The DPA will sometimes make donations of devices to and through organisations, and this page sets out some of the common queries that we receive about this.  This page will be updated periodically.  These donations are periodic, and due to the intense demand for devices, we may not always be able to help.  This page is not to invite applications, but to be read by those who have been in touch with us, and is supplied by a named DPA contact.

Who does the DPA support?

Primarily the DPA supports individuals through one of our named programmes, each having its own set of terms and conditions that must be adhered to.  We are sometimes able to support speculative approaches for devices, and sometimes we will contact community organisations in our network where we have devices spare.  This is where organisations can get in touch to request devices.

Do you provide devices to organisations?

Sometimes we will be able to fulfil requests for devices from organisations.  We operate a lengthy waiting list for this (being some months long).  These are for small community organisations that do not have the funds to purchase devices, but need them for their own staff or volunteers, or otherwise to be kept at their premises.  Because this is not a formal programme, we do not have set criteria beyond due diligence, and organisations should discuss this via email. 

Are there any set due diligence procedures?

Yes.  These include – but may not be limited to:

• We are not able to provide more than 10 devices to one organisation unless we have a pre-existing relationship at a senior level, and where this has been agreed by the Chief Executive.
• An organisation must be a registered charity, CIC, school, public body or similar.
• We do not provide devices to companies that are for profit; or to companies that are limited by guarantee but can’t evidence public benefit; or to unincorporated organisations unless they are registered with the Charity Commission, OSCR or similar regulator.
• We will check your standing with Companies House, the Charity Commission, OSCR, or other regulator.  Organisations that are subject to formal charity investigations, or to striking off action, will not be considered.  Organisations with late accounts filings may be subject to further questions.
• Organisations must have been registered and in operation for at least two years.  Organisations that have been dormant in the last two years will not be considered.
• Devices normally need to be delivered to the registered address or normal base of operations.  A normal base of operations would be, for example, if the charity holds regular events at a fixed location, or has a published storage facility, or where the registered office is virtual and the office is elsewhere.  Any deliveries to a home address will be an exception and will require authorisation by our Chief Executive, with a clear rationale for the request.
• If you have previously been provided devices and have gone against this guidance, we are unlikely to be able to support you again.

Do you provide devices we can store and distribute to individuals?

No, but we may be able to support people you refer to us, and then we will distribute devices directly to them.  If you get in touch, there are two ways this may happen – if you have permission, you can share names and email addresses with us, and we will use this for the purpose of informing them of how they can apply.  Alternatively, we may be able to provide you with a link so that they can apply to us direct.  You can find our Privacy Policy in the footer.

A key part of our work is that we are in touch with every device recipient (or their parent/caregiver), so we can provide support to them, and therefore we do not allow devices to be distributed through a third party.  There may be very specific exceptions to this, but by their nature, they are exceptions and not the rule or precedents.

Where devices are provided to individuals, they will be subject to a verification process which will be akin to that related to our wider advertised programmes.

Do you provide prizes for events?

We are a charity and we cannot provide prizes for events, the laptops must be for individuals who have been through a verification process to receive a device.

Can we request a specific type of device?

We are very rarely able to support requests for specific types of equipment.  Sometimes, where we have specific types of equipment we will offer these out.  Where we can, we will endeavour to get back in touch if you request something specific that we receive at a later date.

I have a different question

Absolutely, please get in touch with the person who shared this guidance and they will be really happy to help.