Why Catalysing Connections Exists
More than 2.5 million Australians are digitally excluded. Without a phone or internet connection, people miss:
Digital exclusion isn’t an inconvenience — it’s a barrier to dignity, safety, opportunity and belonging. Catalysing Connections reinvests 100% of Recover-E profits into free phones, connectivity and community access for people who would otherwise be cut off.
How It Works
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1Retired technology → Recover-E
Your old laptops, PCs and devices are collected securely, wiped or destroyed, and refurbished or recycled. -
2Value is recoveredAny resale value or recoverable yield is financially returned to TechForGood.
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3100% of this profit funds Catalysing ConnectionsWe partner with frontline charities, Indigenous organisations and community groups to deliver phones and connectivity where they create the greatest impact.
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4Connection becomes a measurable impact outcomeEvery phone creates approximately 2,640 Human Connections per year, including calls, SMS, emails, appointments and critical online interactions.
Our Beneficiaries
Meet the community organisations helping extend the life and impact of technology through TechForGood.
The longer a device stays in use, the lower the environmental impact and total lifetime cost.
Victoria
Who they are
Western Chances is a Melbourne-based social enterprise that supports young people in Melbourne's west, one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged regions in Victoria.
They provide scholarships, mentoring and access to networks that help young people reach their potential, regardless of circumstance.
What This Partnership Enabled
In their words
As CEO of Western Chances, I see how a phone and reliable digital access can be the difference between a young person being shut out and staying connected to learning, work and support. Through TechForGood, you’re helping us live our value to Open the Door — so more young people can show up, stay engaged and keep moving toward their goals.
If this support didn’t exist
Young people without reliable connectivity fall out of the systems designed to support them.
Job applications go unmade. Appointments are missed. Support workers go unreached. For young people already navigating disadvantage, digital exclusion stops their progress just as it's being made.
The Impact
Using TechForGood's Human Connections Impact Methodology (HCIM), each device generates an estimated 2,640 Human Connections per year. Every call made, every message sent, every time someone accesses MyGov, Centrelink, a health service or an employment platform.
Across 26 devices and 12 months, this engagement generated more than 68,000 Human Connections, contributing to TechForGood's commitment to 1 million Human Connections by 2030.
Victoria
Who they are
Fitted for Work helps women experiencing disadvantage to get work, keep work, and navigate work with confidence. Clients include women leaving violence, women over 45, asylum seekers, migrant women and women experiencing homelessness.
What This Partnership Enabled
In their words
A working phone can be the difference between getting the job or missing the call. Your support meant our clients could move out of crisis and into stability.
If this support didn’t exist
Women would continue to fall out of the workforce pipeline because the basic digital tools required to secure work simply weren’t there.
Western Australia
Who they are
A lifeline for families in financial crisis across Perth’s northern corridor. They support people facing family violence, homelessness, food insecurity, mental health challenges and acute financial distress.
What This Partnership Enabled
In their words
For families with literally nothing, a phone restores access and dignity. Your support changed lives.
If this support didn’t exist
Families would remain invisible and unable to access services and unable to break free from crisis cycles.
Northern Territory
Who they are
Broome CIRCLE supports some of the most remote and isolated families in Australia. They work with Aboriginal communities, young parents, elders, vulnerable families and people experiencing social disadvantage and geographic isolation.
What This Partnership Enabled
In their words
Our families now have a way to stay in touch with the world. That’s not small — that’s everything.
If this support didn’t exist
Families would remain disconnected from essential systems, education and social participation, which entrenches disadvantage.
Queensland
Who they are
Indigenous Rangers protecting Eastern Kuku Yalanji Country — rainforest, mangroves, reef, sacred sites and cultural heritage.
What This Partnership Enabled
In their words
Connectivity means we can work smarter, safer and with more cultural authority.
If this support didn’t exist
Rangers would continue working with communication blackspots and increased safety risks.
Our Outcomes (FY25)
132,000 Human Connections created
50 smartphones delivered with Starlink connectivity
4 states reached
Impact funded entirely through Recover-E
100% of profit reinvested into communities
Why Your Retired Tech Matters
Every organisation needs to refresh its IT. Recover-E ensures that:
- data is wiped securely
- devices are recycled ethically
- environmental certifications are provided
- AND every device funds digital inclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying Microsoft licensing through TechForGood.
Who can apply?
Registered charities, Indigenous organisations and community groups.
How is this program funded?
Through TechForGood’s Recover-E service.
Do beneficiaries receive refurbished devices?
No. Catalysing Connections provides new phones and/or connectivity.
How many people can we support?
Most partners receive 10–50 devices per cycle, depending on need and funding.
How do we partner with you commercially?
Organisations can support Catalysing Connections by using Recover-E when retiring IT hardware.
Do beneficiaries keep the phone and number after 12 months?
Yes. The phone is theirs to keep, and our partner Goodtel makes it easy to transfer ownership of the number.
