UW Surplus welcomes public benefit nonprofit organizations and government agencies to shop in person on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please schedule an appointment before arriving so we can ensure all required paperwork is on file for your group.
Curious about our current inventory? Feel free to call us at 206-685-1573 or email us at surplus@uw.edu prior to your arrival. You can also sign up for our newsletter for a preview of new items each week.
Nonprofit organizations
What qualifies as a “public benefit nonprofit”?
UW Surplus distributes property in accordance with the priority order established in WAC 200-360-010. Eligible nonprofits fall under Priority Group 4, which is limited to public benefit nonprofit corporations.
Under Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act RCW 24.03A.245, a corporation qualifies as a "public benefit nonprofit corporation" if it meets the following criteria:
- Is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Operates for a public or charitable purpose
- Does not primarily serve private individuals or members.
Required documentation
To qualify for purchases, public benefit nonprofit organizations must provide:
- A copy of the Internal Revenue Service determination letter confirming your organization’s tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3). The document must include your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Example 501(c)(3) (pdf).
- A list of individuals authorized to make purchases on behalf of your organization. This authorization must be from the head of the organization and be submitted on your organization’s letterhead. Documentation may be hand-delivered to us, emailed, or sent via postal mail.
Payment and sales tax
Nonprofit organizations may issue payment via the following methods:
- Electronic check (ACH)
- Credit card
- Opt to be billed directly (for purchases over $150.00)
Beginning July 1, 2023 we will no longer accept paper checks. In-person electronic check (ACH) payment processing is available.
Washington state sales tax is applied to all store invoices. Read more information about nonprofit organizations and sales tax in Washington state.
Purchasing policy
Designated buyers may only make purchases on behalf of their organization and are not permitted to buy items for personal use.
Failure to comply may result in suspension or loss of priority purchaser status with UW Surplus.
If you wish to purchase items for personal use, you must do so as a member of the public. Please visit the UW Surplus store page for more information.
Use of purchased property
Property purchased by nonprofit organizations must be used to support the organization’s mission and internal operations. Items acquired from UW Surplus are not for resale.
Under WAC 200-360-020, surplus property that is purchased is intended solely for the use of the receiving organization. Organizations with priority status may not profit from the immediate resale of these items.
Failure to comply with this policy may jeopardize your organization’s priority purchaser status with UW Surplus, including suspension or cancellation of purchasing privileges.
Government agencies
To qualify for purchases, government agencies need to provide a list of representatives authorized to purchase on behalf of the agency, submitted in writing on the agency’s letterhead, and signed by an authorizing agency official. Documentation may be hand-delivered to us, emailed, or sent via postal mail.
Payment and sales tax
Government agencies may issue payment via the following methods:
- Electronic check (ACH)
- Credit card
- Opt to be billed directly (for purchases over $150)
Beginning July 1, 2023 we no longer accept paper checks. In-person electronic check (ACH) payment processing is available.
Washington state sales tax is applied to all invoices. Federal government agencies are sales tax exempt.
Removal
All items must be removed within one week of purchase. Items not removed will be put up for sale again, without refund, unless prior arrangements have been made. UW Surplus does not deliver purchases to nonprofit organizations or government agencies.
We are open for pickups Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pick up your items at the UW Surplus store, located at 4515 25th Ave NE Seattle, WA. Park in one of our two load out spots in front of our purple garage door. Call us from your vehicle at: 206-685-1573.