The all-new Linux Fund Visa Card launches today.
July 24, 2007
Portland, Oregon USA
The all-new Linux Fund Visa Card launches today.
“It’s back, and better than ever” said David Mandel, Executive Director.
The Linux Fund began in 1999. Since then, the organization has handed out over one-half million dollars in grants to Free and Open Source Software (F/OSS) projects like Blender, FreeGeek and the WikiMedia Foundation.
“We don’t represent a wealthy patron or a long-dead industrialist,” says Mandel. “Our donations come from engineers, managers, and ordinary working geeks who use The Linux Fund Visa in the course of everyday living. The way it works is actually quite cool. Just by using The Linux Fund Visa card, ordinary geeks can participate in serious philanthropy, at no out-of-pocket cost to themselves.”
Each time a cardholder uses their card, a donation is made to The Linux Fund by the card issuer, U.S. Bank. These donations add up to tens of thousands of dollars per year which The Linux Fund then gives out in grants. The Linux Fund has donated to new ideas and teams who maintain things like Debian.
“The new card is a clear upgrade from the old card,” said Mandel. “There is a new program for College students and another program where the card holder and The Linux Fund share the rewards. Most cardholders will elect to give all of their rewards to charity, but some want to split it. That’s fine by us, we’re pleased to now offer both options.”
Beginning today, applications are being accepted online.
The Linux Fund will also be accepting applications in person at OSCON 2007 in Portland, Oregon on July 25-26, 2007.
For interviews and further information you are welcome to contact:
David Mandel
Executive Director
560 SE Alexander
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(971) 223-5169 land
(541) 730-5285 cell
[Via TheLinuxFound.org]