Why Laptops Matter
In the modern digital world, laptop computers have become essential tools for education, jobs, and accessing critical services. As the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, technology determines opportunity – without a computer and internet access, remote schooling, work-from-home, telehealth appointments, and more are simply not options.
Unfortunately, with the average price of a laptop hovering around $700, many low-income individuals and families find themselves priced out of this necessity. Thankfully, there are a number of great charitable organizations that work to bridge the digital divide by providing free laptops to those in need.
Overview of Free Laptop Options
This guide will provide an in-depth look at 8 different methods for getting a free laptop:
- Compudopt
- PCs for People
- FreeCycle
- With Causes
- The On It Foundation
- EveryoneOn
- SmartRiverside
- Craigslist
The eligibility criteria, application process, and other key details vary for each option. Review the information below to determine which free laptop solution best fits your situation.
1. Compudopt
Compudopt is a national non-profit that aims to make technology more accessible through computer donations and other assistance programs. Unlike most other free computer charities, Compudopt uses a unique raffle system to distribute laptops and desktops.
Here is how it works:
- Visit the Compudopt Computer Giveaway page and register
- Qualified recipients (must have children and lack a working computer at home) get entered into laptop drawings
- If selected in the raffle, Compudopt ships a free refurbished computer to your door
In addition to regular drawings, Compudopt runs special raffles around the holidays and back-to-school season when computer needs tend to spike.
While getting chosen is not guaranteed, Compudopt awards multiple free computers every month. So be sure to sign up and keep an eye out for notifications if you win!
2. PCs for People
Since 1998, the non-profit PCs for People has helped over 250,000 low-income individuals and families access free computers and discount internet.
If you meet any of the eligibility criteria below, you can qualify for a free refurbished desktop or laptop from PCs for People:
- Enrollment in any government assistance program (SNAP, Medicaid, Public Housing, etc)
- Income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level
- Income at or below 60% of state median income
To get your free computer, bring valid photo ID and proof of program enrollment/income to one of 9 PCs for People locations across the Midwest. Those not located near a center can order online foreither in-store pickup or $20 home delivery.
PCs for People also offers heavily subsidized internet plans starting at $14.95 per month with free WiFi hotspot access. Bundling low-cost connectivity with a free computer can help bridge the digital divide.
3. FreeCycle
FreeCycle facilitates donations of used goods (including laptops) through local community groups. Nearly 11 million members are connected via email lists and forums to give away unneeded items or request things they need.
Getting a free laptop through FreeCycle entails:
- Join your local FreeCycle group on the FreeCycle website
- Make a "Wanted" post for a laptop
- If another local member has one to spare, they will respond to coordinate pickup
The grassroots nature and community orientation of FreeCycle offers certain advantages over more formal charity programs. There is no income verification or lengthy application – just connect with your neighbors to share resources.
Succeeding with FreeCycle does require regularly checking and posting. So persistence and engagement within your local group are key!
4. With Causes
The nonprofit With Causes runs a special initiative called Need a Helping Hand? focused specifically on providing free computers.
Recipients do not need to prove income level, disability status, or anything else. You simply:
- Visit the With Causes website
- Fill out a 1 page form detailing why you need a laptop
- If approved, With Causes ships a computer within 30 days
The key is crafting a compelling story in your form. With Causes wants to understand how a laptop could empower or assist you rather than just checking off eligibility criteria boxes.
If your initial request gets declined, you can reapply every 30 days. So take time to amend and strengthen your application. With some perseverance, With Causes can be a pathway to getting the free computer you need.
5. The On It Foundation
Since 1999, The On It Foundation has specialized in supplying free refurbished computers to school-age children through their Classroom Connections program.
Here‘s how to qualify and apply:
- Have at least one child enrolled in the public school free/reduced lunch program (or other verification of need)
- Write a letter to The On It Foundation detailing your situation and requesting a computer
- Include income verification documents from the school
- If approved, your child will receive a free laptop
In addition to the computer itself, The On It Foundation provides warranty, replacements parts, and technical support. So if something breaks or the laptop needs an upgrade, help is available.
For families with students who need assistance, this organization delivers an impactful solution.
6. EveryoneOn
Originally started as the Connect2Compete digital inclusion campaign, EveryoneOn transformed into a national nonprofit working to close the digital divide. Though based in the DC area, EveryoneOn ships free refurbished laptops and discount internet service nationwide.
You qualify for their offers if you:
- Have children enrolled in the NSLP school lunch program
- Participate in any government assistance programs (SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, etc)
- Are a senior citizen or military veteran
- Receive disability benefits
Visit EveryoneOn‘s Offers page and input your zip code to view available free or low-cost computers and internet plans.
By aggregating and vetting deals from various providers (Mobile Beacon, HumanIT, etc), EveryoneOn simplifies connecting those in need with essential digital access solutions.
7. SmartRiverside
SmartRiverside is a California nonprofit bridging the digital divide specifically across Riverside County. However, their free laptop program assists qualifying recipients statewide.
To get a free computer from SmartRiverside:
- You must reside in California
- Your total household income cannot exceed $45,000 per year
- Attend an 8 hour digital literacy training class
SmartRiverside does great work equipping the digitally disadvantaged with both hardware and vital computer skills. While more restrictive than some other options, this charity opens up technology access to hundreds of Californians annually.
8. Craigslist
Craigslist offers a way to find free laptops through postings rather than a formal nonprofit program. Check the Free section for your local area to spot folks giving laptops away.
If you don‘t see any listings, consider making a "Want" post detailing your need for a computer. There‘s a chance a good samaritan browsing Craigslist could donate an unused laptop.
While success is uncertain, Craigslist taps into local goodwill without any red tape. For those in urgent need, it provides another option to find a free computer.
Comparison of Free Laptop Charities
| Compudopt | PCs for People | FreeCycle | WithCauses | On It Foundation | EveryoneOn | SmartRiverside | Craigslist | |
| Application Method | Raffle Entry Form | In-person/Online Order | Community Email Group | Online Request Form | Write Paper Letter | Enter Zip Code Online | California Application | Browse/Post Listings |
| Key Eligibility | Have child(ren) No home computer |
Government assistance recipient Low income |
None | None | Child in school lunch program | Government assistance recipient Senior/veteran/disability |
California resident Under $45k income |
None |
| Additional Perks | Occasional raffles | Cheap internet | Local community | Reapply every 30 days | Warranty & support | Discounted internet | Digital literacy training | None |
Frequently Asked Laptop Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about getting free computers:
How can I get a free laptop?
This guide covered 8 methods – apply to charity programs, use mutual aid groups, or look for local classified listings. Eligibility and processes differ, so review each option.
What‘s the easiest way to get a laptop for free?
Craigslist and FreeCycle likely involve the least application bureaucracy. However, the chances of success are lower than programs like Compudopt or EveryoneOn.
My child needs a computer for remote school. What are our options?
Organizations like Compudopt, EveryoneOn, PCs for People, and The On It Foundation specialize in supplying laptops for students in need. runner3
What if I make too much money to qualify for low-income programs?
FreeCycle and Craigslist still provide possibilities to find laptop donations without income requirements. EveryoneOn also aggregates some deals open to higher income levels.
How can I get technical support for my free computer?
The On It Foundation offers warranty, replacement parts, and troubleshooting assistance. Many other charities provide minimal tech support. Maintaining a free laptop yourself or finding help online may be necessary.
