How the Meltdown Affects Free Geek

The Economic Meltdown has been all over the news lately.

There are many uncertainties, but it will affect Free Geek in some ways. This page is for discussion of those potential effects, and how Free Geek should respond to them.

Here are some questions that require some speculation, research, and/or educated guesses.

1. How might the meltdown affect Free Geek's donation stream (gizmos)?
   • fewer organizations and individuals wanting or able to upgrade leads to slowdown?
   • organizations closing up shop leads to increase in corporate donations?
2. How might the meltdown affect Free Geek's contribution stream (cash)?
   • fewer people able/willing to make cash donation?
   • is there a way to pitch a "we need your donations now more than ever" or "your donation helps people now more than ever"?
3. How might the meltdown affect Free Geek's Thrift Store income?
   • fewer people buying computers?
   • more people upgrading?
4. How might the meltdown affect Free Geek's Recycling income?
   • a rise in gold prices?
   • a drop in income as international transactions become harder to complete?
5. How might the meltdown affect Free Geek's Adoption Volunteers?
   • more of them?
6. How might the meltdown affect Free Geek's Build Volunteers?
   • more of them?
7. How does this affect our plan to build a donor base and purchase a new building?
   1. Will there be money available from corporations and foundations to help out?
   2. Will there be money available from individual donors to help out?
   3. Can we get a mortgage?
   4. Will there be available land from city or county agencies?
   5. Will this slow gentrification in our neighborhood, giving us more time?
8. How should Free Geek carry out its mission if the economy remains depressed for an extended period of time?
   • more outreach to get gizmos in the door?
   • higher need for basics (food deliveries, etc.)?

Add to the list! Opine away! Join the discussion!