05/ 27/ 2005
by Tamara E. Holmes
With technology changing the equipment needs of small businesses every so often, you’ll find yourself at some point with a glut of old equipment that you must dispose of. One way to get rid of that equipment, do a good deed and secure a tax write-off all at the same time is to donate that equipment to nonprofit organizations that can put it to good use.
There are a number of organizations across the country looking for donations of used computer equipment. Each of these organizations has its own philosophy and caters to certain needs, so you might want to check out a few to find one that makes a philanthropic difference in a way that means the most to you.
The National Cristina Foundation (http://www.cristina.org/) matches donors with recipients. You let the organization know what type of equipment you’re looking to get rid of and it will find an organization that needs it. You can also rest assured that your equipment will be making a difference in somebody’s life. The National Cristina Foundation only donates to organizations that will use the equipment for training, job development, educational programs and other tasks designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities and those that are economically disadvantaged.
Another nonprofit organization that matches company donors with needy recipients is Gifts In Kind International (http://www.giftsinkind.org). Not only does this organization secure unused computers and office equipment, but it also solicits excess products that may help needy organizations and give small businesses something to do with excess inventory in the process. All products that are donated to Gifts In Kind International must help to support the recipient’s mission; they cannot be sold or bartered by the receiving organization.
If you want to contribute to a student’s pursuit of higher education, donate your unused computers to Educational Assistance Ltd (http://www.ealworks.org/). The organization places equipment with accredited colleges and universities and in return, those schools create scholarships for financially needy students.
Small businesses near Chicago orPhiladelphia might want to drop off their unused equipment with Computers For Schools (http://www.pcsforschools.org/). The organization takes the equipment and refurbishes it to be used and placed in schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the country. While the organization’s only drop-off points today areChicago andPhiladelphia, it provides equipment to needed organizations across the nation.
If you are interested in helping people across the globe, you can donate your equipment through the World Computer Exchange (http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/). The organization fields donations and delivers them to partner organizations in more than 50 countries in such parts of the world asAfrica,Asia,Latin America,Eastern Europe and theMiddle East. However, note that the organization does not accept all equipment. It has a list of specific needs on its Web site. If you can fill that need, your donation is welcome.
While national nonprofit organizations that channel donations make it easier for you to find places to deliver your equipment, you might prefer that your old computers and office equipment be donated to local organizations. You can always contact local schools, after-school programs and nonprofit organizations to see if your equipment can be of service. Local offices of national nonprofits like the Salvation Army and The American Red Cross might also be on the lookout for donated equipment.
By taking the time to dispose of your equipment in a charitable manner, you’re not only making room for new equipment to run your business, but you’re making someone’s life a little better in the process.
