Salt Lake City

Information Management Services

349 S 200 E, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

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SLC Computers for the Community Program

Mission

Our mission is to repurpose surplus city computers by donating them to community members who need them. The SLC Computers for the Community Program helps bridge the digital divide, supports student achievement, and promotes digital literacy, all while reducing e-waste. This sustainable initiative operates at no additional cost to the City.

About

Every year, Salt Lake City ends up with about 300-500 surplus laptops and desktop computers. The lifespan of a city device can be between 3-5 years. Previously, the City sold them at a public auction, which ends up being a net loss for the City. It costs more in software and staff time to wipe the computers than what the City receives for them.

Instead of selling these surplus computers, the Department of Information Management Services obtained approval from our City Council to donate the devices to community members who need them.

This program is replicable and sustainable as it does not impact the City budget, plus it supports our residents and ensures less e-waste ends up in the land field.

2023 & 2024 Community Partners & Communities Served

Graphic of community parterns logos and number of communities served.

Application Process & Eligibility

Community organizations with established digital literacy programs can apply for surplus computers, which they must distribute to clients. To qualify, organizations must:

  • Serve Salt Lake City residents.  
  • Have an established digital literacy program to support clients in using their devices effectively.
  • Complete an application detailing their computer distribution plan and digital literacy programming.
  • Distribute at least 25 devices to individuals or families.

Organizations should note that:

  • Distribution is based on availability; organizations might receive fewer devices than requested.
  • Laptops, rather than desktops, are the primary surplus item, and brands/types may vary.
  • The donated devices are to be given to clients that the organization serves – and are not be used for the organization’s staff, board, or administration purposes.
  • If awarded, organizations are encouraged to share information on proper electronic recycling. Salt Lake City will provide an information flyer to assist with this.
  • Applicants must provide a non-profit EIN or tax-exempt number.
  • Surplus laptops will be awarded based on the strength of the organization’s application.

Applications will be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-served basis. The online application will close once enough requests have been received.

How To Apply

SLC Computers for the Community Program is no longer accepting applications. We’re currently working on restocking our supply to distribute more devices this year.

To stay updated on the next application cycle, please check back here or email innovation@slc.gov.

FAQ

Types of Computers

  • What type of surplus computers are available?
    The devices will mainly be PC laptops, with some Chromebooks. Once we know the available surplus, we’ll work with the awarded organization to determine their preferred devices.

Application Deadline

  • When is the final date to submit our application for the donation program?
    The application will stay open until all our surplus computers are donated. We aim to donate up to 500 computers this year. Devices become available at different times throughout the year. Typically, about 70 computers are available at a time. We will close the application once all the devices have been distributed, which in the past is between 1 to 4 months.

Distribution Timeline

  • After our application is accepted, how long does it take to receive the computers?
    If your application is approved, you’ll be notified of the number of computers awarded. You’ll then coordinate with IMS to schedule a pickup time, usually within two weeks of notification. The number of available devices may vary based on demand. Devices may become available later in the year, and we will notify applicants when more are available.

Additional Requirements

  • Are there any specific requirements to complete our application successfully?
    Please include details about your digital literacy program and how you ensure your clients will effectively use their new computers. Let us know what resources you provide to support their success.

Donations

  • Does the City accept computers for refurbishment?
    Unfortunately, we cannot accept or refurbish donated computers from the community. However, a local nonprofit called Tech Charities accepts computers and will refurbish them and donate them to community members in need of a computer.
    • Tech Charities’ Contact Info:

Contact Information

If you have questions please contact Hailey Leek at hailey.leek@slc.gov or call 385-414-0430.