Which Macs 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.
Charger
Helpful if you have it, not required.
Keyboard and mouse
Include them with an iMac or Mac mini if you can.
Still locked?
A Mac with Activation Lock on can't be reused.
Mac models we see often
MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, Intel Macs and Apple silicon Macs from M1 onward, and many more.
Not on the list? It is here to help you find your Mac, 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 year on the label, so enter yours on the form even if you don't see it here.
What to know about donating a Mac
Why Macs make great donations
Macs are built to last, and many keep getting macOS updates for years. A refurbished MacBook or iMac can serve a student, a creative program or a family for a long time after you've upgraded.
We look at every Mac, including Intel models and Apple silicon models from M1 onward. iMacs and Mac minis are useful for computer labs and offices; MacBooks go to people who need something portable.
What we look at during review
The model and year matter most, along with memory, storage and the battery on laptops. You can find the details in the Apple menu, then About This Mac.
Most important: the Mac must be signed out of your Apple Account with Find My turned off. A Mac with Activation Lock on can't be set up by anyone else, and we can't remove it.
Your data
We wipe every Mac with Acronis before it's reused. On Apple silicon and T2 Macs, Erase All Content and Settings removes your data and turns off Activation Lock in one step. Businesses can request a certificate of data destruction.
Value and your tax receipt
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your Mac, 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: sign out, turn off Find My, erase
We wipe every device with Acronis before it's reused. Signing out releases the Mac from your Apple Account so the next person can set it up.
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1
Back up
Use Time Machine with an external drive, or make sure your files are in iCloud.
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2
Turn off Find My
System Settings, then your name, then iCloud, then Find My Mac. Turn it off. This turns off Activation Lock.
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3
Sign out
System Settings, then your name, then Sign Out.
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4
Erase it
System Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings. Older Intel Macs use Disk Utility in Recovery.
Done? Check before you box it
- Files backed up
- Find My Mac is off
- Signed out of your Apple Account
- Erased: it shows the setup screen
Packing and shipping your Mac
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 box if you have it. Otherwise pad every side, and for an iMac protect the screen with a firm sheet of cardboard.
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 Mac goes
Donated Macs are refurbished and given to students, creative programs, families, schools and nonprofits that need a reliable computer.
Where your computer goesA note on taxes
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your Mac: 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.
Mac donation questions
A locked Mac can't be reused. The owner can usually remove it by signing in at iCloud.com. Our Activation Lock guide explains the options.
It may be. We look at every Mac case by case. Tell us the model and year on the form.
Possibly. Mention the damage and add a photo, and we'll let you know.
We don't have a drop-off location. Macs are shipped after your form is approved. Offices can ask about bulk pickup.
Open the Apple menu, then About This Mac. The model name and year are listed there.
Yes, case by case. These often help creative and training programs.
Please include them with an iMac or Mac mini if you can. Unpair them first.
Yes. Mention it on the form.
Tell us about your Mac
Fill out the form and our team will review it. Every donation is considered case by case.