Kramden Institute

What Kramden Institute does

Kramden Institute, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in June 2003 by Mark Dibner and his then-13-year-old son Ned Dibner in Durham, North Carolina (the name "Kramden" is "Mark" and "Ned" spelled backward). Its mission is to bridge the digital divide in North Carolina through a vertically integrated operating model: collecting donated computer equipment from businesses and individuals, refurbishing it to a standardized configuration (7th-generation i5 or newer, 128GB+ SSD, 8GB RAM, Windows 11 or Ubuntu), and redistributing it free or at steeply subsidized prices to K-12 students, low-income adults, NC nonprofits/schools, and the general public. Underlying technology includes a documented data sanitization protocol (software wiping with R2-certified physical destruction of failed drives, CCTV/alarm-monitored secure area) and i-SIGMA-aligned data destruction standards. Supporting products include the Kramden Tech Scholars program (free Ubuntu-based desktops for K-12 students with tech support through graduation), the Adult Technology Access Program ($40 desktops / $70 laptops with 90-day warranty for income-eligible adults), the Tech Equipment Partners program for NC nonprofits/schools, community sales every 3-4 weeks in Durham, and a top-rated eBay storefront with 5,000+ reviews.

Revenue mechanics are multi-stream and nonprofit-typical: (1) hardware sales to the public at $40/$70 plus eBay and community sales events, with proceeds recycled into mission programs; (2) equipment and monetary donations from individuals and corporations (processed via Stripe and Donorbox, with stock gifts and planned giving accepted); and (3) grants and program funding from foundations, municipalities, and corporate partners — including a $1.5M grant from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (June 2024), recurring Spectrum Digital Education grants through Charter Communications since 2017, and a $20,000 City of Raleigh Impact Partner Grant (Fall 2025). Education programs — Computer Basics (English and Spanish, with a free computer upon completion), Northstar online certification, Weekly Computer Club, Coders Club for grades 6-8, and STEAM Summer Camps ($275/session with scholarships down to $10/day) — are largely free or subsidized and function as mission delivery rather than revenue centers, though camps and Northstar contribute marginal program income.

Distribution is community-led through a network of 30+ partner referral agencies (StepUp Ministry, Durham Literacy Center, El Futuro, Durham Connects, Lincoln Community Health Center, Durham Housing Authority, Stanford L. Warren Library, Student U, Families Moving Forward), Wake and Durham County Public Schools, and a partnership with Apollo Net for low-cost internet. Cumulative impact since founding (per the 2025 Impact Report): 69,840+ computers awarded, 17,700+ people trained since 2014, and 2.4 million pounds of e-waste recycled since 2015 through R2-certified partners.

Name

Kramden Institute

Legal name

Kramden Institute, Inc.

Website

https://kramden.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kramden Institute is a Durham, NC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2003, that refurbishes donated computers and distributes them free or at subsidized prices to K-12 students, low-income adults, and North Carolina nonprofits, while delivering bilingual digital literacy training and e-waste recycling.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Inclusion Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Computer Training (61142), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Virtual Tutoring & Academic Intervention (K–12) (EDAJADAH)

Keywords

• Digital inclusion services
• Computer refurbishing nonprofit
• Digital literacy training
• E-waste recycling services
• Community technology access

Headquarters

HQ city

Durham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Computer Sales: Sale of refurbished computers to the general public through community sales events (every 3-4 weeks in Durham, NC) and eBay store (5,000+ positive reviews). Desktops $40, laptops $70. Proceeds fund mission programs.
2. Equipment Donations: Collection of donated computer equipment from businesses and individuals. Corporate donors receive free pickup, data sanitization, and tax-deductible receipts. Items not reusable are recycled through R2-certified partners.
3. Grants and Donations: Monetary donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Corporate matching programs, stock gifts, and donor-advised funds accepted. Received $20,000 Impact Partner Grant from City of Raleigh (Fall 2025) and $2,500 from NetActuate.
4. Monetary Donations: Individual donations processed online through Stripe and Donorbox. Recurring monthly donation subscriptions available. Stock gifts, planned giving, and bequests also accepted.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Kramden Institute refurbishes donated computer equipment and redistributes it free or at subsidized prices to underserved populations, while providing digital literacy training across North Carolina. The organization awards free computers to K-12 students, sells low-cost refurbished computers ($40 desktops, $70 laptops) to income-eligible adults, supplies discounted equipment to nonprofits and schools, and runs digital skills education programs including Computer Basics classes, Northstar certification, weekly Computer Club, Coders Club, and STEAM summer camps.

Product overview

Kramden Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2003 that bridges the digital divide through three interconnected pillars: Get Tech (devices), Learn Tech (education), and Give Tech (donations/volunteering). The core product portfolio centers on refurbished computer equipment programs including free computers for K-12 students (Kramden Tech Scholars), low-cost devices for income-eligible adults ($40 desktops, $70 laptops via the Adult Technology Access Program), and discounted equipment for nonprofits/schools (Tech Equipment Partners). Educational offerings include free in-person Computer Basics classes in English and Spanish, Northstar online certification courses, Weekly Computer Club open labs, Coders Club for middle schoolers, and Summer STEAM camps for grades 3-12. Supporting programs encompass internet access assistance, technical support, equipment recycling, corporate/individual donation programs, and volunteer events including the Geek-A-Thon team-building format. The organization has distributed over 69,840 computers and trained 17,700 people since inception.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Kramden Tech Scholars (K-12 Computer Program) Free desktop computers awarded to K-12 students in grades K-12 who lack consistent access to a working home computer. Computers come preinstalled with Ubuntu open-source operating system and over 60 apps including web browsing and word processing, with tech support through graduation.
• Adult Technology Access Program (TAP) Low-cost refurbished computers sold to income-eligible adults: $40 desktops with monitor and $70 laptops, both with Windows 11 installed and 90-day warranty. Eligibility requires income below 200% of poverty level or enrollment in government assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, Disability).
• Tech Equipment Partners Affordable, heavily discounted refurbished computer equipment sold to North Carolina nonprofits, schools, religious organizations, and institutions. Builds desktops, laptops, servers, and NAS devices to specification with 90-day warranty.
• Community Sales & eBay Public sales of refurbished computer equipment held every 3-4 weeks at the Durham office, plus online sales through eBay store with over 5,000 positive reviews. All proceeds support Kramden's digital inclusion programs.
• Free or Low-Cost Internet Program Assists community members in finding affordable internet service options, including help with Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) enrollment and partnerships with providers like Apollo Net for low-cost whole-home WiFi service.
• Computer Basics Course Free in-person beginner computer classes teaching Windows, word processing, Internet, and social media skills for adults 18+ with little or no computer experience. Offered in English and Spanish; attendees who complete all four classes receive a free computer.
• Northstar Online Training & Certification Free online instructor-guided Northstar computer skills courses and certificate assessments delivered via Zoom. Includes Basics (5-week fundamentals including Windows 11) and Office (4-week Microsoft Office and Google Docs) courses leading to resume-ready certificates.
• Weekly Computer Club Weekly open lab sessions for adults to build personalized computer experience with self-guided lessons, practice exercises, and instructor/volunteer support. Offered Wednesdays at Kramden and at partner locations (Stanford L. Warren Library, Durham Literacy Center).
• Coders Club Monthly coding events for middle school students in grades 6-8 featuring pizza dinner. Scholarships available for eligible participants.
• Summer Camps (STEAM) Technology and creativity summer camps for students grades 3-12. Elementary camps include Computer Quest and Let's Code! Coding Basics. Middle school camps include Tech Explorers, Digital Creativity, and Coding Basics. Camps range from 2-5 days at $275 each.
• Technical Support Technical support services for Kramden devices including 90-day free support for adult program devices and support through high school graduation for K-12 students. Post-warranty support available for $40 examination fee plus parts.
• Business & Corporate Donations Program Corporate equipment collection services including free pickup (minimum 20 desktops/laptops), data sanitization, and R2-certified downstream recycling. Donations are tax-deductible under 501(c)(3) status.
• Individual Donations Equipment donation acceptance from individuals for desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and peripherals during business hours. Donations are tax-deductible.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer opportunities including Wednesday Work Nights (4-8pm), daytime volunteering (Tuesdays/Thursdays 1-5pm, Fridays 9am-1pm), teaching assistant roles, and corporate group Geek-A-Thon events accommodating up to 200 volunteers.
• Geek-A-Thon (Group Sponsorships) Signature team-building event where volunteers refurbish computers assembly-line style. Options include onsite sessions (up to 10 people), sponsored events ($55/person with lunch and shirts), and large group events ($5,000-$15,000 for 1-3 days, up to 200 volunteers).

Quantifiable outcome

• 69,840 computers awarded to families in need since 2003
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• City of Raleigh Office of Strategy and InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2025Awarded $20,000 Fall 2025 Impact Partner Grant to Kramden for projects on economic prosperity and environmental resilience in Raleigh. Part of broader Impact Partner Grant program supporting local nonprofits.
• Digital DurhamcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Selected Kramden and Friday Institute as contractors for ARPA grant from City of Durham. Digital Durham working to expand Computer Club program across eligible census tracts in Durham.
• Apollo NetcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocally owned and operated internet service provider partnering with Kramden to provide low-cost whole-home WiFi service to under-served communities and students. Visit apollonet.org for sign-up.
• Friday Institute for Educational Innovation (NC State)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Kramden and Digital Durham to provide data services and formalize Computer Club model. Also provides Computer Science Enhancement Endowment support.
• Partner Agencies NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor30+ partner agencies including StepUp Ministry, El Futuro Inc., Community Empowerment Fund, Durham Connects, Lincoln Community Health Center, and others that refer eligible clients for computer programs.
• Student UcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNonprofit dedicated to creating equitable education system. Hosting Computer Club sessions as part of Digital Durham grant project.
• Durham Literacy CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdult education nonprofit providing free instruction, GED prep, and English classes. Hosting Computer Club sessions and nominating clients for programs.
• Durham Housing AuthoritycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-time partner hosting Computer Basics courses at housing properties. Expanding to include Computer Club for residents.
• Durham County Library - Stanford L. Warren BranchcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic library branch hosting Computer Basics courses since 2024 and Computer Club sessions. Provides public computer access and assistive technology.
• Families Moving ForwardminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNonprofit helping families in temporary homelessness crisis. Hosting Computer Club sessions as part of Digital Durham project.
• LenovominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner/donor providing equipment donations for refurbishing programs.
• MicrosoftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner/donor providing technology donations and support.
• LabcorpminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner/donor supporting digital inclusion mission.
• MetLifeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner/donor supporting digital inclusion mission.
• GoogleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner/donor supporting digital inclusion mission.
• VerizonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner/donor supporting digital inclusion mission.
• Wells FargominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner/donor supporting digital inclusion mission.
• Credit SuisseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner/donor supporting digital inclusion mission.
• City of DurhamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner/donor supporting digital inclusion mission.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• PCs for People: National 501(c)(3) that refurbishes donated computers and provides them to low-income individuals and families at low cost, alongside low-cost internet programs. Directly comparable mission, refurbished-hardware model, and digital inclusion focus, but operates across multiple states.
• Human-I-T: Nonprofit that refurbishes donated technology and provides it to underserved communities, students, and nonprofits, with digital literacy training. Same three-pillar model (devices, training, recycling) and similar target beneficiaries as Kramden.
• InterConnection: Seattle-based nonprofit refurbishing donated computers for distribution to low-income individuals and nonprofits internationally, with digital literacy training. Comparable refurbished-hardware-plus-training model and similar nonprofit distribution network.
• Computer Reach: Pittsburgh-based nonprofit refurbishing donated computers for distribution to schools, nonprofits, and low-income individuals, with digital literacy training. Closely aligned mission and operational model to Kramden.
• The On It Foundation: Nonprofit providing refurbished computers to K-12 students from low-income families, focused specifically on the student device access gap. Highly comparable core beneficiary (K-12 students without home computers) and refurbished hardware model.

Regional players

• Endless Dreams (E2D): Charlotte, NC-based nonprofit refurbishing laptops for high school students who cannot afford home computers. Same NC footprint and K-12 device-access mission, making it the closest same-state peer.

Emerging players

• World Computer Exchange: Nonprofit collecting and distributing refurbished computers to students in developing countries with digital literacy components. Comparable refurbished hardware mission with international reach, but different beneficiary geography.

Broad incumbents

• Digitunity: National nonprofit focused on digital inclusion and device access, coordinating a coalition of refurbishers and advocating for federal digital equity policy. Operates as a broader umbrella in the same space rather than direct device distribution.

Others

• NPower: National nonprofit providing free tech training and career pathways to young adults and military veterans from underserved communities. Comparable digital literacy training mission but with workforce-development focus rather than device distribution.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free technology training and career pathways to adults from underserved communities. Comparable adult digital skills training mission with similar target demographics but employment-focused rather than device-access focused.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/kramdeninstitute
• Xx.com/kramden

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kramden Institute