Apkudo and Cell Phones for Soldiers: A New Partnership for a Greater Cause

In a world where connectivity is essential, many veterans still face challenges accessing high-quality mobile devices and affordable service. Apkudo is proud to announce its new partnership with Cell Phones for Soldiers (CPFS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to repurposing donated devices to provide critical communication solutions for veterans in need.

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Cell Phones for Soldiers: A Story of Circularity

Since its founding, Cell Phones For Soldiers (CPFS) has been on a mission to bridge the communication gap for veterans and active-duty military members. With wireless service costs rising and access to reliable devices sometimes difficult, CPFS turns donated phones and wireless service into tangible support. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, corporate donors can write off the market value of their contributions while also receiving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and impact reports upon request. The organization works with third-party logistics (3PL) partners to maximize the value of each donated device while maintaining industry-leading standards for data wiping and refurbishment.

The Opportunity for Corporate Enterprises

Many corporations regularly refresh their employees’ mobile devices. While recycling is often the easiest option, enterprise-grade technology has the potential to be extended with minor repairs and refurbishment. This partnership allows corporate customers to make a meaningful impact by donating their used mobile assets rather than discarding them.

A Seamless Donation Process via Apkudo’s Recover Platform

Corporate donations are facilitated through Apkudo’s Recover software, offering three easy ways for enterprises to participate:

1. Existing Apkudo Recover Customers
   
   • Enterprises can donate all or a percentage of their recovered employee devices.
   • The donation option is an extension of Apkudo’s software capabilities, making it effortless to support CPFS.
   • This integration provides a sustainable and charitable return recovery option.
2. Existing Apkudo Channel Partners
   
   • A channel partner’s customers can donate all or a percentage of their recovered employee devices.
   • Apkudo Channel Partners will offer this to their customers using Apkudo Recover and consignment services.
3. Cell Phones for Soldiers Enterprise Partners
   
   • CPFS will operate a dedicated version of the Recover software to offer this donation service to its existing corporate partners.
   • Apkudo will track donated devices in its platform, giving CPFS partners an additional program channel for used mobile assets.

How It Works: Apkudo and Likewize Enable the Process

Through this collaboration, enterprises can donate used mobile devices to CPFS in a simple and structured manner. Apkudo’s 3PL customer, Likewize, will serve as the central processing hub for corporate device donations. Using Apkudo’s platform-powered robotic technology, donated devices will be:

• Collected and centrally processed
• Erased of all data and refurbished for resale through trusted partners
• Responsibly recycled for parts if refurbishment is not viable

CPFS will receive the proceeds from the sale of refurbished phones, with only a small processing fee deducted to cover technology and resource costs associated with receiving, testing, and reselling the devices.

Embedding the Program Within Corporate Environments

The program is designed for effortless integration into corporate device recovery processes. Employees can return their devices using configurable, logic-based return options and workflows, making it easy to route their used devices to the designated processing location. While CPFS has traditionally received most of its donations from individual consumers, this formalized corporate donation program opens a new channel to increase contributions and streamlines the process for enterprises to give back.

Making Corporate Giving a No-Brainer

By partnering with Apkudo and CPFS, corporations now have a simple, impactful, and responsible way to extend the lifecycle of their mobile devices while supporting veterans. This initiative promotes sustainability and empowers businesses to make a real difference through a cause that aligns with their ESG commitments.

Are you ready to make an impact? Learn more about how your company can participate in this program and help provide essential communication tools for United States veterans and active-duty military members.

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