Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Central Ohio Region of the Digital Opportunity Network℠?
The Digital Opportunity Network℠ is a free, purpose-driven, inclusive digital community space to connect, collaborate, and learn. The Network is sponsored by Digitunity and includes over 1,600 US-based organizations that have been pre-qualified to receive technology donations through the donation matching platform. Network members are united by the shared purpose of eliminating the technology gap.
The Central Ohio Region of the Digital Opportunity Network℠ focuses on technology donations within the 11-county Central Ohio Region. The goal is to drive local impact through local technology donations.
What is Digitunity?
Our mission is simple: We believe everyone who needs a computer should have one. For over four decades, Digitunity has been at the forefront of promoting technology reuse, educating both businesses and the public on the significant impact of giving computing devices a second productive life through donation.
Building upon the organization’s history of impact, Digitunity uses a network approach to advance digital inclusion with an emphasis on the repurposing of refurbished technology to support local nonprofits, schools, and government entities that serve marginalized populations. Through a dynamic partnership with Smart Columbus and ConnectUS, we have enhanced our proprietary donation platform and suite of tools, which has been matching donors to recipients since 2014, to boost digital equity across the central Ohio region.
What is ConnectUS?
ConnectUS is an initiative designed to bridge the digital divide in Central Ohio and is supported by the City of Columbus, Franklin County and BroadbandOhio.
ConnectUS aims to provide comprehensive support across three key areas: enhancing connectivity, ensuring access to essential digital devices, and imparting crucial digital life skills.
ConnectUS is facilitated by Smart Columbus, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition, an engaged group of 55 community organizations, anchor institutions, and local government offices dedicated to closing the digital divide across the Columbus Region.
Is there a charge for your services?
Neither Smart Columbus, ConnectUS, nor Digitunity charge technology donors or recipient organizations for its services.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, Digitunity is a 501(c)3 public charity nonprofit organization. Financial contributions may be made to support Digitunity here. Digitunity’s EIN is 86-3935645. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Consult your tax advisor for more information.
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
- Apple Mac desktop and Macbooks
- Tablets
- Monitors
- Printers and copiers
- Digital and web cameras
- Pen/drawing tablets
- Hard disk drives
- Keyboards and mice
- Switches/routers
- Network interface cards
- Sound/video cards
The needs of each recipient 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 five years old are accepted. If your equipment is older than five years, please reach out to validate the usability of your technology devices for donation. Hardware needing repair is considered on a case-by-case basis dependent upon available technical support. For equipment that’s reached the end of its useful life, learn more about responsible recycling at https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-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 proprietary suite of tools that allows individual donors of used technology to find nonprofits, schools, and agencies in their community that are in need of equipment. Use of the platform is provided free of charge to donors and recipient organizations. 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 Active@ KillDisk Freeware (http://killdisk.com/killdisk-freeware.htm) 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 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 works with your company to understand your specific organizations donation requirements. If any services are required (e.g. data wiping/destruction services), we match your organization with qualified nonprofit refurbishers, who then prepare and distribute computers in their communities. To learn more, please fill out our donation form at /donate-now/.
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?
No, only organizations with proof of 501(c)3 tax exempt status, as well as public schools and public agencies, can apply to receive donated technology via Digitunity’s donation matching platform.
Individuals should contact a nonprofit refurbisher member of the Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse who may offer free or low cost technology to individuals. To find a member near you, go to https://www.aftrr.org/map-locator/.
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 /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.
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. Typically, this 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.