A lot of good ideas here, but either I missed it or I will be the first to post it.

Grants! Federal Grants! You know that money they collect on our phone bills? Well a large chunck of it is for schools to buy computers and network infrastructure. Someone at your school district level should be aware of this - and I bet they know all about it that is how you got those 20 or so computers.

Ywo years ago one of our teachers went out and got a grant for about 40 computers for us, we need more now and we are working on another grant. It is time consuming and hard work but this site has a lot of information on it so look around.

We have had good luck getting donations of PCs from "professional firms" such as CPA firms, law offices, and the like. It seems as though they upgrade regularly and don't have anyplace to send their used PCs. They don't have a lot at once (for example, you couldn't staff a computer lab with their leftovers), but if you need 2 or 3 you can often find them that way. Start with parents of kids at your school or CPA's/lawyers located close to your school. Don't count on finding any Macs, and realize that you're on your own setting up and maintaining the used PCs. Still, the price is right! Be prepared to provide them with a receipt as a donation, too.

Our district doesn't have to approve this, it is principal and technology directors discression. Our district is too worried about the new school being built right now to worry about anything else.

I e-mailed Gateway and they said their program (it is a grant program) didn't include elementary schools and our colleges either reuse the computers until they can't be fixed anymore or they have to have them in a state auction. I am not giving up though. I appreciate everyone's input.

For any PTO's looking to help supply technology for their schools - make SURE that your district approves any plans you make. You've got to work very closely with them.

Once the computers are in the door, they have to be prepared to support them - and that's a much bigger deal than you might think.

I'm sure they'll be very greatful for any help and support, but you have to coordinate with them to make sure your efforts aren't wasted.

YEAH! What JHB said!!!
ALso Gateway is laying off people right now, not sure if they are one to contact.
Our school has had really great luck contacting our two state colleges for computers, furniture, fixtures....one staff member felt like she was back in college when she saw some of the desks! [img]smile.gif[/img]
IBM, ATT, .com companies, sometimes all it takes are a few phones calls but the first one should be to the district to make sure you have some tech support on stand by AND enough power to the room to support a "new" system....VERY IMPORTANT!

One of the best ways to do this is go to the local businesses in your area and ask for their excess computers. Many big companies replace their equipment every few years. Macs are much harder to come by and it's hard to get anyone to donate them. We belong to our local charitable foundation clearinghouse and apply for grant money and equipment. It is hard work. Send a letter out to all your parents and ask if they have connections.

I agree with the person who said that all of this needs to be coordinated through the school district and the school. We are not allowed to install anything without permission from the school district.

Hi There! Here are some links to Computers that are donated by the US Gov't.. Please understand that the computers they donate are either 486's or Pentium 1's, with a few MAC's also available.
Not all the links work in this article, nor are the links the only sources of Donated CPU's, but it is a start:

Donated CPU's


Note: If you live anywhere a large NASA facility, contact them and get on their list. They do have an active commitment to refurbish the units and reload the software, which is a lot for FREE. These links also offer a TON of free educational (science) materials and opportunities, including having a real Moon Rock sent to your school (Rules/Strict Security issues Apply, but it can be done!). Try:

Main NASA Home page

Scroll down to the bottom of the page. The right drop-down box will link to individual space centers and bases. Search for "Donated Computers"

This is the educational materials link:

NASA FREEBIES

If this info does not help you, repost your requests, including the state in which your School is located. I'll give you state-specific contacts. Thanks!