Mac Admins Foundation Partners with Phobio for Device Recycling Program

Mac Admins can now donate their old devices to support the Foundation and save the planet at the same time

The Mac Admins Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and connecting the global community of Apple IT professionals, is proud to announce the launch of its new Device Recycling Program through a unique partnership with Phobio. This initiative allows members to donate their used cellphones, tablets, and laptops, turning yesterday’s tech into financial support for the Foundation’s programs — while keeping electronics out of landfills.

Through the program, donated devices will be responsibly refurbished or recycled in partnership with Phobio. The proceeds generated from the resale or recycling of these devices will go directly toward funding the Foundation’s educational resources, community events, and grants for professional development.

“We know our members care about both the community and the planet,” said Chris Dawe, Co-Chair of the Mac Admins Foundation. “This program offers a way to clear out unused devices in a way that’s environmentally responsible — and directly supports the work we do for Mac Admins everywhere.”

The Mac Admins Foundation encourages individuals, organizations, and schools to participate. Whether it’s a well-loved MacBook, an outdated iPad, or a drawer full of old iPhones, every donation makes a difference. All personal data will be securely erased before resale or recycling.

How to Donate:

  • Visit our recycling site to request a free shipping label for your device.

  • Package your devices securely and send them to Phobio, knowing they’ll either get a second life, or recycled responsibly.

  • Feel good knowing you’ve supported the Mac Admins community and the environment.

For more information about the Device Recycling Program or to make a donation, please visit our recycling site or contact giving@macadmins.org for more information..

About Phobio

Phobio unlocks value from used technology for businesses and consumers extending the usable life of consumer electronics. Since 2010, their simple and secure device buyback solutions have powered trade-in programs for the world's largest retailers, and consistently earned the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry. And now Phobio for Good is empowering nonprofits to connect with a new generation of supporters through used tech donation. Learn more at phobio.com

“We’ve spent over a decade building world-class trade-in systems.  Now we’re giving that technology to nonprofit organizations for free.”

Stephen Wakeling, Phobio Founder and CEO

About Mac Admins Foundation

The Mac Admins Foundation is a US-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving the global community of people who manage Apple devices at large and small scales. Originally founded to take over fiscal responsibility for the Mac Admins Slack, the Foundation now focuses on fostering community, preserving collected knowledge, and developing a skilled workforce with the ultimate goal of creating a kinder, more humane world for IT professionals. For more information, visit macadmins.org.

Apply Now: 2025 Community and Conference Grant for MacAdmins Conference hosted at Penn State University.

In response to the continued success of our Community and Conference Grant programme, The Mac Admins Foundation is pleased to announce the second grant of 2025, supporting attendance at the MacAdmins Conference hosted at Penn State University. The Community and Conference Grant aims to broaden the experience of deserving individuals with the intent to foster their development as part of the next generation of technical professionals.


The 2025 MacAdmins Conference grant will provide recipients with:

  • Registration for the MacAdmins Conference hosted at Penn State University at The Penn Stater Conference Centre and Hotel in State College, Pennsylvania, scheduled for July 15-18th, 2025

  • $2,500 (USD) to cover applicable expenses

The Mac Admins Foundation intends this grant to be awarded to those with financial need or who may otherwise lack the means or opportunity to attend an event of this calibre. Therefore, grant programme applicants should self-identify with one or more of the following criteria:

  • You are early in, or starting, your career in technology

  • You have not previously been able to attend an event or conference of this type

  • You are currently unable to self-fund, or secure institutional funding for event attendance

The Community and Conference Grant does not require formal submission of work or financial credentials. The Foundation designed the programme to support individuals who are passionate about advancing their technical skills and knowledge, and who would benefit from the opportunity to connect with experts and leaders in the field. To apply, interested candidates must submit an application that includes responses to several questions related to their experience and goals in the technical field.

To apply for the grant, interested candidates must submit an application that includes responses to several questions related to their experience and goals in the technical field. Applications will be reviewed by the grant committee, who will evaluate each response based on factors such as relevance, depth, clarity, specificity, and originality.

We encourage all interested individuals to apply for this grant and to share this opportunity with others who may benefit. The deadline for applications is 5pm PST on Friday, May 9th 2025, and successful applicants will be notified on or about Monday, May 19th, 2025. Please contact the Mac Admins Foundation at scholarships@macadmins.org or #macadminsfoundation with any questions.


Mac Admins Foundation Announces 2025 Community and Conference Grant Recipients

The Mac Admins Foundation is thrilled to announce the award of our 2025 Community and Conference Grants for MacAD.UK. After careful review of all applications, the Foundation has selected four outstanding recipients to attend the MacAD.UK 2025 Conference in Brighton.


Congratulations to our 2025 Grant Recipients:

  • Jarred Baker

  • Nicholas Suarez

  • Ben Kunkel

  • Jeffrey Matthews

All awardees have been notified via email and will receive registration for the MacAD.UK 2025 Conference at the Brighton Metropole (May 14-16, 2025) plus $2,500 USD towards travel and accommodation expenses.


We are incredibly excited to welcome these talented individuals to Brighton and look forward to the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm they will bring to our community. The Foundation remains committed to fostering the development of new technical professionals and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to attend such events.


Thank you to everyone who applied for this year's grant program. We were impressed by the quality and passion demonstrated in all applications.
For questions about the Community and Conference Grant program, please contact us at scholarships@macadmins.org or reach out via #macadminsfoundation

Apply Now: 2025 Community and Conference Grant for MacAdmins at MacAd.UK

In response to the continued success and popularity of our Community and Conference Grant program since its launch in 2023, The Mac Admins Foundation is pleased to announce the continuation of this expanded program for 2025, supporting a range of events.

The Community and Conference Grant continues its mission to broaden the experience of deserving individuals with the intent to foster their development as a new generation of technical professionals.

The 2025 grant will provide recipients:

  • Registration for the MacAD.UK 2025 Conference at the Brighton Metropole, scheduled 14th-16th May

  • $2500 (USD) to cover applicable expenses

The Mac Admins Foundation desires that the grant be awarded to those individuals who have financial need, or, may otherwise lack the means or opportunity to attend an event of this type. Therefore, grant program applicants should self identify with one or more of the following criteria:

  • You are early in, or starting, your career in technology

  • You have not previously been able to attend an event or conference of this type

  • You are currently unable to self-fund, or secure institutional funding for event attendance

The Community and Conference Grant does not require formal submission of work or financial credentials. This grant is designed to support individuals who are passionate about advancing their technical skills and knowledge, and who would benefit from the opportunity to connect with experts and leaders in the field.

To apply for the grant, interested candidates must submit an application that includes responses to several questions related to their experience and goals in the technical field.

Applications will be reviewed by the grant committee, who will evaluate each response based on factors such as relevance, depth, clarity, specificity, and originality.

We encourage all interested individuals to apply for this scholarship and to share this opportunity with others who may be interested. The deadline for applications is Sunday, March 9th 2025, and successful applicants will be notified on or about Friday, March 21st, 2025.

You can contact the Mac Admins Foundation at scholarships@macadmins.org or #macadminsfoundation with any questions.


Apply Now: 2024 Community and Conference Grant for MacAdmins at Penn State

In response to the success and popularity of 2023’s Community and Conference Grant program, The Mac Admins Foundation is pleased to continue the program with our second grant of 2024, supporting attendance of the MacAdmins Conference at Penn State University.

The Community and Conference Grant intends to broaden the experience of deserving individuals with the intent to foster their development as a new generation of technical professionals. 

The 2024 MacAdmins Conference grant will provide recipients with:

  • Registration for the MacAdmins Conference at the Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel in State College, PA, scheduled for July 9-12th, 2024

  • $2500 (USD) to cover applicable expenses

The Mac Admins Foundation desires that the grant be awarded to those individuals who have financial need, or may otherwise lack the means or opportunity to attend an event of this type. Therefore, grant program applicants should self identify with one or more of the following criteria:

  • You are early in, or starting, your career in technology

  • You have not previously been able to attend an event or conference of this type

  • You are currently unable to self-fund, or secure institutional funding for event attendance

The Community and Conference Grant does not require formal submission of work or financial credentials. As with our previous 2024 grant, the Foundation designed the program to support individuals who are passionate about advancing their technical skills and knowledge, and who would benefit from the opportunity to connect with experts and leaders in the field. 

To apply, interested candidates must submit an application that includes responses to several questions related to their experience and goals in the technical field.

Applications will be reviewed by the grant committee, who will evaluate each response based on factors such as relevance, depth, clarity, specificity, and originality.

We encourage all interested individuals to apply for this scholarship and to share this opportunity with others who may be interested. The deadline for applications is 5pm PST on Friday, May 10th 2024, and successful applicants will be notified on or about Monday, May 13th, 2024.

Please contact the Mac Admins Foundation at scholarships@macadmins.org or #macadminsfoundation with any questions.