Charities That Accept Computer Donations

It’s difficult to find serious buyers for outdated electronic equipment, so giving it away makes sense. Organizations that will accept computer donations include charities, computer liquidators, and recyclers. Recyclers sometimes charge a fee for disposing of old equipment and liquidation firms don’t generally have non-profit status. So, donating your computer to a charity or NPO makes the most sense from a monetary standpoint. Plus it’s fairly easy to do.

Here’s a list of some of the most active organizations that accept old computers nationwide.

  1. Goodwill - Goodwill’s program allows low income individuals to purchase ‘gently used’ items for an extremely low price. They basically charge just enough to offset the costs of processing and refurbishing your old equipment. The Goodwill website specifically talks about computer donations and what items they will accept through their special program called Reconnect. They have a charitable partnership/alliance with Dell computer. Not all Goodwill locations accept computers, but the ones that do will generally take even stuff that is obsolete or in poor condition. Call your local stores to find out which one will take your old equipment and give you a receipt to use when you file for a tax deduction with the IRS.
  2. World Computer Exchange - The World Computer Exchange is an organization that operates as a clearing house where people can either make arrangements to donate computers or list their equipment needs. Various international projects are listed on the website with updated status reports. This gives potential donors an idea of exactly how they can contribute and make a real difference in the lives of others through their thoughtful generosity. The WCE screens any potential partners to make sure that those receiving computers really need them and that they cannot get afford to buy them.
  3. National Christina Foundation - The National Cristina Foundation specializes in technology and computer donations with a focus on helping the disabled and disadvantaged in our communities. They partner with charities in all 50 states, Canada, and many other foreign countries. This organization was founded in 1984 and was one of the very first to provide this kind of service. Now they have expanded their efforts to include the needs of schools and training facilities all over the country.
  4. Recycles.org - Recycles.Org is another clearing house that started in 1994.Their goal is to limit the amount of computer waste that end up in our landfills. They also want to reduce the amount of toxic e-waste shipped to developing countries where workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals while salvaging the rare metals from computer components.
  5. Computers for Youth - Computers for Youth is funded through Federal grants. They assist young students with gaining access to computers at home as well as at school. The program fosters a learning environment for children from low income families.
  6. Interconnection - Interconnection focuses its efforts on connecting underserved communities around the world by providing free internet access. Plenty of high quality computer donations are needed to make this happen.
  7. Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is just one of many faith-based organizations that help provide charitable technology improvements to those in need. Consider calling or emailing churches in your community to find out if they have a need for your used computers.

Another example of a local charitable foundation that accepts used hard drives and other computer components is The Pencil Box. This organization targets its efforts toward supplying the New York City school system. They accept other types of donations as well as parts of computers or CRTs.

Other local organizations may provide similar services in your local area. Start by Googling the name of your city along with the keyword “computer donation”. Then, branch out into searching by your county and state. Local government websites often advertise their partnership with e-waste nonprofit organizations, so this is another good place to look for info that is relevant to your location

For more information on donating a computer, check out our Computer Donation Tips and Computer Donation FAQ.