Nonprofit 4.7

Kramden Institute

North Carolina nonprofit providing free refurbished computers to K-12 students and their families through school partnerships.

Trust & Legitimacy

4.7 Excellent
2003Operating since
2026-03-26Last verified
Primary source ↗Verify directly
  • Operating in North Carolina since 2003
  • 501(c)(3) with 65,000+ computers awarded to date
  • Regularly covered by regional press (WRAL, opensource.com)

This reflects our own editorial research — operating history, official backing, and independent coverage — not a certification, audit, or guarantee of quality. Always confirm current terms on the official source above before applying.

Overview

Kramden Institute is a Raleigh-Durham, NC based nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and distributes them free of charge to K-12 students and families who qualify. The organization partners directly with schools and community organizations to identify students in need. Recipients typically receive a fully refurbished desktop or laptop computer with software and basic peripherals. Kramden does not ship nationally—distribution is primarily in North Carolina.

Eligibility requirements

  • K-12 student in North Carolina partnered school districts
  • Free or reduced lunch qualification or similar income-based criteria

Qualifying benefits / programs

How to apply

Contact your school counselor or visit kramden.org/get-a-computer to see if your school is a Kramden partner. Applications go through the school, not directly through individuals.

Important restrictions

  • Primarily serves North Carolina students
  • Must be referred through a partnered school or community organization
  • Inventory depends on donated equipment