Frequently Asked Questions

GeneralDonationsBecome a Partner
  1. What does the National Cristina Foundation do?

    The National Cristina Foundation works to promote technology reuse by educating businesses and the public that such resources are invaluable tools worthy of a second productive life for developing human potential. The Foundation encourages donations of used equipment to support local nonprofits, schools and agencies.

    The Foundation focuses on service providing organizations targeting people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvantaged populations. The goal is to support the delivery of essential educational and training programs through provision of suitable technology resources.

  2. What is the Non-Profit Locator?

    The Non-Profit Locator is a web-based search tool that allows donors to find local non-profits, schools and agencies in need of equipment for their programs. Upon finding a possible recipient, the donor can review additional information about their programs and technology needs. The process for initiating the actual donation of equipment begins on the same website.

  3. What is the Cristina Network?

    The Cristina Network is a community of organizations benefiting from the reuse of technology. Organizations throughout the United States are connected through the Cristina Network as a system for sharing ideas and exploring reuse solutions. Only official partner organizations of the National Cristina Foundation can participate in the Cristina Network.

  4. Is there a charge for your services?

    No, the National Cristina Foundation does not charge donors or partner organizations for its services.

  5. Are you a Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Public Charity?

    Yes, the National Cristina Foundation is a non-for-profit 501(c)(3) private operating foundation.

  6. How can an organization or school receive equipment?

    Organizations with not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status as well as public schools and public agencies can apply for partnership in the Cristina Network. Partnership application can be found at

  7. My organization needs computers to help our fundraising efforts and/or to run our office administration. Will the National Cristina Foundation help us?

    No. The National Cristina Foundation supports organizations that use donated equipment for training, job development, educational programs and other related projects that focus directly on improving the lives of people with disabilities, students at risk, and economically disadvantaged populations.

  1. I have computer equipment that I would like to donate to the National Cristina Foundation. How do I do this?
    • Click Donate Equipment → Find a Recipient from the site’s main navigation on any page.
    • Enter your zip code and optionally, choose the type of organizations you’d like to donate to and/or the type of equipment you have for donation.
    • Using the search results, scan the non-profits found for a good match for your equipment and click the Donate Now button for that organization.
    • Fill out the short Donor Submission Form and await a contact from the organization acknowledging your donation and making plans for pick up or delivery (Please keep in mind that most nonprofits operate with limited resources so allow up to two days for notification).
  2. What equipment can I donate?

    A list of common donation items includes: PC Desktop Systems, PC Laptop Systems, Mac Desktop Systems, Mac Laptop Systems, PC CPU (Partial System)s, All-In-One Units, Answering Machines, CDROM Drives, Copiers, Digital Cameras, Pen/Drawing Tablets, Fax Machines, Flatbed Scanners, Hard Disk Drives, Keyboards, Modems, Monitors, Switch or Routers, Mice, Network Interface Cards, Tablet or PDAs, Plotters, Printers, Software Items, Sound Cards, Video Cards, and Miscellaneous Items. The needs of each partner organization is unique depending upon the type and size of program(s) they operate.

  3. What are the minimum requirements for donated equipment?

    Foundation partners have varying needs and conditions for what they will accept. Pentium IVs and higher CPUs are generally accepted. 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 where it can be responsibly recycled here.

  4. How do I wipe my hard drive of personal information?

    Before delivery/pickup of your equipment it is recommended you back up any necessary data and proceed to remove all data from your hard drive. The donor is responsible for the deletion of all data that may be contained on the computer hardware. There are several products available for data removal and cost for these software solutions vary with several being free. A Google Search will review numerous options. One such free product is Kill Disk located at 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.

  5. I’m not a company, can I still donate computer equipment?

    Yes! In fact, anyone can donate computer equipment. Individual donations are greatly appreciated.

  6. Are there tax benefits for donations by individuals?

    For individuals, the charitable deduction for contributions of technology equals the fair market value (retail used value in the current market place) of the donated property. A Donor Acknowledgement Letter containing details of your donation is provided upon the completion of the donation process. The donation is tax deductible for the year in which a partner organization receives the equipment. Shipping costs are also tax deductible under applicable rules and regulations. Value estimates of your donations can be obtained from for a nominal charge.

  7. 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 the National Cristina Foundation 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. A Donor Acknowledgement Letter is provided upon the completion of the donation process. That letter reflects the year in which a partner organization receives the equipment. Confirm eligibility for the deductions with your own tax adviser. Warehousing and shipping costs are also tax deductible under applicable rules and regulations. Value estimates of your donations can be obtained from for a nominal charge. IRS requires that the donor establish the fair market value of their contributions.

  8. Will my equipment definitely be accepted?

    It is not always possible to find homes for all donated equipment due mostly to the age and operability of some donations.

  1. What does becoming a partner with the National Cristina Foundation mean?

    Becoming a partner means joining the Cristina Network. Once a member you will have access to a variety of donation acquisition and tracking tools at no cost. This includes being listed in the search results of the Non-Profit Locator which can be found on multiple websites and integrating your own unique Technology Donation System on your own organization’s website.

  2. How do I become a partner in the Cristina Network?

    To become a partner, a nonprofit, school or public agency needs to complete an application at

  3. We need computers to help with fundraising, operating our administrative office or for use as a prize at our next event. Can you help us?

    No. The Cristina Network supports the donation of equipment for purposes directly related to training, job development, education, etc. All such projects must focus directly on improving the lives of people with disabilities, students at risk and/or the economically disadvantaged.

  4. My organization is seeking computers to distribute to families and individuals in our community. Is that permissible?

    Yes. Partner organization are encouraged to donate computers and other technology to those in need who might otherwise not have home access to such technology.

  5. Once my organization submits the Application, when will we learn if we have been accepted?

    All applications are carefully reviewed. Please allow approximately one month after you have provided the Foundation with all the requested information, to complete the necessary review. The Foundation will communicate with you at the email address you entered at the time of your application. The Foundation may also contact you with additional questions based on the content of your responses.