- 1). Assess your piano's condition. Some pianos may be worthless even as donations, so you will want to be sure that yours fulfills basic requirements of functionality. Play each key to make sure that it functions correctly (all keys will be needed for the piano to be usable) and that the sound is of good quality. Do not, however, judge the piano based on whether or not it is in tune since all pianos, regardless of age and quality, go out of tune if they are not regularly kept up. The only exception to this rule is if you have very recently tuned the piano (within the last month) and it has not been able to sustain its intonation. Test the piano's pedals for movement and function.
- 2). Decide if you want to try for a tax deduction from your donation. Read the IRS instructions for donating non cash items (see Resources) and bear in mind that you will need to donate your piano to a tax-exempt organization, such as a church, school or charity.
- 3). Determine whether you can help move the piano. Pianos are fragile and heavy and often require the services of professional piano movers in order to transport, particularly in the case of grand or baby grand pianos. Unless you also wish to donate funds for professional movers, you may need to inform whomever you are donating to that they will need to take responsibility for moving the piano if they wish to take it.
- 4). Call local churches and ask if they need an extra piano. While most churches will only want a high quality piano (usually a grand) for their sanctuary, they are likely to be glad to have extra pianos in spare rooms for the sake of rehearsals.
- 5). Contact local schools and universities. Like churches, they may want pianos for classrooms, practice rooms or dormitories.
- 6). Contact local nursing homes and senior centers.
- 7). Check your local page on craigslist.org to see if anyone is currently seeking a piano in the wanted section. If not, place your own ad in the free section.
- 8). Donate your piano through Piano Finders. This is an organization that puts piano donors in touch with individuals and organizations who are seeking pianos.
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