By James D’Ambrosio
Need to upgrade computers? Can’t afford that all-important new donor software? Productivity lagging with old technology? Not to worry — TechSoup can help.
TechSoup, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit based in San Francisco, connects nonprofits and public libraries with donated and deeply discounted technology products and services, including refurbished hardware; software from Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, Intuit and Symantec; and a lot more. In most cases, eligible nonprofits pay just 5-10 percent of retail cost — a 90+ percent savings! Registered, qualified agencies can access myriad offerings where they meet requirements.
Note: There are 50+ programs for nonprofits in addition to the one described below, each with its own specific eligibility requirements. Review guidelines before requesting donations. (See links at end of column.)
A NONPROFIT FAVORITE: REFURBISHED COMPUTER INITIATIVE
One popular nonprofit program is the Refurbished Computer Initiative (RCI). TechSoup, partnering with computer refurbishers and companies supporting social change through technology, provides refurbished computers and hardware solutions. Hardware is available from Dell, HP and IBM; TechSoup’s partners guarantee equipment is in top condition — extensive testing, repair, restoration and cleaning. Computers are available in three categories: 1) Low-Tier: designed for single tasks with lower processor speeds/less storage; 2) Mid-Tier: equipped for multi-tasking/more complex tasks; and 3) High-Tier: suited for fast-paced business environments supporting Web publishing, advanced image- and video-editing, and more powerful processors.
To qualify for RCI, organizations must meet these requirements:
♦ A 501 (c)(3) U.S. nonprofit, or U.S. public library with valid 501 (c)(3) status or listing in the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) database. (Organizations in U.S. territories are NOT eligible.)
♦ Must have a nonreligious purpose or be a religious organization with a secular community designation.
♦ Must agree to: a) participate in customer surveys and a case study, if asked; b) provide information about how products will be used and what operational/mission impacts they are expected to have; and c) give feedback on the program’s overall process —problems, concerns and suggested improvements.
♦ Product donations are distributed only to qualifying organizations — NOT individuals.
♦ Eligible 501 (c)(3) nonprofits/public libraries can request any number of products within a fiscal year (July 1-June 30). However, each request is limited to 10 of any individual product.
♦ Recipient organizations must accept the Microsoft Registered Refurbisher Program’s Eligible Recipient Agreement (provided by the refurbisher partner), when first starting each computer.
♦ Attest they do not advocate, support or practice any form(s) of discrimination.
KEY DETAILS: ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION/REGISTRATION
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR 50+ PROGRAMS
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHICH PROGRAMS YOU QUALIFY FOR
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRODUCT CATALOG
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QUESTIONS TO READERS:
A) Have you received products and services from TechSoup? B) If so, what has been your experience?
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Discounted Technology for Nonprofits, Nonprofit Savings on Computers, Refurbished Computer Initiative, TechSoup, TechSoup Nonprofit Programs |
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