What Computers For People does

Computers 4 People (legal entity: Computers For People, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 83-3405612) founded in 2019 in Hoboken, New Jersey by Dylan Zajac, then 15 years old. The organization collects donated computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronics from individuals and corporations, professionally refurbishes them with NIST 800-88 compliant data erasure (with certificates of data destruction issued to donors), and distributes them at no cost to underserved individuals and families across New Jersey, New York City, and Massachusetts through a network of more than 400 nonprofit partner organizations. Non-reusable devices are routed to R2-certified downstream partners for responsible recycling, with drop-off intake supported by more than 10,000 FedEx and Walgreens locations nationwide.

The organization's product and service stack has expanded beyond core device refurbishment. In 2023 it introduced digital skills training (PC Building Classes for teenagers ages 13-18, general digital literacy classes, and a 14-week foundational curriculum with certificate) and mobile hotspot distribution. In 2025 it launched Shield Internet, an affordable 5G/4G mobile hotspot and SIM service priced at $14.89/month or $13/month billed annually ($156/year), operating as a T-Mobile network reseller; 100% of Shield profits are pledged to fund computer donations, creating an internal cross-subsidy between the connectivity and device arms.

The business model combines three revenue streams: tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations (including 250+ named corporate donors such as AT&T, Comcast, Vista Equity Partners, Carlyle, Invesco, and Insight Partners), Shield Internet subscription revenue, and e-waste recycling services. The organization markets primarily through its website (computers4people.org), email newsletter, organic social media, and earned media coverage (Forbes, NBC, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Entrepreneur). Reported impact metrics include 7,967 computers donated, 5,000+ households powered with internet via Shield, 5M+ hours of internet access delivered, and 261 digital skills classes, with a stated mission goal of 1,000,000 computers donated by 2030. No public revenue figure is disclosed, though audited IRS Form 990s are filed annually.

Name

Computers For People

Legal name

Computers For People, Inc.

Website

https://computers4people.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Inclusion Services

NAICS

Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (81121), Consumer Electronics and Appliances Rental (532210), Business Support Services (5614)

SIC

Computer & Office Equipment (3570), Services-Computer Rental & Leasing (7377)

akta.pro primary industry

Certified Refurbished Electronics Retail (CRACAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Consumer E-waste Collection & Take-Back Programs (EUAIAIAA), Electronics Rental, Leasing & Subscription (Refurbished/Pre-Owned) (CRACAJAI), Electronics Recycling & Material Recovery (Dismantling/Separation) (BPALAIAE)

Keywords

• Refurbished computer distribution
• Digital inclusion services
• Affordable internet access
• Digital literacy training
• E-waste recycling services

Headquarters

HQ city

Hoboken

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations to support the nonprofit mission of providing free computers and internet access to underserved communities.
2. Shield Internet Subscriptions: Monthly and annual prepaid internet plans ($14.89/month or $13.00/month billed annually) for 5G/4G hotspot service. Revenue funds computer donations - 100% of profits donated to charity.
3. E-Waste Recycling Services: Responsible recycling of non-reusable electronic devices through R2-certified downstream partners, accepting any electronics with tax deductible receipts provided.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Computers 4 People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that collects donated computers, laptops, and tablets from individuals and corporations, professionally refurbishes them using NIST 800-88 certified data erasure, and distributes them free of charge to underserved individuals through a network of 400+ nonprofit partners in NJ, NYC, and MA. The organization also sells affordable 5G/4G Shield Internet subscriptions ($13–$14.89/month, powered by T-Mobile), runs free digital literacy and PC-building classes, and accepts e-waste at 10,000+ FedEx and Walgreens locations for responsible R2-certified recycling.

Product overview

Computers For People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating a multi-pronged digital equity mission. The core offerings include: (1) Refurbished Device Distribution — collecting and professionally refurbishing donated electronics (computers, laptops, tablets) using NIST 800-88 standards and distributing them at no cost to underserved individuals; (2) Shield Internet — an affordable internet service ($14.89/month) that funds computer donations through its revenue model, offering both 4G and 5G hotspot devices; (3) Digital Skills Classes — instructor-led training programs covering PC building and digital literacy, offered through nonprofit partnerships; and (4) E-Waste Dropoff — a nationwide recycling service at retail locations. The organization partners with 400+ nonprofits across NJ, NYC, and MA to identify recipients and deliver services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Shield Internet: Affordable 5G/4G internet service for $14.89/month (monthly) or $13/month (annual). Every subscription funds a computer donation. Recognized by NDIA with Best Tier rating.

Products and services

• Refurbished Device Distribution Collects donated computers, laptops, tablets, keyboards, and other electronics from individuals and companies, professionally refurbishes them using NIST 800-88 data erasure standards, and distributes them at no cost to individuals and organizations in under-resourced communities across NJ, NYC, and MA.
• Shield Internet Affordable 5G/4G LTE mobile internet service powered by T-Mobile's network, offered with no contracts and no credit checks. Available as monthly ($14.89/month) or annual ($13/month, $156/year) subscription plans with unlimited data. Recognized by NDIA with a Best Tier Honor Roll rating.
• Jextream 5G Hotspot Device Open-box 5G hotspot device compatible with T-Mobile's network, featuring WiFi 6 dual-band, support for up to 20 devices, and a 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery with power-bank functionality. Sold as a one-time purchase bundled with a 12-month prepaid Shield Internet plan.
• Franklin 4G Hotspot Device Brand new 4G LTE hotspot device compatible with Shield Internet, supporting up to 10 devices simultaneously with up to 10 hours of battery life and a replaceable battery. Available as a one-time $60 purchase.
• Digital Skills Classes Free digital literacy education programs delivered in partnership with nonprofits (RiseBoro, Community Access, Jersey City Housing Authority, Hoboken Public Library). Includes PC Building Classes for teenagers ages 13–18, Digital Skills/Literacy Classes for all ages covering hardware, software, email, Google Suite, and online safety, and a 14-week in-person foundational curriculum with certificate upon completion.
• E-Waste Drop-off Service Nationwide electronics recycling service accepting laptops, smartphones, and tablets at more than 10,000 FedEx and Walgreens locations via QR-code tracking. Devices are securely wiped, refurbished if possible, or responsibly recycled through R2-certified downstream partners. Tax-deductible receipts are provided.
• Corporate Device Donation Pickup Free pickup service for companies donating 50 or more devices, plus nationwide drop-off options at FedEx and Walgreens locations for smaller donations. Donors receive NIST 800-88 certified certificates of data destruction via an online portal.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7,967 computers donated to date with goal of 1,000,000 by 2030
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mission TelecomcoreTechnology or IntegrationMission Telecom is listed as a logo partner and powers Shield Internet service. The company appears as a featured logo on the Shield Internet page and is listed among nonprofit partners.
• United WaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way is listed among nonprofit partners, providing services to under-resourced communities and nominating recipients for computer donations.
• RiseBorocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiseBoro collaborates with C4P to deliver digital literacy courses to under-resourced communities, hosting digital skills classes.
• Community AccesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Access collaborates with C4P to deliver digital literacy courses, providing instruction to under-resourced communities.
• Jersey City Housing AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJersey City Housing Authority collaborates with C4P to deliver digital literacy courses to residents.
• Hoboken Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHoboken Public Library partners with C4P to deliver digital literacy courses and serves as an e-waste drop-off location.
• City of BostoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Boston is listed among nonprofit partners, providing services to under-resourced communities in the Massachusetts region.
• Jewish BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJewish Board is listed among nonprofit partners providing community services and nominating recipients.
• Per ScholascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPer Scholas is listed among nonprofit partners focused on technology training and workforce development.
• CAMBAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAMBA is listed among nonprofit partners providing services to Brooklyn communities and nominating recipients.
• Boys and Girls ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoys and Girls Club is listed among nonprofit partners serving youth and families.
• GoodwillcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoodwill is listed among nonprofit partners providing workforce services and community support.
• Catholic CharitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatholic Charities is listed among nonprofit partners providing social services and nominating recipients.
• T-MobilecoreTechnology or IntegrationT-Mobile's network provides the underlying infrastructure for Shield Internet's 5G/4G service.
• FedExminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFedEx locations nationwide serve as drop-off points for donated laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
• WalgreensminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWalgreens locations nationwide serve as drop-off points for donated laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• World Computer Exchange: Nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and distributes them to schools and libraries in developing regions. Comparable donation-to-refurbishment-to-distribution model with a global rather than domestic focus.
• PCs for People: National 501(c)(3) nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and offers low-cost mobile broadband (PCs for People Mobile) to low-income households. Operates an almost identical 'device + internet' digital inclusion model and is the most direct comparable to Computers 4 People.
• Human-I-T: Nonprofit that refurbishes donated technology and distributes it to underserved communities, schools, and nonprofits, while also offering low-cost home internet (ConnectAll). Same mission, same device-refurbishment-plus-connectivity model.
• InterConnection: Nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and ships them to underserved communities domestically and internationally. Closely comparable core mission and refurbishment-driven distribution model.
• Mobile Beacon: Nonprofit mobile broadband provider offering low-cost 4G LTE service to nonprofits, schools, libraries, and low-income individuals. Directly comparable to Shield Internet's connectivity arm and a likely partner/competitor in the affordable-internet segment.

Broad incumbents

• Back Market: Largest commercial certified-refurbished electronics marketplace. Comparable refurbished-device category and consumer demand-side audience, but operates for-profit at much larger scale and without the nonprofit/digital-inclusion mission layer.
• Reconnect by Best Buy: Consumer electronics trade-in and recycling program run by Best Buy. Comparable consumer-facing e-waste drop-off and trade-in capability that competes for the same donor-supply attention at retail locations.

Others

• CompuCycle: R2-certified ITAD provider focused on secure data destruction and responsible electronics recycling for enterprise clients. Comparable regulatory certifications and enterprise-donor onboarding flow.
• Cascade Asset Management: R2v3-certified ITAD enterprise that handles corporate end-of-life electronics, data destruction, and resale. Comparable downstream ITAD and NIST-compliant data-erasure capabilities that support enterprise donor relationships.

Emerging players

• ecoATM: Consumer electronics recycling kiosks that buy used devices and route them to reuse or recycling. Comparable e-waste collection infrastructure (FedEx/Walgreens drop-off overlap), but commercial rather than mission-driven.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/computers4people
• Xx.com/Computer4people
• Facebookfacebook.com/Computers4People

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Computers For People