Technology Nonprofit Moves to Palo Alto

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palo Alto, CA, January 21, 2002: The Benetech Initiative, Silicon Valley’s leading nonprofit technology developer, is relocating its offices to Palo Alto from nearby Moffett Field.

Benetech uses technology to ameliorate social problems in areas such as disability and human rights. Its latest project, Bookshare.org, a digital book collection for people with visual and learning disabilities is currently in beta-test. Bookshare.org utilizes volunteers, both at its offices and via the Internet, who assist in scanning books so that its disabled member community has inexpensive access to the largest collection of books possible. Bookshare.org was recently honored by The Tech Museum in San Jose as a finalist for their "Technology Benefiting Humanity" Awards.

The Martus human rights software project, offering information technology tools to grassroots human rights activists worldwide, will be available later this year. Next in queue: a humanitarian landmine detection project that has the potential to save thousands of lives worldwide.

Jim Fruchterman, founder and president of Benetech, commented: “Two years ago it would have been impossible for a nonprofit like Benetech to locate in Palo Alto. Thanks to declining office rents and a landlord who welcomed a nonprofit tenant, we’re now able to make the move. The silver lining to the deflation of the real estate bubble is that nonprofit organizations can more easily become active and vibrant participants in the local community. A Palo Alto location is a natural fit for Benetech’s expanding line of projects in social applications of technology.”

Benetech will occupy the second floor of 480 South California Avenue, a building owned by Margaretha and Henry Meffert of San Mateo.

# # #

- Back to Top –