Supporting Technology Reuse
A direct path to closing the digital divide.
To eliminate the persistent gap in computer ownership in the United States, more computers must be made available for people who cannot afford them. A clear and proven strategy to achieve that goal is the concept of technology reuse.
What is Technology Reuse?
Computers coming out of their first use in homes and businesses across the country, in most cases, have many years of life left in them. While helping the environment by reducing e-waste, the refurbishment and distribution of previously used computers can have a significant positive impact on those who obtain them. A single computer could be the thing that unlocks opportunities for employment, education, telehealth, civic engagement, and community and changes the trajectory of a person’s life.
The Nation’s Nonprofit Computer Refurbishers
For a decade, Digitunity led a national program that formalized an Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR). Through hosting conferences, facilitating working groups, and fostering the development of lasting relationships among its 100+ members, Digitunity helped build connections between entities with common goals that otherwise would have operated in isolation.
Digitunity continues its support for nonprofit refurbishers by sourcing and placing donated computers with them, providing project and funding opportunities, amplifying their good work, and advocating for changes to policies and practices that lead to a greater supply of devices for the entire field.
Computers for Veterans and Students Act
Digitunity played an integral role in the passage of the federal Computers for Veterans and Students Act in 2022, which will ultimately provide federal surplus and repairable computers to nonprofit computer refurbishers. Participating organizations will then repair and distribute these computers to veterans, students, and others in need. Together with representatives from a group of nonprofit refurbishers, Digitunity is currently collaborating with the U.S. General Services Administration to help inform the design and implementation of the new program. No date for implementation has yet been set by the government.
Find a Nonprofit Refurbisher Near You
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Use this interactive map and the directory below to locate and learn about the organizations making a tremendous impact in communities throughout the United States. Please note that the organizations listed below are independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit entities, vetted to ensure good standing with the Internal Revenue Service, and are not directly affiliated with or endorsed by Digitunity.
Corporate or Bulk Donations
Digitunity’s corporate concierge donation service helps businesses leverage their phased out or unused technology to support community members in need. This secure and environmentally responsible donation placement service is provided at no cost to businesses, and Digitunity staff members serve as your primary point of contact. Our team is here to ensure that each business donor’s unique security and logistics needs are met by the nonprofit organization selected to receive the technology donation.
To learn more about the donation process or to submit an inquiry, please visit our corporate donations page.
Individuals In Need of a Computer
At Digitunity, we receive numerous requests every month from individuals across the country looking for assistance with obtaining a computer for work, school, or digital training. However, Digitunity does not provide computers directly to individuals. Instead, we connect donors of computers with community-based organizations, who then distribute them to individuals in need. Many AFTRR member organizations have options for individuals to apply to receive a low-or-no cost computer.
If you are seeking a computer, we encourage you to search for a nonprofit refurbisher near you and reach out to them directly to learn how each organization qualifies and distributes computers to recipients. Click on the map below to begin your search.