Non profit business idea -- what do you think

[Word]

Whats up fam

For a while Ive been wanting to do something with technology to give back to the community. So I was reading an article about a group of guys in washington state I believe. They collect older pcs and install linux and give them away to whoever comes to help(Old concept).

I want to do the same thing but give the pc's with inner city kids. As well as teach them linux and the differences between that and XP. Also try to work a deal with local broadband providers to make the cost of broadband more affordable for those families.

Seem very doable what do you think. I am devoted to starting something else right now but If someone wants help build the idea I want to put it on my plate for the next school year or jan 07.

 

[BigATLslim]

Word, this is an excellent idea in my opinion. I did two and some change at IBM and Earthlink respectively. My job involved heavy interaction with customers across America and I noticed something that has not changed dramatically since 99, 95%+ of the people I talked to on the phone were not black.

I say that to say this, the opportunity is great for what you are trying to accomplish. We are both in the know because we are online all day. You recognize that in the community, little brothers and sisters are not getting near as much access as their lighter counterparts. I am a staunch and firm believer that technology has the ability to bridge the divide. The internet is POWERFUL.

I have a childhood friend in Houston who is looking to do an initiative similar to this with a focus in Arica. He visited Accra last year and saw the opportunity. I am technically savvy by any means. I can see the vision though. If you want to politic or bounce ideas of, just hit me up. I will be learning from you. I just like positivity, man.

By the way, broadband has gotten much more affordable in the past two years than it used to be. ISP's, it appears, are relatively easy to start. You may be able to regulate pricing that way or just look into some traditional means of a cooperative or even a cafe style setting in the hood so these little brothers and sisters can get access.

 

[Temujin]

That is an excellent idea. Once you incorporate as a non-profit you will have no problem getting donations from major companies of old computers (they would rather get the tax right off then throw them away). You also should be able to get donations for the operating system(once again tax deductible donation to a qualifing non-profit). The only thing that would hold you up is paying someone to rebuild them but if you play the middleman - for instance contact with local programs already in your area that might need computers for kids, such as after school programs or recreational facilities you can get them to do the fundraising for you to pay for the techs (and your administrative fees of course).

Great idea that would definetly be helpful for the comunity.

Caveat: The non-profit 501c3 application for the IRS is a pain in the ass but good luck.

 

[Word]

Thanks brotha's Temujin i think we should get people to donate time to rebuild them(pc's) Take less of the focus on what in a computer and push it toward what they can do with it. Also if we use linux(Ubuntu (it's free)) Im sure the founder of Ubuntu will pay the shipping cost of a few cd's if I tell him what Im doing he might even throw some help my way.

SlimJones Powerful is an understatment the digital divide is so large and I know young poor kids can grasp the concepts and use the net regularly but do they have a chance you know. I think black people dont get broadband cause its 40/month bucks they dont see the use or need. But im thinking 10 dollars a month then get someone to pay that for the good students. 1 year for 1 student 120. Im sure i can work someone out of 120K for 1000 students.

Its a goal for sure! I feel like its a easy opportunity for the kids in any city to grow and learn. If anyone else wants to build with me to start your own just holla.