freedom Centre Church where we help run a Food Bank depot - which shapes how I think about the nonprofits, faith communities, and small businesses I build for.

How I work

Three things I won't compromise on.

01
Trust

Your code, your domains, your data.

You own every credential, every file, every line of code I write for you. If you host with me, you get full access to the hosting account, not a locked-down reseller panel. If we ever part ways, you walk away with a working site and a full handoff. No lock-in.

02
Purpose

Built for the work, not the awards.

I've turned down projects that weren't a fit and I'll tell you honestly if your idea doesn't need a new website. Every build starts with what the business actually needs to do, then the design serves that. Clients stay on because the work keeps earning its place.

03
Budget

Honest scope, in writing, before we start.

You get a fixed quote, a plain-language scope, and no surprises on the invoice. If the work grows, we talk about it first. No retainers unless you want one.

What clients say

In their own words.

I had the pleasure of working with Chris while building the Drop Force website, and I can confidently say he was a huge asset to the process. Chris is clear, responsive, and genuinely cares about getting things right — not just making something look good, but making sure it actually works for the business. He took the time to understand my vision, offered smart suggestions, and executed quickly without cutting corners.

If you're looking for a website designer who's reliable, detail-oriented, and easy to work with, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Chris.

Grant Finstad
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Drop Force
February 2026

I have benefited greatly from Chris Gilbert's knowledge and technical skills regarding website hosting, setting up an email server and his knowledge of WordPress. He has been understanding, flexible and generally great to work with. His knowledge of the industry is excellent, and he's well connected regarding options for add-on services. One of the things that I like most about working with Chris is that he has been very responsive when I have needed technical help.

If you are looking for somebody to develop or host a website with, consider working with Chris. I have no regrets regarding having chosen to work with his company on my projects.

Jeff Krehmer, P.Eng., FEC, CSWP
President & Chief Engineer, Big Time Engineering
December 2025

Chris has been an incredible support as I've been setting up my business. Through Growth Catalysts, he has helped me with all things tech-related and has consistently gone above and beyond to make the process smoother and less overwhelming. He is kind, caring, intelligent, and extremely helpful, with a genuine desire to see others succeed.

I highly recommend Chris and Growth Catalysts to anyone looking for reliable technical support, thoughtful guidance, and someone who truly cares about helping businesses grow.

Jodi Grant
Founder, The Virtual Redhead
December 2025
Live Currently shipping

The work, this month.

A running log of what's moving through the studio. Updated by hand, roughly weekly. No fluff, no filler.

  1. New site offering free custom website builds for Canadian nonprofits and charities. $0 to build, $50/month hosting and care.
    Studio
  2. New site for a Red Deer nonprofit delivering hot, nutritious meals to those unable to prepare their own. Replacing an aging Wix build.
    Mission
  3. bisonmoon.ca
    Deployed Kevin's dark-earthy Alberta tree-service site. Full RankMath local schema, stump grinding & tree removal pages live.
    Trades
  4. growthcatalysts.ca
    Full RankMath PRO configuration with local business schema. Homepage pivoted to AI & automation-first positioning.
    Studio

My latest work...

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Honest scope, in writing. Plain-language strategy. Code you actually own. Located in Edmonton, serving Alberta and beyond.

Built in Alberta
Across Alberta, from the foothills to the prairies.
Prefer to skip the form? chris@chrisgilbert.ca or (825) 445-0066.