Tech Gift Foundation — 2024 Catalysts Honoree
Empowering the Underserved through the Gift of Tech
What were you doing at the age of 14?
Kathir Kalyanaraman, a senior at Johnston High School, was creating Tech Gift Foundation, which has since provided laptops and other technology to more than 1,000 individuals in need.
At the 2024 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Kathir, founder and president of Tech Gift Foundation, shared more about his efforts and the impact he hopes to make.
Have you ever received something so meaningful and profound that it changed the way you perceive your life or changed your life for the better?
This was the question Kathir Kalyanaraman posed to the audience at the 2024 Catalysts Live event.
Perhaps it was a book that helped you better approach your business, he prompted, or a mentor who helped you navigate the challenges you were facing. Or maybe it was something so small that you could fit it in your pocket, like a technical device that opened up doors you didn’t even know were there.
That’s the kind of gift that Kalyanaraman himself is helping provide.
The senior at Johnston High School started Tech Gift Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, when he was the ripe age of 14 — yes, you heard that right. At the time, he was in 9th grade, and COVID sent the world into lockdown. It was a tough time for so many and forced people to rely heavily on technology to keep up with the news and connect with friends and family.
But what if they didn’t have the technology to do so?
Kalyanaraman wanted to help.
He created Tech Gift Foundation with a mission to bridge the digital divide for underserved communities worldwide by providing technology resources.
To achieve this, Kalyanaraman collects donations of any gently used technology-related device, like laptops, tablets and smartphones. He’s received devices from individuals, but also companies like EMC Insurance, Principal Financial Group, Timberline Manufacturing and Snyder & Associates. He then refurbishes them if need be.
“These laptops provide success,” Kalyanaraman said. “Individuals are able to gather opportunities such as getting a CNA certification or creating a LinkedIn, which are all based on technology. Without this, not many people are able to succeed in their future.”
The donations Kalyanaraman receives get provided to organizations like Knock and Drop Iowa and Des Moines Refugee Support, which are able to target and serve people who don’t often have access to technology, like refugees who arrive in the United States with nothing.
Being able to serve them has truly been a motivating factor.
With a laptop, recipients can access education and job opportunities, as well as connect with loved ones in their home countries. This not only provides them with the resources they need to grow their futures, but also the means to achieve a high quality of life.
Since getting started, Tech Gift Foundation has served more than 1,000 individuals in areas from Des Moines to Ames, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. The technology donated totals more than $75,000 worth of equipment.
Looking to the future, Kalyanaraman hopes to grow the amount of people and number of areas served. He plans to one day make Tech Gift Foundation’s impact nationwide.
To do so, Kalyanaraman seeks monetary and in-kind donations, which are crucial for expanding Tech Gift Foundation’s reach within and beyond the local community.
A single act of giving from you, a piece of technology, can create waves to future generations and maybe even create the next Mark Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos, you never know. With your support, I’ll be able to grow beyond the Midwest.
Learn more at https://techgift.org/.
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