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Technology Equipment Donations

Donation Guidelines

Donated technology equipment may serve as a valuable addition to a school’s technology infrastructure, but please keep in mind that there is a “hidden cost” in accepting donated computers. This includes increased time for service, licensing, cost of spare parts, and other factors.

Such donations may serve as an unfortunate drain on school and district staff and fiscal resources if they do not meet minimum standards or if they are not in good condition.

“Donated equipment” refers to equipment previously used by individuals or corporations. It does not refer to non-standard equipment purchased new for the purpose of donating to a school. All new equipment must meet district purchasing standards.

Guidelines for Donated Equipment

To ensure that schools can benefit from donated equipment, it is important for all school sites and donors to follow the guidelines below.

Please note: There can be no expectation that donated equipment will be able to be repaired if it becomes inoperable.

Equipment Type
Minimum Standard

Windows Laptops
  • No more than 4 years old, in complete working order
  • Intel i5 or faster processor
  • 16 GB RAM
  •  256 GB hard drive
  • Windows 11 Education

Apple Computers
  • No more than 4 years old, in complete working order
  • M1 processor
  • 16 GB RAM
  • 250 GB hard drive
Chromebooks
  • No more than 3 years old, in complete working order
  • 4 GB RAM
  • Chromebook management license would need to be purchased by school; please check the purchasing website

Monitors
  • No more than 4 years old, in complete working order
  • Only flat screen monitors accepted (no CRTs)

Software
  • Fully licensed
  • Documentation where needed, including installation code
  • Certificates of authenticity where applicable

Planning and Technical Assistance

If you have any questions, contact the Information Technology department for planning and technical assistance:

Matthew Rosso, (925) 682-8000 ext. 40900 | rossom@mdusd.org
Eric Stephens, (925) 682-8000 ext. 40938 | stephense@mdusd.org

Important Exception Note

These guidelines are meant to be firm in order to protect schools from accepting donations that may not be helpful to them. In some rare cases, it may be possible to accept donations that deviate slightly from the guidelines. This may be done only if:

  • There is a compelling reason to do so.
  •  A school receives advance permission from the IT Department.

Related Policies

Computer Donation Policy

DonorsChoose Ownership Policy