APPLY FOR DONATION

Organizations apply for donations from ERA by submitting an online application through the apply for donations page. Phone requests and walk in requests are not considered, so the application form is the required starting point. Once submitted, your request is added to a queue and reviewed in the order it was received, with availability of equipment determining how quickly you can be matched with devices.

Eligible recipients include not for profit organizations, registered charities with a charitable number, care facilities such as hospitals and seniors homes, and educational institutions. Donations cannot be made directly to individuals, so private requests need to come through one of the eligible organization types listed above. If you are unsure whether your group qualifies, the team can review your situation before you apply.

Yes, applications are processed on a first come first served basis, and there may be a waiting period depending on current stock and demand. The team works through the queue as quickly as possible while making sure each recipient gets devices that match their needs. Larger or more specialized requests sometimes take longer to fulfill than requests for one or two standard machines.

Standard donated PCs come with a 6th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of memory, and a 128 GB or larger SSD at no charge to eligible recipients. High end PCs feature an 8th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with 8 GB or more of memory and a 128 GB or larger SSD, priced at $150 each. The same standard and high end tiers apply to laptops, with standard laptops available at no charge and high end laptops priced at $150 for select non profits and charities on a case by case basis.

Standard laptops with 6th generation Intel Core i5 processors are available to all eligible recipients at no charge. High end laptops with 8th generation processors carry a $150 cost and are typically reserved for non profits, charities, and special cases approved on a case by case basis. Standard PCs are similarly free, while high end PCs are $150 across all eligible recipient types.

Shipping costs may apply depending on the recipient’s location and how the equipment needs to be delivered. The team is happy to discuss logistics during the application review so you have a clear sense of any costs before the donation is confirmed. Local pickups from an ERA depot are usually the most cost effective option for recipients located near a major Canadian city.

ERA does not accept donation requests from individuals directly. If you know someone who needs a computer, the request should be made through an eligible organization such as a charity, non profit, care facility, or educational institution that supports the individual. This structure helps ensure devices reach people through trusted community channels.

A strong application typically includes your organization’s legal name, charitable or non profit number where applicable, contact information, a description of how the equipment will be used, and the number and type of devices you need. Adding context about the people you serve and how a donation will help your programming makes it easier for the team to match you with the right equipment. The clearer your application, the faster the review.

Yes, returning recipients are welcome to apply for additional equipment as their needs grow or as their existing donations reach end of life. The same application process applies for each new request, and ERA looks at total stock and queue position when evaluating repeat applications. Building a long term relationship with the team also helps when planning around larger capital needs.

ERA contacts applicants through the contact information provided on the application form once a request has been reviewed. Approval depends on eligibility, current stock, and queue position, and the team will let you know either way. If your application is not approved right away, your request may be held in the queue until equipment becomes available.