PCs for People
PCs for People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides refurbished computers, low-cost internet, and NAID AAA/R2-certified e-waste recycling to low-income individuals, nonprofits, and enterprises across 11 US locations and all 50 states online.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersKansas City, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What PCs for People does
PCs for People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1998 in Mankato, Minnesota and headquartered in St. Paul, MN. The organization addresses the digital divide by providing affordable refurbished computers, low-cost mobile and fixed wireless internet, NAID AAA-certified data destruction, and R2v3-certified e-waste recycling services. It operates 11 physical retail and refurbishment locations across nine states (including Atlanta, Baltimore, Cleveland, Cook County, Denver, Hampton VA, Kansas City, Greater St. Louis, Seattle, plus St. Paul and Mankato MN) and distributes computers and internet service online to all 50 states through pcsrefurbished.com.
The underlying technology stack combines a refurbishment and logistics operation (Linux/Windows 11 desktops and laptops priced free–$150) with wireless internet delivery through T-Mobile network partnerships via Mobile Beacon, Mobile Citizen, and 35 Mile. Certified data sanitization and downstream vendor management are core operational processes. The product portfolio extends to fixed wireless internet for homes and multi-dwelling units, computer repair services, and digital skills training delivered through partnerships with Microsoft, Grow with Google, and Northstar Digital Literacy, including the KidsTek K-12 sub-brand in Colorado.
The business operates as a self-sustaining social enterprise: revenue is generated from refurbished hardware sales, recurring internet subscriptions starting at $15/month, and corporate e-waste recycling fees ($0.25–$0.55 per pound on certain categories, free pickup for 15+ device enterprises), supplemented by donations and grants. Customers are primarily low-income individuals and families qualifying via federal assistance programs, with secondary segments of nonprofits, government entities (e.g., State of Ohio), and enterprises donating used equipment. Eligibility-gated, multi-channel distribution (retail, e-commerce, events, phone) is the go-to-market motion.
PCs for People firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PCs for People
- Legal name
- PCs for People
- Website
- https://pcsforpeople.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- PCs for People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides refurbished computers, low-cost internet, and NAID AAA/R2-certified e-waste recycling to low-income individuals, nonprofits, and enterprises across 11 US locations and all 50 states online.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PCs for People industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Inclusion Services
- NAICS
- Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411)
- SIC
- Retail-Computer & Computer Software Stores (5734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Consumer Desktops (Home & Family PCs) (HDACAAAA)
Keywords
Where PCs for People is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kansas City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices11 records
Markets served
PCs for People business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Refurbished Computer Sales: Sale of refurbished desktop and laptop computers to eligible low-income individuals and nonprofits. Computers are sourced from business donations, refurbished, and sold at deeply discounted prices ($0-$150 range). Revenue supports the organization's self-sustaining social enterprise model.
- Internet Service Subscriptions: Monthly and multi-month prepaid internet service plans starting at $15/month. Includes mobile hotspot devices and fixed wireless internet through partnerships with T-Mobile, Mobile Beacon, Mobile Citizen, and 35 Mile.
- Corporate E-Waste Recycling: Free e-waste pickup and recycling services for businesses, educational organizations, and government agencies with a minimum of 15 computers. CRT monitors and televisions accepted at $0.55 per pound. Copiers/plotters at $0.25 per pound.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Linux Desktops - Free to $29 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Windows Laptops - $50 to $150 |
| Subscription | Monthly | Internet Plans - $15/month starting |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Computer Repair - $25 base |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mobile Hotspot Devices - $20 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
PCs for People product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PCs for People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and resells them at deeply discounted prices ($0-$150) to eligible low-income individuals and nonprofits. It distributes low-cost mobile hotspot and fixed wireless internet subscriptions (starting at $15/month) through T-Mobile partnerships, and provides NAID AAA-certified corporate e-waste recycling with free pickup for businesses with 15+ devices.
Product overview
PCs for People is a nonprofit digital inclusion organization offering a portfolio of technology products and services. Core offerings include refurbished desktop and laptop computers (sold in-store and online at pcsrefurbished.com), mobile hotspot internet service using T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE networks, and fixed wireless internet for homes and multi-dwelling units. The company provides e-waste recycling services for businesses with certified data destruction, computer repair services, and digital skills training through the Digital Learning Center. Additional programs include KidsTek for K-12 tech education in Colorado. The organization operates retail locations across multiple states and serves customers online nationwide, focusing on low-income individuals and nonprofits who meet eligibility requirements.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- KidsTek: A program of PCs for People focused on preparing students for academic, career and personal success by increasing tech literacy at Colorado's highest-needs K-12 schools. It teaches elementary students that technology is fun through projects incorporating basic computer skills.
Products and services
- Refurbished Desktop Computers Refurbished desktop computers available with Linux Mint or Windows 11, priced from free (limited supply) to $100+. Each system includes tower, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a one-year hardware warranty. Sold to eligible low-income individuals and nonprofits in-store and online.
- Refurbished Laptop Computers Refurbished laptop computers with Windows 11, priced from $50 to $150, available in Good ($50), Better ($100), and Best ($150) tiers with 8-16 GB RAM and 120-250 GB SSD. Includes one-year hardware warranty. Sold to eligible individuals and nonprofits.
- Mobile Hotspot Internet 5G and 4G LTE mobile hotspot service providing high-speed internet with unlimited data, no throttling, no credit checks, and no hidden fees. Plans start at $15/month with prepaid 1, 6, and 12 month options. Device purchase (e.g., Franklin T10 at $20) is separate. Targets eligible low-income households.
- Fixed Wireless Internet Fixed wireless internet service using 4G LTE/5G with speeds up to 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. Special towers are installed in underserved areas. Equipment includes Baicells modems, AirCube, BTI indoor/outdoor CPE, BTI indoor WiFi routers, and Ubiquiti Fiber WiFi. Targets households without wired broadband.
- Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) Internet Wireless internet for multi-dwelling unit buildings with access points installed throughout properties. Delivers low-cost, high-speed internet to residents with customized network installation and ongoing support. Deployed in partnership with local housing authorities.
- E-Waste Recycling Services Corporate e-waste pickup and recycling service for businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. Free pickup with a minimum of 15 computers. Includes NAID AAA-certified data destruction and R2v3-certified recycling with zero-landfill impact. CRT monitors and televisions accepted at $0.55/pound; copiers/plotters at $0.25/pound.
- Affordable Computer Repair Computer repair service for eligible recipients. Basic repairs $25; screen replacement $35; services requiring laptop opening $45; virus removal $45. Additional parts ordered separately. Typical completion within two weeks.
- Digital Learning Center Free digital skills training through classes and workshops covering essential computer skills, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, internet safety, and career development. Delivered in-person in St. Paul and virtually nationwide via Zoom or Google Meet, including workshops with Grow with Google and Microsoft Digital Literacy courses on LinkedIn Learning. Learners can earn professional certificates from Northstar Digital Literacy.
- KidsTek Tech literacy program for K-12 students at Colorado's highest-needs schools. A sub-brand of PCs for People, KidsTek teaches elementary students that technology is fun through projects incorporating basic computer skills to prepare students for academic, career, and personal success.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1 million people impacted since founding in 1998
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use PCs for People
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
PCs for People technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
PCs for People partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- T-MobilecorePrimary internet service provider partnership for mobile hotspot and fixed wireless internet services. T-Mobile provides the network infrastructure while PCs for People distributes internet access to eligible low-income customers through Mobile Beacon, Mobile Citizen, and 35 Mile partnerships.
- Mobile BeaconcoreNonprofit internet service provider partner enabling affordable broadband access for education, healthcare, and community organizations through T-Mobile network.
- Mobile CitizencoreNonprofit ISP partner providing low-cost internet access to communities through T-Mobile infrastructure partnership.
- 35 MilecoreISP partner in the partnership network enabling mobile internet service delivery to PCs for People customers.
- MicrosoftcoreDigital literacy education partnership providing Microsoft Digital Literacy courses through LinkedIn Learning. Offers courses on computer basics, Microsoft Office, internet safety, and career development skills.
- Grow with GooglecoreDigital skills workshop partnership offering free webinars on career development, job search skills, and Google tools. PCs for People Colorado hosts 3-4 remote workshops per month on digital skills topics.
- Northstar Digital LiteracycoreCertification partnership enabling PCs for People customers to earn professional digital literacy certificates that demonstrate computer skills on resumes.
- MSS (Midwest Special Services)coreAward-winning partnership with nonprofit supporting adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. MSS clients gain hands-on experience through work training, internships, and volunteer opportunities in electronics recycling operations.
- State of OhioflagshipGovernment partnership to expand internet access and distribute internet-ready devices to close the digital divide. Growing partnership with state to reach underserved communities.
- SERFAminorPartnership with Virginia-based electronics recycler operated by 17-year-old student Loch Macfarlane. SERFA collects electronics, wipes data, and redistributes through PCs for People network after signing MOU in late 2024.
- Local Housing AuthoritiescorePartnerships with housing authorities to provide fixed wireless internet and MDU (Multi-Dwelling Unit) solutions for residents in public housing and assisted living facilities.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PCs for People competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Digitunity: Nonprofit coalition working to eliminate the device divide by connecting device donors with refurbishers and recipients — comparable mission and overlapping partner ecosystem.
- EveryoneOn: National nonprofit connecting low-income Americans to affordable internet, devices, and digital literacy training — operates a similar hub-and-partner model across multiple US regions.
- Human-I-T: Nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and provides low-cost internet and digital literacy training to low-income individuals — the closest mission-aligned analog to PCs for People, with overlapping donor, grant, and government funding pools.
- Mobile Beacon: Nonprofit mobile broadband provider delivering low-cost internet through carrier partnerships (including T-Mobile) — already a named partner of PCs for People and serves the same digital-inclusion customer base.
- Mobile Citizen: Nonprofit ISP providing affordable mobile broadband to nonprofits, schools, and low-income families via T-Mobile's network — directly comparable business model and named partner of PCs for People.
Broad incumbents
- Gazelle: For-profit electronics recommerce platform buying and reselling used smartphones, tablets, and laptops — adjacent competitor in the refurbished/pre-owned consumer electronics category.
- Back Market: For-profit refurbished electronics marketplace selling professionally renewed computers and devices with warranty backing — represents the commercial-scale competitive threat in the same product category.
- ConnectHomeUSA: HUD-led federal initiative partnering with public housing authorities to provide broadband and devices to residents — government-led program that overlaps with PCs for People's housing-authority MDU partnerships.
Emerging players
- Cox Communications (Connect2Compete): Major ISP offering a low-income internet program (Connect2Compete) comparable to PCs for People's prepaid mobile hotspot plans, but as part of a larger consumer broadband business rather than a standalone digital-inclusion mission.
- Goodwill Industries (Dell Reconnect): National nonprofit-affiliated e-waste collection and refurbishment program operated jointly with Dell — directly comparable e-waste recycling infrastructure and similar reliance on donated electronics as inventory input.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PCs for People social profiles
Digital presencePCs for People compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
PCs for People financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PCs for People leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
PCs for People funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PCs for People M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PCs for People
What does PCs for People do?
PCs for People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and resells them at deeply discounted prices ($0-$150) to eligible low-income individuals and nonprofits. It distributes low-cost mobile hotspot and fixed wireless internet subscriptions (starting at $15/month) through T-Mobile partnerships, and provides NAID AAA-certified corporate e-waste recycling with free pickup for businesses with 15+ devices.
Is PCs for People a public or private company?
PCs for People is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was PCs for People founded?
PCs for People was founded in 1998. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is PCs for People based?
PCs for People is headquartered in Kansas City, United States, in the North America region.
How does PCs for People make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Refurbished Computer Sales are the primary driver. The others are internet Service Subscriptions and corporate E-Waste Recycling.
Who are PCs for People's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Digitunity, EveryoneOn, Human-I-T, Mobile Beacon and Mobile Citizen. Broad incumbents are Gazelle, Back Market and ConnectHomeUSA. Emerging players are Cox Communications (Connect2Compete) and Goodwill Industries (Dell Reconnect).
Does PCs for People have an API?
No public API is recorded for PCs for People.
What industry is PCs for People in?
PCs for People's product category is Digital Inclusion Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACAAAA, Consumer Desktops (Home & Family PCs). Its NAICS code is 33411 and its SIC code is 5734.