Free Geek's status as a nonprofit

People often ask questions like these ones:

• Is Free Geek a "charity" according to the IRS?
• What's the difference between a charity and a nonprofit?
• Is "Free Geek" the official name?

Simple answer: Yes. Free Geek is a charity according to the IRS. (See determination letter below.) Oddly, no "Inc." is not in the name.

Types of nonprofits

There are several different type of nonprofits that are defined by IRS codes. Broadly speaking a nonprofit (aka non-profit, not-for-profit, etc.) is an incorporated organization that exists for purposes other than making a profit. This could be a foundation, union, school, business association, political party, hospital, etc., as well as a charity.

501(c)(3) status

501(c)(3) is the classification for tax-exempt charities, such as Free Geek. (Generally speaking, 501(c)(3) organizations don't need to pay taxes. Also people can deduct donations to us off their income taxes.) This can be a difficult status to obtain, but we got our provisional status rather quickly in 2000. In November of 2005 (5 years later) we received the confirmation letter from the IRS, so we are no longer provisional.

Stats

Official name and address

Free Geek

1731 SE 10th Av

Portland, OR 97214

503.232.9350

TIN or EIN or Federal ID Number or Tax ID Number or Employers ID Number (or whatever you want to call it)

93-1292010 (GuideStar report)

Oregon Business Registry Number

747743-82 (see our record here)

Registered in the State of Oregon

April 13, 2000