• Grants can provide computers to international organizations.computer image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
  
  To be successful in today's economy, technology training and skills are essential. However, without access to computers, it's almost impossible to obtain the necessary experience. According to Computer Aid International, "there are 5 or less computers per 1,000 people in the vast majority of Sub-Saharan African countries", as well as on the South Asian sub-continent. Several organizations provide international grants that provide computers to under-served populations and work to bridge the digital divide.
  
  

Computer Aid International

• Computer Aid International, a London-based charity, provides computer grants in more than 100 African and South American countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Nicaragua. Computers include refurbished, high-quality Pentium 4 PCs, according to the organization's website. Nonprofit organizations or educational organizations are eligible to apply for computer donations. Applications must be submitted online through the Computer Aid International website.
  
  Computer Aid International
  
  Brunswick Industrial Park Unit 10
  
  Brunswick Way
  
  London, UK N11 1JL
  
  440-208-361-5540
  
  computeraid.org
  
  

World Computer Exchange

• The World Computer Exchange provides used computers at to nonprofit organizations in almost 70 developing countries, including Bolivia, Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, India, Mali, Mexico, Nepal, and Togo. Since 2001, the group has provided over 26,000 computers. Nongovernmental organizations, schools, orphanages, libraries, and universities can apply. To be eligible, computers must be used "in public settings to help connect more youth in developing countries to the Internet at low cost. Most of these computers need to be used most of the time to connect youth up-to the age of 24", according to grant guidelines. Recipient organizations must pay shipping and handling costs. Computers are used Pentium 3 and Pentium 4 desktop and laptops. Grants also include visits from technical assistance teams, usually volunteer college students or technology workers, to donation sites to help set up the computers.
  
  World Computer Exchange
  
  936 Nantasket Avenue
  
  Hull, MA 02045
  
  781-925-3078
  
  worldcomputerexchange.org
  
  

Youth for Technology Foundation

• The Youth for Technology Foundation provides computer grants in several African countries, including Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. The foundation works to "foster wealth creation, reduce unemployment and create self-sustaining communities by providing marginalized people in rural communities with the technology tools, training and resources to enable them to realize their greatest potential", according to the organization's website. The Youth for Technology Foundation partners with local and community-based organizations to provide computers, technology training and education in technology centers serving youth and adults.
  
  Youth for Technology Foundation
  
  12123 Shelbyville Road
  
  Suite 100-264
  
  Louisville, KY 40243
  
  502-410-5523
  
  youthfortechnology.org