Public Law 94-519, which amended the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, authorizes the donation program, which provides for the transfer of Federal government surplus personal property to State Agencies for Surplus Property (SASP). The SASP's in turn donate the property to non-Federal public and nonprofit institutions and organizations for use in eligible programs.

Each state designates a specific state agency to receive and warehouse Federal surplus property for the benefit of the communities in which the property is distributed. The SASP advises potential applicants of eligibility requirements and procedures to be followed in acquiring Federal surplus personal property and of the terms and conditions which impose a period of restriction on the use of the property before the recipient receives title.

Federal surplus property is made available to State and local governments (public agencies) and certain non-profit, tax-exempt organizations and institutions, which include, but are not limited to, education and health activities, programs for the elderly and providers of assistance to the homeless. Potential applicants may contact the appropriate Director of the State Agency for Surplus Property for information about eligibility and program requirements.