FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Below, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive about Digitunity, our mission to enable computer ownership, and how our work connects technology donors with communities in need.
What is Digitunity?
Since 1984, Digitunity has worked to promote technology reuse by educating businesses and the public that such resources are invaluable tools worthy of a second productive life for developing human potential. Building upon the organization’s history of impact, Digitunity is using a network approach to advance digital inclusion with a particular focus on device ownership. Our goal is to eliminate the technology gap at scale. Digitunity encourages donations of used equipment to support local nonprofits, schools, and government agencies. We focus on organizations that serve marginalized populations.
What is the Digital Opportunity Network?
The Digital Opportunity Network is a free, purpose-driven, inclusive digital community space to connect, collaborate, and learn. Network members are united by the shared purpose of eliminating the technology gap. Network members engage, connect, innovate, access resources, and take action within a number of interest areas.
We seek diverse, community minded individuals and organizations who are interested in eliminating the technology gap to join the Network. 1,500+ organizations that have been pre-qualified to receive technology donations through Digitunity’s donation matching platform are part of the Network as well.
Is there a charge for your services?
No, Digitunity does not charge technology donors or technology recipient organizations for its services. However, we welcome and encourage charitable contributions from those who wish to support our mission of making computer ownership possible for everyone in need.
Is Digitunity a tax-exempt nonprofit organization? Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, Digitunity is a 501(c)3 public charity nonprofit organization. Financial contributions may be made to support Digitunity. Digitunity’s EIN is 86-3935645. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Consult your tax advisor for more information.
General Donations
What equipment can be donated?
Laptop and desktop computers, Chromebooks™, tablets, and webcams are the most widely needed items. A list of common donation items includes: pc desktop and laptop systems, mac desktop and laptop systems, copiers, digital and web cameras, pen/drawing tablets, hard disk drives, keyboards, monitors, switches/routers, mice, network interface cards, tablets, printers, and sound/video cards. The needs of each partner organization are unique, depending upon the type and size of program(s) they operate.
What are the minimum requirements for donated equipment?
Technology recipient organizations have varying needs and conditions for what they will accept. Generally computers less than eight years old are accepted. Hardware needing repair is considered on a case-by-case basis dependent upon available technical support. For detailed minimum device specifications, please visit our Minimum Device Specifications.
For equipment that’s reached the end of its useful life, learn more about responsible recycling.
Will my equipment definitely be accepted?
We strive to offer the equipment to recipients that will be beneficial to them and, in some cases, recycling rather than donation is the most cost conscious decision. While it is not always possible to find recipients for all donated equipment, we are in contact with you about your options along the way.
What is the Digitunity donation matching platform?
Digitunity’s donation matching platform is a free, proprietary, web-based search tool that allows individual donors of used technology to find nonprofits, schools, and agencies in their community that are in need of equipment. Upon identifying a potential recipient, the donor can review additional information about their programs and technology needs. The donor may then take the next steps for donating their equipment.
How do I wipe my hard drive of personal information?
Before delivery/pickup of your equipment, it is strongly recommended you back up any necessary data that you want to retain. Simple, permanent data erasing solutions are available and some of them are free. These software utilities permanently remove files from your hard drive without leaving any trace data that could be used to restore them. Free data wiping tools include KillDisk and the built-in Disk Utility to erase data from Apple products.
If available, the donor is encouraged to include the operating system software on CD or diskette, the Certificate of Authenticity, the end-user license agreements and manual that came with the system.
Donations from Individuals
I am an individual and I have computer equipment that I would like to donate. How do I do this?
- In the top navigation menu at digitunity.org, click “Get Involved” followed by “Give Equipment”, or visit https://digitunity.org/get-involved/give-equipment/ to begin the process.
- Enter your zip code to find pre-qualified recipient organizations near you.
- Click the Donate Now button for that organization.
- Complete the short donation form to kick off the automated matching process.
- A contact from the recipient organization will acknowledge your donation and coordinate plans with you for pick up or delivery. Please allow up to three days for notification.
Are there tax benefits for donations by individuals?
Your donation may be tax deductible for the year in which the recipient organization(s) acquires the equipment. It is the responsibility of the donor to establish the fair market value of their contribution, and we encourage donors to consult a tax advisor for additional information.
Donations from Corporations
What if my business wants to donate technology?
We are happy to assist with corporate technology donations. Computer donations are a great way to support corporate social responsibility objectives, help meet sustainability goals, and reinforce company culture. Most importantly, they make a tremendous community impact. Our team matches companies with qualified nonprofit refurbishers, who then prepare and distribute computers in their communities. To learn more, please visit https://digitunity.org/get-involved/give-equipment/corporate-equipment-donation/.
What are the tax benefits to corporate donors?
The IRS code provides for a tax deduction for property donated to a charitable organization identified through Digitunity under applicable rules and regulations. For corporate donors, tax deductions are usually limited to the amount of the donor’s tax basis in the property contributed. An acknowledgement letter is provided upon the completion of the donation process. The donation may be tax deductible for the year in which the recipient organization(s) acquires the equipment. It is the duty of the donor to establish the fair market value of their contributions. Warehousing and shipping costs may also be tax deductible under applicable rules and regulations. Consult your tax advisor for more information.
Can individuals receive donated equipment?
Individuals should contact a nonprofit technology refurbisher member who may offer free or low cost technology to individuals. To find a member near you, go to https://www.aftrr.org/map-locator/.
Digitunity does not distribute computers to individual recipients directly. Digitunity matches computer technology donors with qualified nonprofit organizations in the United States, that serve individuals, who then distribute them into the local communities through their own support programs.
Only organizations with proof of tax exempt status, as well as public schools and public agencies, can apply to receive donated technology via Digitunity’s donation matching platform. The application process begins at https://digitunity.org/get-involved/receive-equipment/.
I am located outside the United States and am looking for a computer. Can Digitunity help?
Digitunity does not distribute computers directly to individuals, including those outside the United States. Our role is to match technology donors with qualified nonprofit organizations within the United States. These organizations then distribute computers to individuals in need within their communities through their own support programs.
How can my organization apply to receive donated equipment?
If your organization is a school, government agency, or a tax exempt charity, you may begin the application process at https://digitunity.org/get-involved/receive-equipment/. As a qualified technology recipient, your organization will be listed in the search results of Digitunity’s donation matching platform and appear to nearby donors.
My organization is seeking computers to distribute to families and individuals in our community. Is that permissible?
Yes. Technology recipient organizations are encouraged to donate computers and related equipment to community members in need who do not otherwise possess a computer. This aligns with our mission to foster digital equity by ensuring everyone has the opportunity to own a computer.
Once my organization submits the application, when will we learn if we have been accepted?
All applications are carefully reviewed by the Digitunity team. We will contact you via email with the result of the review, and may also reach out during the review process with questions or to seek additional information. The process can take approximately one month.
My organization needs computers to help our fundraising efforts and/or to run our office administration. Can Digitunity help us?
No. At this time, Digitunity supports organizations that use donated computers and related equipment for training, job development, educational programs, and other related projects that focus directly on improving the lives of people from marginalized, underrepresented, and vulnerable populations.