The MerchantOS Corporate Giving Program
I recently learned that for about five years now, MerchantOS has been quietly giving it’s software away to non-profit organizations all over the country that do good work in their local communities. We have no personal connection to them, we just like that they’re giving back, and like the idea that we can support their work. Since it’s my job to highlight all the cool things we do at MOS, I put together the following showcase, partly to show off the cool orgs we support, and partly to give props to VP Christina Gilpin, who originally thought up the idea, and ran with it, right after she was hired five years ago. I caught up with Christina, and asked her how the idea originated in the first place. She said it just seemed natural -
“…these non profits do so much for their communities…and if we can help them be even that much more successful, then that is just awesome”
The following are the non-profits we’re currently providing with free software and customer support:
Bicycle Kitchen Los Angeles, CA
The Bicycle Kitchen is a nonprofit bicycle repair educational organization. We are a group of volunteers who run a space in Los Angeles filled with tools and stands for working on bicycles. Our hope is that you will come down and work on your bike! We will help you. We ask $7 per hour SUGGESTED DONATION, no one is turned away for lack of funds.
BicycleKitchen.com | Facebook | Twitter – @bicyclekitchen
Bikerowave Los Angeles, CA
Bikerowave is a bicycle repair collective, much like the Bicycle Kitchen, Bike Oven, or Valley Bikery here in LA County. We provide space, tools, and equipment in order to effectively teach people how to build, repair, and maintain their bicycles. We are a not-for-profit all volunteer member run organization. Our goal is to empower cyclists with the basic knowledge to maintain their steed, as well as enable them to more easily connect with the cycling community.
bikerowave.org | Facebook | Twitter – @bikerowave
Changing Gears Berkeley, CA
Changing Gears offers used bicycle sales, full-service repairs, paid job training for formerly homeless adults, earn-a-bike opportunities for youth and adults, a community repair shop, and volunteer opportunities for all.
Community Cycles Boulder, CO
Community Cycles (CC) is a non-profit organization of bicycle enthusiasts whose mission is to educate and advocate for the safe use of bicycles as an affordable, viable and sustainable means of transportation and personal enjoyment within our community.
CC provides re-cycled bikes and a welcoming space to learn about bicycle repair, maintenance and operation through outreach and advocacy activities.
The Bike Depot Denver, CO
The Bike Depot is a nonprofit community bike shop that offers a wide range of bicycling programs, services and products. Our mission is to increase use of and access to bicycles, promote safe and bicycle-friendly environments, and advocate for policies that promote bicycle access and use.
We are a full service bicycle shop with a wide range of new and used bikes and accessories. We also offer an affordable service menu. From brake adjustments to full tune ups, and everything in between, our professional mechanics can fix whatever ails your bike.
Pima County Farm Bureau Tuscon, AZ
A non-profit organization working to promote and protect agriculture in Pima and Santa Cruz Counties
Manitou Bikes Manitou Springs, CO
Colorado Charitable Organization and Community Bike Shop serving ElPaso county.
Our community bicycle programs, youth initiatives, free education classes and free community bikes are designed to empower individuals and enrich communities by promoting the use of bicycles as fun, reliable transportation.