FAQs
What can we help you with?
Click the links below to learn more about each section or scroll through the full list of FAQs below.
K-12 Students
- Students must be in grades K-12
- Students must not have consistent access to a working home computer
- One computer per household unless special circumstances apply
- Students can be nominated by a parent or educator
- The free desktop computers come with an open source operating system (OS) called Ubuntu. This OS comes preinstalled with many apps, including web browsing and word processing. Tech support will be provided to the student if questions or issues with the device arise.
- At this time, computers must be picked up from the Kramden office in Durham, NC. Kramden is not able to ship computers.
- Those looking for assistance distributing large numbers of devices at alternative locations can reach out to Kramden to discuss options.
- English Online form (preferred method)
- Spanish Online Application Solicitud en español
- A PDF form for printing or emailing is available here
Kramden will contact applicants once a computer becomes available. Typical wait time is 2-4 weeks.
Computers for Adults
- Low-cost refurbished computers: $40 desktops and $70 laptops
- 90-day warranty with all computers
- Computers must be picked up at Kramden Institute in Durham. Shipping is not available at this time.
- Individuals can apply themselves. Proof of eligibility and a photo ID are required.
OR - Must be an adult enrolled in an income-based government assistance program (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid, Disability)
Individuals can be nominated by a partner agency
See the list of partner agencies here
If your agency is not a partner, email info@kramden.org to discuss becoming one.
- Low-income adults who can meet one or both of the eligibility requirements below
A. Income below 200% of the poverty level
Persons in Family | Max Allowed Income |
1 | $25,670 |
2 | $34,840 |
3 | $43,920 |
4 | $53,000 |
5 | $62,080 |
6 | $71,160 |
7 | $80,240 |
8 | $89,320 |
B. Enrolled in an income based government assistance program
Accepted Net Income Documents: Prior year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return (W2 forms or pay stubs NOT accepted), Social Security statement of benefits, Veteran Administration statement of benefits, retirement/pension statement of benefits, Unemployment Compensation statement of benefits, Federal or tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance.
Accepted Government Assistance Documents: Food support (SNAP), Employment services, Extended Foster Care, Head Start, Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Medicaid or Medical Assistance, Free or Reduced Lunch Program, Section 8, Federal Public Housing, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, A statement of benefits from Social Security, General Assistance, Veteran Administration, Retirement/Pension or Unemployment Benefits.
2. Adults who are clients of a partner agency.
Partner agencies include: StepUp Ministry, El Futuro Inc., Community Empowerment Fund, Passage Home, Durham Connects, Triangle Family Services, Lincoln Community Health Center, NCBA, Healthy Families Durham, Easter Seals, PLM Families Together, Inc., Dress for Success, Center for Child and Family Health, El Centro Hispano, Raleigh Rescue Mission, The Carying Place, UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, Fishes and Loaves, Jobs for Life, InterAct, End Hunger Durham, UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, Voice Therapeutic, Project Access Durham *Becoming a partner agency is easy, email Cari at info@kramden.org for more info.
Accepted Net Income Documents: Prior year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return (W2 forms or pay stubs NOT accepted), Social Security statement of benefits, Veteran Administration statement of benefits, retirement/pension statement of benefits, Unemployment Compensation statement of benefits, Federal or tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance.
Accepted Government Assistance Documents: Food support (SNAP), Employment services, Extended Foster Care, Head Start, Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Medicaid or Medical Assistance, Free or Reduced Lunch Program, Section 8, Federal Public Housing, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, A statement of benefits from Social Security, General Assistance, Veteran Administration, Retirement/Pension or Unemployment Benefits.
Desktop with a monitor ($40) or laptop ($70) computers with the following minimum specifications:
- 7th generation i5 or newer processors
- 128gb or larger solid-state drive (SSD)
- 8 GB RAM
- Operating system = Windows 11 (open source OS available upon request)
- Computers come with a webcam (built-in or external) and wifi (built-in or external)
- Desktop computers come with a mouse, keyboard, 17” or larger monitor and all necessary cables. Computers come with Chrome, Firefox and LibreOffice - software for word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. LibreOffice is compatible with Microsoft Office.
- Windows 11 desktops & laptops – 90 days of technical support
- Ubuntu OS desktops & laptops – 90 days of technical support
Computer recipients can call 919-293-1133, Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Kramden staff will work to diagnose or solve the issue over the phone. If necessary, the computer may need to be returned to the Kramden office for repair.
Tech support will cover reasonable repair of failed or faulty equipment and will not replace or repair equipment due to aesthetic imperfections that do not alter functionality, accidental damage, misuse, data loss, or battery life.
No, Kramden is able to offer computers at a low-cost because we mass produce computers with the same or similar specifications.
If an upgrade is absolutely necessary, the recipient may utilize Kramden’s Tech Service & Repair program. There is an additional fee for this service and any parts needed. A quote can be provided by our staff.
Each applicant may receive up to two computers per calendar year.
Applications will be processed by Kramden in a timely manner and applicants will be notified when their computer is ready for pick up.
- Individual applicants will be notified by email (if one is provided) of the distribution date and will be instructed on how to make an appointment to pick up the computer. If no email is provided the applicant will receive a phone call. Currently Kramden requires payment over the phone at the time the appointment is made ($40 desktop, $70 laptop).
- Must bring proof of eligibility and photo ID to the appointment. Documents must be dated within the last 12 months and must include the client’s name. See above for a list of income documents and government programs
- Clients nominated by partner agency
- The partner agency representative will receive notification by email detailing the distribution date. He or she will have the option to pick up the computer or have the client call to set up an appointment for pick up.
- Clients of partner agencies will not be required to show documentation when picking up the computer but must come with payment (no personal checks).
*Kramden does not ship computers at this time.
- English Online form (preferred method)
- Spanish Online Application Solicitud en español
- A PDF form for printing or emailing is available here
Computers for Non-Profits and Schools
As part of Kramden’s efforts to help our community, we offer affordable, heavily discounted computer equipment to other, local non-profits, schools, religious organizations, and other institutions located in North Carolina.
We can build the following refurbished equipment to spec:
- Desktops
- Laptops
- Servers
- Network Attached Storage devices (NAS)
Please reach out to get.tech@kramden.org for more information.
Public Sales and eBay
Yes! Our sales are open to the public and feature a wide inventory of equipment including desktops, monitors, laptops, and other parts. Sales are open to the public every 3-4 weeks at 5010 NC Hwy 55, Durham, NC 27713. All proceeds benefit Kramden’s programs to bridge the digital divide.
We will replace or repair any hardware defect or malfunction within 14 days of purchase, with a copy of the sales receipt. This return policy does not include software problems or damage due to misuse. We do not issue refunds of any kind and all sales are final, but we do our best to make it right!
All of our computers are fully tested and refurbished by Kramden staff. They are reloaded with the original operating system, updates, drivers, and a suite of open-source software.
Yes, but parts are only available during sale dates. We carry a wide range of computer components and legacy parts. Please stop by during a sale date to see if we have what you need!
Each year, Kramden receives thousands of donated computers. The majority of these computers are refurbished by our volunteers and awarded for free to K-12 students who don't have a computer or for very low cost to low-income adults . In order to defray the costs of refurbishing those awarded computers, we sell a small amount of higher-end computers for sale to the public. All proceeds from these sales directly fund Kramden’s core mission.
Finding Affordable Internet
Kramden staff can assist you with finding affordable Internet. Please contact us from this page.
Need an Internet provider? Find participating Internet providers in your area.
In Person Classes and Workshops
Check out our upcoming schedule here.
Our beginner classes are FREE.
Our beginner classes will help you learn about computers and Microsoft Windows, word processing and other office programs, the Internet, and social media. Our classes focus on practical skills that will help you use a computer at home, school, or work. These classes are in English.
Beginner classes are for adults age 18+.
No. Our beginner classes are designed for those with little or no computer experience.
Visit our Classes information, select a class or workshop and click Register.
Donating Equipment
Every hard drive we reuse goes through our software wiping protocol (technical details here). Old, damaged, or unusable hard drives are physically destroyed by one of our R2-certified recycling partners.
Yes! Stop by our office at 5010 NC Hwy 55 in Durham to donate computer equipment. Because we are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your equipment donations are tax-deductible, subject to IRS regulations.
Items we Accept for Donation
- Desktop computers: any age/condition
- Laptop computers: any age/condition
- LCD monitors: any age/condition
- Peripherals: mice, keyboards
- Hard drives, RAM
- Servers
- Enterprise Networking Equipment
- Tablets: any age/condition
- Cellphones: any age/condition
ITEMS WE DO NOT ACCEPT
- CRT Monitors
- Printers
- Scanners
- Shredders
- Stereo Speakers
- Household Appliances
- Consumer Electronics
- Lamps or Bulbs
For Volunteers
Yes! Volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do and how we help the community. We always welcome volunteers to refurbish equipment, distribute computers, join our Wednesday Work Nights, Saturday Geekathons, and even teaching. You can volunteer as an individual or a corporate/organization group.
Yes, groups are welcome to participate in Kramden volunteer events. Groups of 5 or more should email volunteers@kramden.org to check availability. Corporate groups who would like to volunteer outside of our scheduled event times should take a look at opportunities on the Group Sponsorship page.
Unless noted differently, all volunteer events are held at Kramden Institute. Directions Here.
NO! You must sign up for an event. Once signed up, volunteers should expect to receive an email prior to the event with additional details.
Super Geeks can come to any event without first registering.
We offer Mandatory Service opportunities as well. You can view the Mandatory Service details here.
Yes! Just head over to our Group Sponsorships page to see how we can work together.
How do I get Technical Support on a Kramden Device
Kramden provides 90 days of free technical support on all devices sold through TAP or TEP programs, awarded at the completion of a computer basics class (in Durham or through our Community Technology programs), and at Surplus Sales. K-12 students will receive technical support through their graduation year from high school.
After the end of the 90-day free technical support period, Kramden will charge $40 to examine and a Kramden computer that is brought to us, and charge for needed parts.
Call our 919-293-1133 and ask for technical support. Often, you will have to leave a voicemail for a technician busy with another device or in our warehouse. It is best to leave your name, the K# that appears on a sticker at the bottom or back of the device, and what you perceive is the problem. If you stop by Kramden’s office with the device, our technician will create a tech support ticket and request to keep your device for a day or more.
No, Kramden technical support staff only work on Kramden devices.
Monetary Donations
Kramden Institute, Inc. is recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Your charitable donations to Kramden Institute are tax-exempt to the fullest extent dictated by U.S. tax laws.
Checks can be mailed to Kramden Institute at 5010 NC Hwy 55, Durham, NC 27713.
We also welcome stock gifts, employee matching contributions and gifts from donor-advised funds. Contact our Development Manager Jay Ethridge at 919-293-1133 x1003 or email jethridge@kramden.org to learn more.