Free Geek Twin Cities: Keeping Technology Accessible

In the Seward neighborhood of South Minneapolis, Free Geek Twin Cities is helping technology find a second life. The non-profit organization is dedicated to digital inclusion, technology reuse, education, and responsible electronics recycling. Since its founding in 2007, Free Geek Twin Cities has worked to make technology more accessible while reducing the amount of electronic waste that enters landfills.  

Technology plays an important role in everyday life. People use computers and other devices for work, school, communication, and access to important services. However, not everyone has the same access to affordable devices or the knowledge needed to use and repair them. 

Free Geek Twin Cities works to help close that gap. The organization accepts donated computers and electronics, refurbishes equipment when possible, and gives usable technology another chance. Refurbished computers may be donated to nonprofit organizations or sold through its thrift store at affordable prices. Volunteers can also gain hands-on experience while learning how computers and other electronic devices work.  

The organization’s work goes beyond recycling. Free Geek Twin Cities also creates opportunities for people to learn, ask questions, and receive help with their devices. Its programs have included free technology troubleshooting and fix-it clinics for computers, phones, audiovisual equipment, and other small electronics. However, continuing this work requires stable day-to-day operations. 

Like many local organizations, Free Geek Twin Cities has experienced years of economic disruption. COVID-19, the 2020 uprisings, and more recent events have affected the organization, its employees, the people it serves, and the wider local economy. 

As a Round 2 MN PROMISE Act grantee, Free Geek Twin Cities will use the funding to support the operating expenses that help keep the organization stable and its services available to the community. 

“We at FGTC are so excited, and grateful, to receive a MN PROMISE Act grant! Our organization, employees and community, have felt the destabilizing impacts of COVID, the 2020 uprisings, and more recently, Operation Metro Surge. The MN PROMISE Act grant will help us support operating expenses, helping us to recover, and continue serving the communities of the Seward Neighborhood and greater Twin Cities.” 

Operating support may not always be the most visible part of an organization’s work, but it creates the foundation that allows services to continue. For Free Geek Twin Cities, that means being able to focus on recovery, maintain its operations, and continue connecting people with technology, education, reuse, and responsible recycling. 

Through the MN PROMISE Act, Free Geek Twin Cities can continue building a more accessible and sustainable future for the Seward neighborhood and the greater Twin Cities.