Free Geek is a technology related non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon, launched on April 22, 2000.
In January 2001, local newspaper The Oregonian ran an article advertising their free computer program for volunteers, which became so successful that they had to start a waiting list[citation needed].
These computers are then sold online or at a store, donated in many of Free Geek's programs, or given to volunteers completing 24 hours of service.
Any materials which cannot be reused are recycled as safely and sustainably as possible, in order to prevent it from entering the waste stream and damaging the environment.
The Hardware Grant Program provides qualifying nonprofits and schools with refurbished desktop computers, laptops, printers, and other equipment.
It attempts to reduce the digital divide, which hinders low-income students' learning because they do not have access to a computer at home.
Free Geek was a joint winner of the first Chris Nicol FOSS Prize awarded by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) in 2007.