About
PCs for People is a national nonprofit social enterprise headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, that works to make digital equity a reality by getting low-cost quality computers and affordable internet into the homes of individuals, families, and nonprofits with low income. By collecting retired computers from businesses, securely wiping and refurbishing them, and redistributing them at low cost, the organization keeps electronics out of landfills while advancing digital inclusion.
Mission
Through electronic reuse, PCs for People provides the opportunity for all individuals, families, and nonprofits with low income to benefit from the life-changing impact of computers, internet, and digital skills.
What they do
- Refurbished computers: quality refurbished desktops and laptops sold at affordable prices to eligible individuals, families, and nonprofits through retail stores and an online shop, with a one-year hardware warranty.
- Low-cost internet: prepaid high-speed LTE internet service starting as low as 15 dollars per month, with no credit check or hidden fees.
- E-waste recycling and data destruction: free pickup and certified recycling of electronic equipment from businesses, corporations, and government organizations. PCs for People holds NAID AAA and R2 certifications for secure data destruction and environmentally responsible, zero-landfill recycling.
- Digital skills and support: a digital learning center with Microsoft digital literacy courses, one-on-one help through its Support Center, and affordable computer repair and technical support.
Eligibility for low-cost technology is based on income, focusing on people who need internet and computer access the most.
History
PCs for People was founded in 1998, beginning as a one-man effort in Mankato, Minnesota, to provide computers to kids in need. It has since grown into a national organization with an online presence in all fifty states, and its website lists physical locations including Saint Paul and Mankato, MN; Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Cleveland, OH; Cook County, IL; Denver, CO; Greater St. Louis; Hampton, VA; Kansas City, MO; Philadelphia, PA; and Seattle, WA. In its recycling workforce, the organization has built an award-winning partnership with MSS, a nonprofit supporting adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, whose clients gain hands-on work training within its e-waste recycling operations.
Scale and impact
The organization reports that since 1998 it has made a difference in the lives of 825,000 people through computers, internet, and digital skills training, and that it has provided technology to individuals, families, and nonprofits for over 25 years.
Financials
PCs for People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 26-2066045). According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending April 2025 it reported total revenue of 28,677,249 dollars, total expenses of 24,633,439 dollars, and total assets of 15,870,342 dollars. Its revenue mix combines contributions with earned income from sales of refurbished technology, reflecting its self-sustaining social enterprise model.