Free to a Good Home: Donating Your Computer

by Terri Cronin

In each CalMAX catalog you will find a number of "wanted" listings for computers. When you have computer equipment you no longer need, CalMAX provides the opportunity to both list the computer and also find others who want computers. Another option for reusing computers is to donate the equipment to a nonprofit organization.

The first step in donating a computer is selecting the organization. A variety of organizations accept computer donations and each organization is different. Some may refurbish or upgrade systems to meet the needs of the end user. Other organizations may have limited technical capacity. To ensure your system continues on as a productive member of the electronic world, make sure you select an organization that can use the system you donate. A number of organizations accept computers and then redistribute them to schools. Some of these organizations are profiled later in this article.

If you plan to take a tax deduction make sure the organization you select is actually a nonprofit. Often, it is up to you, the donor, to determine how much your computer is worth. In most cases, the "fair market value" is what you can claim as a tax deduction when you donate your computer. For businesses that have depreciated their equipment, it is best to check with your tax advisor about a tax deduction for your donation. Large companies may benefit from the 21st Century Classrooms Act for Private Technology Investment. Under this legislation, corporations that donate computers can deduct the full purchase price if the equipment is no more than two years old. Make sure you request a receipt for the equipment you donate.

When you make a donation, you want to give away your computer, not your data! Take time to erase all personal files and overwrite the data on your drive. Software is available to overwrite data and ensure that your data is not recoverable by the recipient of your computer. If you purchased the computer with software already loaded, reload this software unless the recipient organization requests otherwise.

Properly packaging your computer will increase the odds of it arriving in good condition. Determine if you will need to ship the computer or if the organization will pick it up at your home or office. Ask the organization for tips on packaging your computer. Often a sturdy cardboard box will do the job. For both the organization and your records, include a packing list of the components you are donating. Remember to include all cables, manuals for both hardware and software on the computer, and diskettes in the container. Some organizations suggest you also include a self-addressed stamped envelope when donating to the nonprofit organization so they can send you a receipt for your donation.

Below is a partial list of organizations in California that take computer donations.

Access 2 Technology Project in Oakland is a unique educational program that provides technology activities and projects for youth in grades K-8. Using a hands-on approach with real computers, students explore how computers work as they are guided through the computer refurbishing process. They accept Macintosh computer equipment exclusively. Contact Access 2 Technology at www.a2t.org.

Alameda County Computer Resource Center (ACCRC) collects and refurbishes old computers from businesses and individuals and provides technical training to disadvantaged individuals. The organization distributes 30 to 50 Pentium-level computers a week to nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, economically disadvantaged individuals, and developing countries. Contact ACCRC at www.accrc.org or (510) 845-1226.

Berkeley Neighborhood Computers (BNC) refurbishes computers for distribution to schools, nonprofits, and low-income youth and families. Currently GNC can only accept Pentiums and above and systems with CD ROMs.

California Area Resource for Educators (C.A.R.E), located in Sacramento, offers companies an easy way to support schools by donating surplus items, including computers.

Computer Recycling Center has locations in San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, and Palm Springs. CRC and Computer & Education programs have placed tens of thousands of refurbished computers into public schools and nonprofit educational programs. Contact CRC at http://www.crc.org or (408) 327-1800.

Computing EDGE is a national program that helps match needy schools with excess, unused, or obsolete computer equipment donated by individuals and corporations. Computing EDGE is a free public service of KidSource OnLine. You can search through their listings and find the school or organization that is the best match for your equipment and your location. Contact Computing EDGE at http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/pages/Donation.html.

L.A. SHARES accepts complete, fully working, second-generation Pentium or later computer systems. Each system must include a CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse and all cords and cables. Contact L.A. SHARES at http://lashares.org/.

Resource Area For Teachers (RAFT) is a six-year-old nonprofit organization located in San Jose, California. RAFT serves more than 4,000 Bay Area teachers, providing them with hands-on interactive learning materials and professional training workshops to use those materials in the school curriculum. Contact RAFT at http://www.raft.net, (408) 451-1420.

Students Recycling Used Technology (StRUT) is a program incorporated into schools where students take donated computers and computer components and upgrade them for the use in schools. Students involved in StRUT evaluate, repair and refurbish donated computers and in turn donate those computers to local schools. Contact StRUT at http://www.strut.org/ or (408) 998-5880.

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Last updated: August 01, 2008