Holland Family Foundation

Letter

October 29, 2004

James L. Holland
Holland Family Foundation
7353 SW Nevada Terrace
Portland, Oregon 97219

Dear Mr. Holland,

Free Geek is a not for profit computer reuse and recycling organization. Free Geek runs several programs that not only divert tons of electronic waste from the waste stream, but help bridge the digital divide in the process. We offer several free computer classes as part of our education program. However, demand for classes is out pacing our capacity to provide them. To help address this problem, Free Geek is asking the Holland Family Foundation for $2,500 to help us expand our education offerings to the community.

Free Geek has two main programs - Computer Adoption and Computer Building: The Computer Adoption Program allows members of the community to donate 24 hours of service in exchange for a computer system, a basic orientation class and a year of technical support. In addition, a local Internet Service Provider offers discounts for all Free Geek computer adopters. The Computer Building Program teaches individuals how to assemble computers and install software. The classes are offered for free and any student who completes the course is rewarded with a free computer system (that they build themselves). The course work is designed to allow people with little or no experience participate. Production output from the build program allows Free Geek to supply free computers to the adoptors as well as provide hardware to local non-profits, and even supply international aid efforts. Free Geek computers have been sent as far as Eastern Europe, South America and Africa.

The number of adoption classes currenty offered needs to increase by 150% to adequately meet the needs of volunteers waiting to receive their computer systems. Additionally, Free Geek receives numerous requests (both from individual adopters and area non-profits) for more classes on how to better utilize their new technology. Free Geek would like to expand the free classes offered to meet this demand. These classes would range from learning how to use a variety of applications (word processor, etc.) to a better understanding of computer system administration and maintainance (upgrades, security, etc.). Free Geek will offer these classes for no charge (donations accepted, but not required). Volunteer teachers recruited for these classes will be paid a small stipend for each class created and taught; giving them resources to create class materials as well as teach the classes on a regular schedule. Depending on the complexity and duration of each course, the stipend will range from $25 - $100 per class. The proposed budget for stipends is $5,000 per year, providing for an additional 200 hours of instruction to be added to the schedule.

Thank you,

Oso Martín
Founder/Outreach Coordinator