Cell Phone Recycling > FAQ's for used Cell Phone Donations

What is CellularFunds.com
Cellular Funds was designed to help you raise substantial funds for your organization or group through the collection of used cellular phones. We have developed an innovative new approach to fundraising that enables your organization to capitalize on an untapped source of revenue found within the estimated 50 million used cell phones lying idle in homes across America. Many of these phones are waiting to be refurbished and reprogrammed for international markets that are becoming part of the wireless community. How does it work? All you need to do is collect used cell phones and we'll send you a check. It's that easy!

How can my organization get started?
You can get started immediately. Go to www.CellularFunds.com and register your organization today. Download The CellularFunds Program fundraising materials. Be sure to spread the message that you are collecting cell phones throughout your community.

What types of organizations are eligible to collect?
Any organization or group is eligible to receive funds through Cellular Funds.com

How much is each used cell phone worth?
Your organization can receive up to $40.00 for every phone with market value that is shipped to Cellular Funds.

CellularFunds pays up to a maximum of $40 per phone. Some phones have little value; some have no value. The current average amount CellularFunds pays per shipped phone is between $5-8 dollars, depending on its model and condition. A used cell phone has monetary value if, after the refurbishing process, it can be resold in a secondary (used) cell phone market. A cell phone does not have to be functioning in order to have value. Inevitably some of the phones that are turned in will be obsolete or damaged beyond repair. Phones with no value are recycled according to EPA guidelines.

Please note: To ensure maximum benefit for your group, collect as many LATE MODEL cell phones as possible. Silver phones are in demand and have high value. Phones that support the Number Portability feature (fall 2003 Federal Law) have higher value. Most phones stored in drawers for a long period do not have much market value and therefore, are not paid very much. Effective CellularFunds fundraisers are averaging $5+ per shipped phone. One of the strategies of these groups is to collect phones in professional office buildings.

Must phones be in working order?
The collected phones need to be in working order to recieve payment. Phones that do not work will be recycled and disposed of according to EPA regulations.

How long should we run the campaign?
The duration of your campaign effort is up to you. Of course, the more cell phones you collect, the more funds you will generate to benefit your organization. We recommend a campaign last at least 90 days. Remember, a minimum of 50 phones is needed in order to submit a shipping request. Shipping is free. Be sure to send phones on an ongoing basis. After you have completed your CellularFunds campaign, make drop boxes available so that people upgrading plans or switching services will be able to donate their old cell phones to your organization on an ongoing basis. CellularFunds can effectively be used as a year-round fundraising tool.

How do I ship my phones?
Shipping is free. A minimum collection of 50 phones is needed to submit a shipping request. Go to www.cellularfunds.com and click on Shipping to complete the shipping request form and obtain a link to your online shipping labels.

Please note: We will not accept shipments sent C.O.D.

Is there a name that should be given to this fundraising campaign?
You may determine the name of your own fundraising campaign. However, we ask that you please acknowledge CellularFunds participation.

Can people receive a tax deduction for donating their cell phones?
Yes. According to IRS regulations, the donor determines the value of donated goods based on fair market value. We suggest a $40 tax deduction for undamaged used cell phones. This is based on the fair market value.

When will my organization receive a check?
Your organization will receive a check within 2 - 3 weeks after we receive your phones.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?
If you have questions, go to Contact Us.

Who is CellularFunds
CellularFunds was established to provide non-profit organizations and charities the ability to raise funds for there organizations through cell phone donations. Many of our phones are refurbished and sent to secondary markets which are becoming part of the wireless community. Finally, by keeping cell phones out of our landfills by properly recycling them we are helping preserve the environment.