Civil Society Sustainable Finance Hub
  • Civil Society Sustainable Finance Hub
  • Bridge and Emergency Funding Options
    • Emergency Funds
    • Additional Resources
  • Funding Models
    • Funding Models
      • Individual Donations
      • Crowdfunding
      • Corporate Funding
      • Foundation Funding
      • Social Enterprise
      • Social Contract
      • Equity Investment
      • Loans and traditional bonds
      • Impact Bonds
    • Assessing organization-funding model fit
    • Funding Model Tipsheets
      • Large Individual Donor Model Tipsheet
      • Small and Individual Donors Tipsheet
      • Membership Fees Tipsheet
      • Corporate Partnerships Tipsheet
        • In-kind Donations
        • Skilled Volunteering
        • Corporate Social Responsibility
        • Fee-for-service
  • Developing your sustainable finance strategy
    • Where to start when thinking of diversifying funding?
      • Worksheet: Assess current operating environment
    • Deciding on a funding diversification approach
      • Worksheet: Insight Conversations to fill gaps
    • Template: Sustainable Finance Plan
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  • When Should Your Organization Consider This Model?
  • What Are Six Steps You Can Take to Establish This Model?
  • Additional Resources on In-Kind Donations

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  1. Funding Models
  2. Funding Model Tipsheets
  3. Corporate Partnerships Tipsheet

In-kind Donations

Businesses provide goods or services at no cost to your organization instead of a financial contribution. This can include donations of products (for example, a pharmaceutical company donating medication to a clinic), office supplies (for example, a tech company providing software licenses), equipment, etc. In-kind donations can help your organization save on costs while allowing you to allocate existing funding/budget accordingly towards other program activities. In-kind donations can be a good start to building a connection with a business that could eventually lead to long-term partnership and support.

When Should Your Organization Consider This Model?

  1. Operational Needs for Goods or Services: Your organization has specific needs for goods or services to provide the programs and services you offer to the community. For example, medical supplies, office equipment, nutritional supplies, etc.

  2. Capacity to Manage In-kind Donations: You have the capacity to manage donated goods in terms of transportation, storage, distribution, and maintenance. This is especially important with regards to perishable goods such as medication and food.

  3. Companies/Businesses with the Capacity to Donate: There are companies that you are aware of which have the ability to provide in-kind donations that would be beneficial to your organization.

What Are Six Steps You Can Take to Establish This Model?

  1. Identify Your Needs and Potential Donors: Clearly define your organization’s needs and assess which ones can be fulfilled through a corporate donation. Based on this, research local companies that can provide that specific donation and/or have a track record of engaging in social responsibility and impact projects.

  2. Reach Out and Build Relationships: As with any donor relationship, a good connection and trust are crucial to securing in-kind support. This can also help build a longer-term partnership. Leverage existing connections to introduce your organization to companies. Alternately, you can attend different business networking events or join local chambers of commerce to build relationships with business leaders.

  3. Present a Strong Case for your Project: Develop a convincing pitch for the company that details: the in-kind support needed, how the company is well-positioned to support you and partner with you, the potential impact of their support, and how the company can benefit from engaging with your organization.

  4. Manage the Donation Payments: Set up your internal systems to track and manage in-kind donations. This may include creating processes and allocating staff capacity towards inventory management and distribution of the donations.

  5. Acknowledge and Thank the Donor: Publicly acknowledge and thank corporate partners through social media, newsletters, and at events to recognize their contributions.

  6. Evaluate and Report on Impact: Measure and report the impact of in-kind donations on your programs. This can include cost savings, program outcomes, and testimonials from beneficiaries. Reporting on impact creates accountability and can strengthen your case for future support.

Additional Resources on In-Kind Donations

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In-Kind Donations: The Ultimate Guide + How to Get Started, Jitasa. An exhaustive guide on building an in-kind donation program including reporting and accounting and soliciting donations. .

How can I find sources of in-kind gifts? A short article that shares examples of in-kind donations and tips on how to source them. .

Access it here
Access it here