About
Free Geek is a Portland, Oregon nonprofit that safely and securely refurbishes locally donated technology and gives it back to the community at no or low cost, providing vulnerable populations with the devices and digital literacy skills they need to succeed and thrive. What cannot be refurbished is recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. Free Geek has created a circular model that points two societal problems — excess electronic waste in need of sustainable reuse and recycling, and lack of access to basic technology among vulnerable populations — back at each other to reveal innovative solutions.
Mission
Free Geek works to narrow the digital divide. While its reuse and recycling programs form the backbone of its work by supplying refurbished devices for the community, its core goal is to function as a service provider whose offerings support digital inclusion. Its stated values are being radically inclusive, community-centered, sustainability driven, and responsive and accountable.
What they do
- Digital inclusion: devices, digital navigation support, and digital literacy education that help participants access employment, online education, healthcare, housing services, and other essential online resources
- Hardware grants: free technology provided through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, housing providers, workforce agencies, and community organizations, so devices reach communities with the greatest need
- Online shop and annual memberships that provide low-cost technology to the community, with proceeds funding Free Geek's operations
- Affordable Tech Program partnerships for organizations filling technology needs at low cost
- Technology reuse and recycling services: corporate and personal tech donations, plus certified data destruction
History
Free Geek launched on Earth Day 2000 as part of a community-wide public event at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland, and in September of that year opened its facility on Southeast 10th Avenue as a reuse and recycling drop-off for electronic waste, salvaging technology before it reached landfills. Over the years it has added digital inclusion programming supporting education, free technology access, digital literacy, and workforce development. Free Geek has announced a move into a new home in Portland. The organization is an NDIA (National Digital Inclusion Alliance) affiliate and an i-SIGMA member, and has been recognized by Oregon Business among the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon and the 100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon.
Financials
Free Geek is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 93-1292010. According to IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for fiscal year 2023 Free Geek reported total revenue of about $4.49 million, total expenses of about $2.90 million, and total assets of about $3.22 million.