Which drones we consider
We review every donation case by case. Tell us what you have on the form, add a photo or two, and our team will let you know.
Batteries
Ask us before shipping lithium batteries.
Memory card
Remove it or erase it.
Your account
Unbind the drone from your account.
Drone brands we see often
DJI, Autel Robotics, Skydio, Parrot, Holy Stone, Potensic, Ryze Tello, Yuneec, Snaptain and BetaFPV, and many more.
Not on the list? It is here to help you find your drone, not to limit what we consider. We review every make and model, listed or not, including small builders and brands that are no longer around. What matters is condition, never the name on the body, so enter yours on the form even if you don't see it here.
What to know about donating a drone
Where drones end up
Drones support STEM classes, mapping projects and photography programs. Students learn flight, safety and how aerial images are made.
Camera drones and hobby drones from DJI, Autel, Skydio and others are reviewed.
What we look at during review
Tell us the model, the controller, how many batteries and whether it flies. Photos of the propellers and gimbal help.
Unbind the drone from your account first so it can be registered to a new owner.
Batteries
Drone batteries are lithium and need care in shipping. Don't ship swollen or damaged batteries. We send battery shipping instructions after approval.
Value and your tax receipt
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your drone, which is what the same model in similar condition sells for used today. You determine the value; we can't appraise it. Giving Center sends a written acknowledgment describing what you donated.
Starting with the 2026 tax year, itemizers can deduct only giving above 0.5% of adjusted gross income, and items you deduct at more than $500 need Form 8283. Our tax guide covers the details. Ask your tax preparer what applies to you.
Condition: what we can use
Every donation is reviewed case by case. We can't promise acceptance before review.
Before you ship: unbind, clear, pack safely
Drones can be linked to your account and store flight logs and footage. Clearing them protects your privacy.
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1
Unbind your account
Remove the drone from your account in the maker's app.
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2
Clear footage
Erase or remove the memory card.
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3
Ask about batteries
Lithium batteries have shipping rules. We'll tell you how to handle them.
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4
Protect the gimbal
Use the gimbal guard and remove the propellers.
Done? Check before you box it
- Unbound from your account
- Memory card cleared
- Battery plan confirmed with us
- Gimbal guard on, propellers off
Packing and shipping your drone
Please send the form first and wait for our reply. We'll send the shipping address and instructions once we've reviewed it. We can only take items we've approved, so please don't ship anything before you hear from us.
Wait for our OK. We send the address and instructions after we review your form.
Pack it well. Use the original case if you have one. Otherwise pad every side.
Label what's inside with a note listing each item, so we can match it to your form.
Ship with tracking. Donors ship at their own cost. Shipping is sometimes reimbursed; ask when we review your donation.
Where your drone goes
Donated drones support STEM classes, youth programs and nonprofits that need aerial photos.
Where your computer goesA note on taxes
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your drone: what a willing buyer would pay for it as it is today. You decide the value, and your tax preparer can tell you what applies to you. We don't appraise items and can't promise a deduction.
Drone donation questions
Ask us first. Lithium batteries have special shipping rules.
Tell us if it is. We'll guide you.
Possibly, for parts. We review each one.
Yes, if you have it.
Yes. Unbind it in the DJI app first.
Yes, case by case.
Tell us about your drone
Fill out the form and our team will review it. Every donation is considered case by case.