Difference between revisions of "Hardware Grants"

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=Overview=
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{{Migrated}}
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Free Geek has a Hardware Grants program!  What does this mean?  Free Geek, as you may or may not already know, receives a lot of computer junk that eventually gets turned into computer funk (the good kind, not the bad) by our awesome volunteers. However, we have and make so much stuff that we can't possibly sell it all in our thrift store or give it away to our volunteers. What could we possibly do with all these computers we are slowly burying ourselves with? Easy: give them to folks in need via our Hardware Grants program!
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[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G7J_3-ElRrvvPLdOT1Naz9KGS8hRelFSH7U_Ywv6TEk/edit?usp=sharing Link]
  
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==Who receives hardware grants?==
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__NOTOC__
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What types of organizations does Free Geek grant hardware to?  From the [http://freegeek.org/grants Grants page]:
 
  
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*Grants are made to organizations, specifically not-for-profit organizations, and not to individuals. We grant hardware to non-profit and social change organizations local to Portland, Oregon; we cannot provide for any kind of shipping to other locations. You must be able to come to Free Geek and pick up the granted hardware.
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Free Geek has a hardware grants program in which we give hardware to community service/change organizations who request it. Our emphasis is on computers, but we are able to grant out many other things as well. Hardware grants is overseen by Public Services.
  
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To be more specific, Free Geek grants hardware to:
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{|cellspacing="1px" style="background-color:#f8fcff"
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*Non-profit organizations
 
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*Schools
 
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*Churches
 
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*Community centers
 
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*Social change organizations
 
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*Worker collectives
 
  
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Free Geek does not give out hardware grants to individuals.  Here's why: we used to give out what we call "passthrough" grants (which are essentially
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| width="70%" style="border: 1px solid #6688AA; background-color:#FFFFFF; padding:1em;" valign="top"|
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grants that we give to organizations so they can in turn give them to someone else) but stopped doing so because of the technical support issues involved with providing people computers when they hadn't been adequately taught to use the operating system that we provide with them.  We instead focus our grants program on providing infrastructure for organizations (computers for an office, for example, or for a public lab setting). Additionally, we feel that giving individuals the opportunity to earn their computers, rather than simply giving them computers, can provide them with a sense of empowerment and responsible ownership that is oftentimes infinitely more valuable than the physical product itself.
 
  
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==What's Going On==
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==The Hardware Grants Process (from request to resolution)==
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As of 11/3/2009, the RAD committee decided to reimpose limits to LCDs and laptops.
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'''Please refer to [[Processing Hardware Grants]] for specific instructions on the new system for Grants.'''
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===Incoming requests===
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# Grant request comes in to [http://todo.freegeek.org/ RT (or ToDo)]
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#* Grant look too complicated? Ask the Hardware Grants Coordinator or leave it in the queue if they're not available.
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# Determine if grantees are eligible using the [[How to approve/deny grants]] page.
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#* Use the "Comment link" to input non-profit status into RT after checking [[Business registrars]], [http://www.melissadata.com/lookups/index.htm Melissa Data] or the [http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/ IRS website], if appropriate.
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#* Determine if requester is an approved contact by checking email address, publicly-available information or personal contact with organization.
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# Determine if we are able to grant out the requested items by using the [[Hardware Grants What We Can Give Out List]].
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# If request is simple and fulfillable, update Custom Fields inputs including GrantStatus, FG-PDX_Elegibility and Needed fields.
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#* If you require further information (on the items requested, status of the organization or grant contact), choose "Requested" in the GrantsStatus field and set the ticket status to Open.
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# Click "Reply" in the original application and use [[Hardware Grants Responses]] to generate an appropriate response.
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#* If conversation occurs via email (outside of RT), input any relevant details in RT.
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# If items are not readily available please request them using established methods for [[Requesting Items for Hardware Grants]]
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#* Your RT ticket should be updated when waitlisted items are available.
  
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If you can demonstrate that your organization needs the following items:
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===After clarification and approval===
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    * Laptops
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# Monitor ticket and wait for any necessary system production and all requested items to be available before proceeding.
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    * LCD monitors
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# When items are ready, ask them to sign up for pickup at https://freegeek.youcanbook.me/. This service will automatically add their appointment to the Google calendar and send confirmation email with all necessary pickup information.
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You can apply for a maximum of 3 of each. If you need more, after 90 days, you may re-apply.
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# When they come in to pickup the item, follow the [[How To Disburse A Grant]] guide.
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It is necessary to detail why you need laptops as opposed  to PCs and why you need LCD monitors as opposed to CRT monitors.
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#* You '''must''':
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Please be as specific as possible.
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#** Get the name of the person picking up materials;
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- http://www.freegeek.org/grants/
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#** Take all paper PRINTMEs on systems;
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#** Provide a [[Using your Free Geek computer!]] handout if they are receiving any computers.
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#* Consider asking them to take a picture with their granted hardware in front of Free Geek or the painting in front of the Monkey House.
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# After disbursement, ensure you:
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#* Update the Custom Fields inputs in RT;
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#* Indicate what you disbursed and to whom in RT;
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#* [http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Data_Entry Input disbursement information] in the [http://data/ database].
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#** If the contact doesn't currently exist in the system, create a new contact.  Check the "organization" box and ensure you put in the correct address.
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# Click "Resolve" if you have successfully fulfilled the grant request.
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# High-five anyone nearby for a job well done (or pat yourself on the back) and continue on to the next HG request.
  
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==What we grant out==
 
  
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===What we grant out easily===
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|width="30%" align="left" style="border: 1px solid #6688AA; background-color:#efefef;padding:1em;" valign="top" |
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* PCs
 
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* Monitors
 
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* Keyboards
 
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* Mice
 
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* Power cords
 
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* Network cables
 
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* Printers
 
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* 20 GB IDE Hard Drives
 
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* Mousepads==What types of hardware does Free Geek give out?==
 
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What we can give to organizations really depends on what we have on hand, but here is a short list of what we are able to easily give out:
 
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* PC Systems
 
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* CRT Monitors
 
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* SDRAM and RAMBUS
 
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* Keyboards
 
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* Mice
 
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* 20 GB IDE Hard Drives
 
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* Short to medium length networking cable
 
  
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The following items we can only give out 3 per request. If organizations need more, they can reapply after 90 days.
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==Pages related to hardware grants==
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* LCDs
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;[[Processing Hardware Grants]]
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* Laptops
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;[[How to approve/deny grants]]
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;[[How To Disburse A Grant]]
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;[[Hardware Grants Responses]]
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:Cut-and-paste responses for requesters
  
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Essentially, if we've got lots of it, we're willing to grant it out. We do grant out rarer things when they are available, such as:
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;[http://www.freegeek.org/grants/ http://www.freegeek.org/grants/]
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* Network devices
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:Hardware Grants page on website, including application
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* Mac systems
 
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* IDE Hard drives with greater than 20GB capacity
 
  
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The amount of equipment we can give out per grant is limited by what we have on hand. Please see [[The Status of Hardware Grants]].
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;[[Hardware Grants What We Can Give Out List|What We Can Grant Master List]]
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:Comprehensive list of what we can (and can't) grant out
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;[[Requesting Items for Hardware Grants]]
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;[[Build Specs]]
  
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* Headphones
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;[[Business registrars]] ([http://egov.sos.state.or.us/br/pkg_web_name_srch_inq.login OR] or  [http://www.secstate.wa.gov/corps/search.aspx WA])
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:For verifying non-profit status
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;[http://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/ Federal Exempt Organizations Select Check]
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:To check status at a federal level
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;[http://www.melissadata.com/lookups/np.asp Melissa Data]
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:Another non-profit lookup
  
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===What is a bit more difficult to grant out===
 
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These items need to be hunted for in advanced testing and/or the store. Ask the area coordinator before removing any equipment from its area.
 
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* Network devices
 
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* IDE Hard drives with >20 GB
 
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* Macintosh systems
 
  
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===What there is a waiting list and/or limits for===
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;[[Using your Free Geek computer!]]
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* Laptops
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:Given to requesters who get systems
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** Laptops can be granted out ONLY if there is a demonstratable need that the organization has no space for a system/LCD combo or that they need to move around with the laptop, e.g. field work
 
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* LCD-monitors
 
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** LCD-monitors can be granted out ONLY if there is a demonstratable need that the organization does not have space for CRT-monitors
 
  
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===What we do not grant out===
 
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* Projectors
 
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* Speakers
 
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* Long network cables
 
  
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==Does the organization's location matter?==
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;[[Hardware Grants Summary]]
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Yes and no.  We simply don't have the means to ship the types of hardware typically requested in grants, so we are limited to providing hardware grants to organizations that are able to pick up grants from us.  However, we are more than willing to provide hardware to organizations in any location of the world as long as they can provide a local contact that can pick up hardware from us and handle the rest.
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;[[Hardware Grants Volunteer Intern]]
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:Job description
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;[[Template:Training Guide for Hardware Grants Internship|Training Guide for HG Internship]]
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:Checklist for beginning volunteers/interns
  
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==How are grants approved/denied?==
 
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In general, if an organization does not fit into one of the types listed above (e.g. an average for-profit business), its grant request will be denied. However, sometimes we receive grant requests from qualifying organizations that ask for more than we can provide in a given month, or have a need on an ongoing basis. In that case, it is necessary to contact the requester to discuss the details of the request and bring down the amount of requested hardware to a reasonable level.
 
  
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Hardware grants volunteers, interns, and Free Geek staff members work together to approve and deny grants. One "grant shepherd" is responsible for contacting and disbursing equipment to each organization.
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''Due to IRS considerations we are not able to provide an approximate or exact value for any of our disbursed hardware. Those who require this information should consult an accountant, tax software or look for equivalents for comparison prices.''
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|}
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{|cellspacing="1px" style="background-color:#f8fcff"
  
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This is a useful link for verifying non-profit status of entities: [http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Business_registrars http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Business_registrars]
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|}
  
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==Can I get involved?==
 
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Yes!  Free Geek is always looking for reliable volunteers interested in facilitating hardware grants.  You will play the role of grant shepherd.  Essentially, you will:
 
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* Participate in approving or denying grants
 
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* Determine if we have all the information we need to proceed with the grant, and ask for more if we need it
 
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* Update the status of the grant via RT
 
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* Arrange appointments with requesters to have them come in and pick up equipment
 
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* Give requesters the equipment approved for the grant
 
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* Give the grantee outreach documents (located near the finished grantboxen). These will most likely include: brochures, tear-off sheets, FAQs, and contact sheets for how to contact us if the organization's staff would like a 10-minute talk on how Free Geek can help them and their clients.
 
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* Fill out paperwork appropriately for data entry (or disburse the equipment yourself in the database, if you have access to it)
 
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If you are a volunteer or intern starting hardware grants, use the [[Template:Training_Guide_for_Hardware_Grants_Internship | training template]] to get started.
 
  
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[[Category:Hardware Grants]]
 
 
[[Category:Structure]]
 
[[Category:Structure]]
 
[[Category:Programs]]
 
[[Category:Programs]]
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[[Category:Hardware Grants]]

Latest revision as of 11:34, 1 August 2014

deletion

This page has been migrated to a document on Free Geek's Google Drive.

Information remaining behind may no longer be relevant.

MIGRATOR:

When you have tagged this page as migrated,
please add a link to the new document on Google Drive.

(Link to new page immediately below.)


Link


Free Geek has a hardware grants program in which we give hardware to community service/change organizations who request it. Our emphasis is on computers, but we are able to grant out many other things as well. Hardware grants is overseen by Public Services.

The Hardware Grants Process (from request to resolution)

Please refer to Processing Hardware Grants for specific instructions on the new system for Grants.

Incoming requests

  1. Grant request comes in to RT (or ToDo)
    • Grant look too complicated? Ask the Hardware Grants Coordinator or leave it in the queue if they're not available.
  2. Determine if grantees are eligible using the How to approve/deny grants page.
    • Use the "Comment link" to input non-profit status into RT after checking Business registrars, Melissa Data or the IRS website, if appropriate.
    • Determine if requester is an approved contact by checking email address, publicly-available information or personal contact with organization.
  3. Determine if we are able to grant out the requested items by using the Hardware Grants What We Can Give Out List.
  4. If request is simple and fulfillable, update Custom Fields inputs including GrantStatus, FG-PDX_Elegibility and Needed fields.
    • If you require further information (on the items requested, status of the organization or grant contact), choose "Requested" in the GrantsStatus field and set the ticket status to Open.
  5. Click "Reply" in the original application and use Hardware Grants Responses to generate an appropriate response.
    • If conversation occurs via email (outside of RT), input any relevant details in RT.
  6. If items are not readily available please request them using established methods for Requesting Items for Hardware Grants
    • Your RT ticket should be updated when waitlisted items are available.

After clarification and approval

  1. Monitor ticket and wait for any necessary system production and all requested items to be available before proceeding.
  2. When items are ready, ask them to sign up for pickup at https://freegeek.youcanbook.me/. This service will automatically add their appointment to the Google calendar and send confirmation email with all necessary pickup information.
  3. When they come in to pickup the item, follow the How To Disburse A Grant guide.
    • You must:
      • Get the name of the person picking up materials;
      • Take all paper PRINTMEs on systems;
      • Provide a Using your Free Geek computer! handout if they are receiving any computers.
    • Consider asking them to take a picture with their granted hardware in front of Free Geek or the painting in front of the Monkey House.
  4. After disbursement, ensure you:
    • Update the Custom Fields inputs in RT;
    • Indicate what you disbursed and to whom in RT;
    • Input disbursement information in the database.
      • If the contact doesn't currently exist in the system, create a new contact. Check the "organization" box and ensure you put in the correct address.
  5. Click "Resolve" if you have successfully fulfilled the grant request.
  6. High-five anyone nearby for a job well done (or pat yourself on the back) and continue on to the next HG request.

Pages related to hardware grants

Processing Hardware Grants
How to approve/deny grants
How To Disburse A Grant
Hardware Grants Responses
Cut-and-paste responses for requesters
http://www.freegeek.org/grants/
Hardware Grants page on website, including application
What We Can Grant Master List
Comprehensive list of what we can (and can't) grant out
Requesting Items for Hardware Grants
Build Specs
Business registrars (OR or WA)
For verifying non-profit status
Federal Exempt Organizations Select Check
To check status at a federal level
Melissa Data
Another non-profit lookup


Using your Free Geek computer!
Given to requesters who get systems


Hardware Grants Summary
Hardware Grants Volunteer Intern
Job description
Training Guide for HG Internship
Checklist for beginning volunteers/interns


Due to IRS considerations we are not able to provide an approximate or exact value for any of our disbursed hardware. Those who require this information should consult an accountant, tax software or look for equivalents for comparison prices.

Retrieved from "http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php?title=Hardware_Grants&oldid=70754"