Give Guide App
Dumping questions for this application here so you and I can chunk it out by the July 31, 2009 deadline.
Name of Organization
Free Geek
What does your organization do?
Free Geek refurbishes used technology to provide computers, education and job skills training in exchange for community service. We also grant computers to schools and charitable organizations in our community who in turn benefit others.
How does your organization benefit Portland?
In many ways: Last year we gave away over 1,200 full computer systems to our volunteers and non-profit organizations; we are on track to double that this year. We offer computer education and internet access to the community. We provide job-skills training opportunities through numerous internships and volunteer projects. And we offer area residents and businesses a place to recycle e-waste to the highest possible social and environmental standards.
Why is your organization great?
Since 2000 we’ve refurbished over 18,000 computers and recycled 5,000,000 pounds of e-waste. Free Geek would never be able to accomplish this without the commitment of our almost 1,000 active volunteers. What we don’t reuse gets recycled to the highest standard through the Oregon E-cycles program and certified downstream vendors.
Fundraising strategy — How you plan to use the Give!Guide and the incentives it provides to locate new donors this November and December?
In addition to reaching new donors through the WW's wide circulation, Free Geek will set up a donation computer at our front desk to allow individuals who are donating technology to make an online donation on the spot. Last year we did this, and coupled the donation kiosk with a volunteer-crafted poster that explained the basket of incentives available to donors. We feel this approach was successful and engaging, and we plan to do the same this year.
What you are going to do to appeal to new donors 35 and younger?
We recently made an in-kind ad exchange with Grindhouse Film Festival for on-screen advertising. We are approaching The Hollywood Theater and the Laurelhurst Theater to establish similar relationships.
Years your organization has been in existence
9.5
Basic Contact Stuff
Not filling this out on the wiki.
Annual Budget
Annual budget for this year: $832,000.
Percentage from public sources.
4.17% from Oregon eCycles program
Percentage from private sources
95.83%
Is your organization an arm/chapter of a regional or national organization? If so, please name it
No.
Number of Staff
30
Number of Volunteers
2,750 in 2008. 2,424 (as of July 31) in 2009.
Target age of Volunteers
We strive to be open to volunteers of all ages.
Number of donors in 2008
8,824
Target age of donors
Our campaigns are not age-specific, with the exception of the on-screen advertising we are setting up with theaters, which we hope will reach 18-40-year-old audiences.
Number of email addresses on your list
Well, we have over 75 lists, many of them widely followed. Our e-Newsletter has 884 recipients.
What you need — in addition to financial support (volunteers, specific items, etc.)
Free Geek can always use donations of recent, reusable technology.
Testimonial from a fan (this may be included in your ad)
“Albertina Kerr Centers has received an incredible amount of support from Free Geek. Not only does the Hardware Grants program allow us to update our oftentimes outdated computers, but the newer technology has streamlined our methods of care and helped our staff to use their time efficiently. When less time is spent on administrative duties, more time can be spent with the people we serve. Ultimately, the phenomenal staff and volunteers at Free Geek have impacted the lives of thousands of Oregonians simply by recycling and refurbishing used technology.”
Note
Please note: If you are selected to participate in this year’s Give!Guide, information provided on this application form will be used to create your ad in the Guide. Please make sure this information is finalized prior to submission, as you will only receive one ad proof. We will personally notify all applicants by September 15th.
You must check each box below to signify your agreement to all of the following *
- Everything in this application is accurate
- You have 501(c)(3) status
- You will use WW’s Give!Guide to generate new donors to your organization
- Your contact person will be with your organization in November and December — and available during the holidays
- You will attend an organizational breakfast in October
- You will help with incentives by stuffing envelopes and/or making deliveries to homes in the Portland metro area.
A $600 fee is required for all 2009 Give!Guide participating organizations *
- I understand