Key Takeaways
- Computers with Causes, The On It Foundation, and PCs for People are non-profit organizations that provide free computers to individuals in need, such as foster children, the disabled, and low-income families.
- Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse and Interconnection are networks of refurbishers and recyclers that distribute free or low-cost computers to deserving recipients, ensuring the equipment is reliable and durable.
- Other places to find free computers include online public schools, colleges offering laptops for study, local libraries, and church-based organizations.
8 Places to Get a Free Computer
Computers with Causes
Computer With Causes is a nonprofit organization operating under With Causes Charitable Network that gives out computers, laptops, or tablets for free to the needy, for example, individuals in foster homes and the disabled.
The organization partners with other programs in the US to receive donations from businesses, including obsolete office equipment such as computers, servers, desktops, gadgets, and laptops.
Subsequently, companies that donate to the agency enjoy tax exemptions on their office equipment.
The agency’s main objective is to give deserving people donated computers to promote learning and educational needs.
Due to the high number of applications, not everyone who sends a request gets a free computer.
After submitting your online application, it can take up to thirty days for them to respond, after which it becomes invalid.
The organization reviews each request and determines if you deserve assistance based on their findings. If you would like to apply, you can fill an application form on the website with your name, email, phone number, city, state, and a small description of your request.
Craigslist
Craigslist Summary
- Posts are anonymous
- Quick and easy listing in a matter of minutes
- Little to no seller fees, most auctions are free
- Sell within your local area
Craigslist is a popular marketplace where people meet to sell, buy or exchange items. You can find anything here from rentals, jobs, pets, baby stuff, phones, and cars.
In addition, some people donate things they no longer need to other people.
When you visit the website you can follow below steps;
- Choose your location such as Texas, Minnesota, California, and San Diego.
- Under the search box, type the keyword of the item you need. In this case, type “free computer” and you may find someone is giving away their computer for free.
The On It Foundation Free Computer
The On It Foundation stands for Opportunities Necessary to Increase technology and is a mission that provides free computers to the less fortunate.
In addition, the foundation receives donations in cash and kind, including computers, which it gives for free to deserving families.
Other than free computers, you can also receive;
- Up to 20 hours of computer training
- Free internet
To qualify for the free computer, your child must be in grade K-12 at a public institution. Also, for your child to be a beneficiary, they must be under the public free food program.
Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse
Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse comprises nonprofit technology refurbishers or recyclers who provide low-cost and free computers to the needy.
There is a map locator on the website that can help you locate a refurbisher in your state.
Refurbishing centers Examples:
| Recycler | Location |
|---|---|
| Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. | Fort Myers FL |
| Tech Dump | Bloomington MN |
| Rockland PC Users Group | Monsey NY |
| Computer Reach | Wilkinsburg PA |
| World Computer Exchange, Inc. | Collegeville PA |
| Computer CORE | Falls Church VA |
| FreeGeek Chicago, NFP | Chicago IL |
Freecycle.0rg Free Computer
Freecycle.org is a network of people giving out free things in their areas, cities, and towns. The organization boasts of over 5000 local groups and nine million followers around the world.
Its primary mission is to reuse or recycle products and keep these things away from landfills.
Volunteers run the town groups and participate in the gifting program that minimizes waste and saves the environment from degradation caused by non-biodegradable items such as plastics.
Joining is free, and you can form a small circle of friends and gift each other items you no longer need.
To become a member, you can register with your email or username. After joining, search for free computers in your town or nearby towns and connect with like-minded individuals in your network.
PCs for People
PCs for People is a nonprofit that refurbishes computers and distributes them to needy recipients.
The program is under Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, whose computers come with 90-day hardware protection.
To qualify for the free computer, your income must fall under the federal government guideline, depending on the number of people in a household.
In addition, you must be a beneficiary of a government-based program that helps the needy access food and medical assistance.
You can send your ID and eligibility documents to the email provided on the website and wait for a reply.
Income guidelines:
| No of people in the households | Income Threshold in $ ( per year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 25,760 |
| 2 | 34,840 |
| 3 | 43,920 |
| 4 | 53,000 |
| 5 | 62,080 |
| 6 | 71,160 |
| 7 | 80,240 |
| 8 | 89,320 |
With Causes
With Causes is a charitable organization that identifies people in need and eases the burden through support initiatives such as;
- Educational programs
- Gifting programs
- Aids for the seniors
- Pediatric care
- Veterans assistance
The mission receives computers, real estate, collectibles, boats, and cars from individuals and other organizations.
You can check for available computers on the website and access your state for assistance.
Some of the states under this program include; including Minnesota, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, and Georgia.
Interconnection Free computer
Interconnection was founded in 1999 and is a nonprofit organization that refurbishes and distributes computers to needy people.
The organization accepts donations from IT companies and is a certified Microsoft Refurbisher, so it guarantees durability and reliability.
Examples of distribution partners include;
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Batteries Bulbs
- Big Fish
- BrightWire Networks
The foundation’s mission is to reuse and recycle computers to provide access to technology to those in need.
Free Computer Frequently Asked Questions
InboxDollars Summary
- $5 sign up bonus
- Referral program – 30% that referral makes
- Most of the surveys pay $0.01 to $2.50
- 13 different ways to earn money
What are Microsoft Registered Refurbishers?
Free computers donated by organizations must have Microsoft Registered Refurbishers for authenticity purposes.
Microsoft Registered Refurbishers or RRP is a program that enables computer publishers to supply recycled equipment to individuals, charitable organizations, academic users, and businesses.
Where Else Can One Find Free Computers?
Other than donations from charitable organizations and businesses, there are other places where you can find free computers.
For example;
- Free computers are also available in online public schools through Government initiatives. These programs have become popular and offer laptops, chrome books, or tablets to needy students who can’t afford a computer.
- Free computers are available when you enroll in an online college that offers laptops to students for study. Other colleges may lend out free laptops to students enrolling in academic programs.
- Free computers are available in local libraries. Typically, tech companies may partner with public or school libraries to give out free computers to needy causes. You can check your local library near you to see if you qualify and send your request.
In addition, you can increase your chances of getting these free computers by becoming a member of the library and volunteering during your free time, such as cleaning or arranging books.
- Church-based organizations or groups also offer free computers to needy members. You only need to demonstrate that you deserve help. Also, these churches can identify needy cases in the community and donate free computers.
- Free computers are available as gifts when participating in online promotions such as filling surveys, watching videos, scanning grocery receipts and playing games.
Examples of platforms where you can earn gifts include Swagbucks, Microsoft Rewards, and InboxDollars. You can exchange the gift cards with a free computer.
