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The Beaumont Foundation to give computers away

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – A nonprofit foundation is offering free computers to Wyoming residents, schools and community organizations.

The Associated Press The Billings Gazette

The Beaumont Foundation of America is hoping to offer $150,000 in grants to Wyoming residents this year and another $425,000 in two years, according to foundation representative Mark Sanders.

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(Montana is also part of the first group of states receiving this funding in 2003. http://www.bmtfoundation.com/grants/ Who should qualified residents contact in Montana to find out more about the program? Please add to the comments section below so all can share. Thanks- Russ)

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Internet upgrade

The $350 million foundation’s purpose is to provide the latest Internet-enabled wireless computers and computer hardware to people who don’t have such access.

Sanders made the announcement at a news conference Tuesday with Gov. Dave Freudenthal.

Wyoming’s government is not part of the program, Freudenthal said. But the governor praised the foundation’s efforts to give computers to schools, community groups and people who can’t afford them.

Freudenthal encouraged people and organizations to apply for the grants.

"It’s important that we take advantage of this opportunity," Freudenthal said. Otherwise, the money will go to other states.

People can apply for the current round of grants until March 31, Sanders said.

Computers will be available to anyone who can prove a need, he said.

The foundation focuses on three areas: qualifying nonprofit community groups, public and private schools in which half the students are eligible for the free-lunch program and individuals who can show a need for the computer hardware.

"Primarily, we’re trying to work with the most needy members of our community who are being left behind by the digital divide," Sanders said.

The Beaumont Foundation was established two years ago as a result of a class-action lawsuit, he said.

Public assistance

Toshiba Electronics Corp. paid $2.1 billion in a settlement related to faulty laptop computers. Of that, $350 million was never collected. The judge and the lawyers in the case decided to use the money for the public.

The foundation, which is based in Jefferson County, Texas, has four years to give away $350 million worth of computer equipment.

"The most important thing is that people apply. It’s really a no-strings-attached operation," Sanders said.

Wyoming residents can apply until March 31 for a grant online at the Beaumont Foundation Web site at or they can call 1-866-505-2667. A team at the foundation will evaluate applicants.

On the Net: The Beaumont Foundation http://www.bmtfoundation.com/

Copyright © The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises.

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