This qualitative exploratory single-case study was designed to examine and understand the use of volunteer community participants as software developers and other project related roles, such as testers, in completing a web-based application project by a non-profit organization. This study analyzed the strategic decision to engage crowd participants and evaluated both the effect on the project selected for analysis as well as the experiences from the perspective of the organization. In conjunction with the data collected, the researcher reviewed the relationship between Open Source Software (OSS) development models and crowdsourcing along with an analysis of the social exchange theory. Data collected in relation to the selected web-based application project included semi-structured interviews, project artifacts, documentation on the makeup of the project team, and communication methods. The results of the study show that while there were inherent challenges engaging the crowd, there were also tangible benefits to the organization. These benefits included measurable cost savings and the ability to increase the number of projects worked. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]