According to statistics from Double the Donation, U.S. donors (including individuals, businesses, and government agencies) contribute roughly $58 billion in-kind to nonprofits each year. These contributions are an essential part of nonprofit fundraising, yet many organizations overlook the potential of corporate in-kind donations.
In this post, we will guide you through the essentials of securing corporate in-kind donations, providing actionable tips that can help you tap into valuable resources for your nonprofit. We’ll cover:
- Tap Into Your Donors’ Employers.
- Get In Touch with Local Businesses.
- Research Major Corporations’ In-Kind Giving Programs.
Securing corporate in-kind donations can give your nonprofit the resources it needs to thrive. Whether you’re just starting to explore this avenue or looking to expand your in-kind giving strategy, this blog post will provide you with the foundation you need to secure those donations successfully. But first, let’s get started with the basics.
What Are In-Kind Donations?
In-kind donations are non-cash gifts that contribute to a nonprofit’s operations and activities. They come in several forms, providing essential support without requiring a financial transaction. These donations may include:
- Goods: Physical items such as clothing, food, technology, office supplies, furniture, or even equipment like printers or computers.
- Services: Professional services such as legal counsel, web design, marketing, or consulting.
- Assets: Donations of stocks, crypto, real estate, or other valuable assets.
Did You Know? In-kind donations can help nonprofits receive a substantial portion of their annual resources without requiring cash expenditures, making them a valuable tool for any organization’s fundraising strategy.
Read on to see how your team can source these donations effectively with our expert-proven best practices.
1. Tap Into Your Donors Employers
One of the easiest ways to access corporate in-kind donations is by tapping into your existing donor base. Many nonprofits overlook the potential of their own supporters who may work for companies with active Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. These businesses may be willing to donate goods or services in-kind as part of their CSR efforts, and the fact that your donors work for these companies can help you get your foot in the door!
To explore this potential:
- Identify connections: Review your current donor list and check whether any of your supporters work for companies with well-established CSR or in-kind giving programs.
- Leverage CSR databases: Comprehensive databases provide information about thousands of companies and the types of charitable programs they support. Simply entering a company’s name into one of these tools can provide you with detailed insights about their in-kind donation programs, grant opportunities, and how to apply for them.
By leveraging your existing supporters’ corporate connections, you can create opportunities for in-kind donations without needing to build new relationships from scratch. This approach can be especially helpful when you’re trying to secure in-kind donations from large corporations that have structured giving programs (like matching gifts!).
Quick Tip: Check out resources like Double the Donation’s corporate giving database to quickly identify potential corporate donors within your network. These tools allow you to search a company’s giving practices and quickly connect with their teams.
2. Get In Touch with Local Businesses
Local businesses are often eager to support community-based initiatives. Since these companies depend on local customers, contributing to local causes is a great way to boost their visibility and foster goodwill within the community. For nonprofits, these smaller businesses can be a valuable resource for in-kind donations, especially for goods and services that are more specific to the nonprofit’s immediate needs.
When reaching out to local businesses for in-kind donations, consider the following tips:
- Evaluate your needs: Assess what goods or services your nonprofit requires and identify local businesses that can help meet those needs. For instance, a local bakery might donate goods for an event, or a print shop could offer discounted printing services for marketing materials.
- Create a clear pitch: Be specific about what you’re asking for, how the donation will benefit your organization, and how the business will benefit in return. Businesses often want to know how their contributions will impact the community and raise their brand profile.
- Build relationships: In-kind donations from local businesses are often based on building strong, long-term relationships. Stay in touch with businesses you partner with, and keep them updated on the impact their contributions are having on your mission.
It’s also worth noting that many nonprofits have a standard sponsorship request letter they can use, but in some cases, a more personalized pitch may be more effective. A formal letter can be a great introduction, but following up with an in-person meeting or a call may make all the difference.
3. Research Major Corporations’ In-Kind Giving Programs
Many large corporations operate in-kind donation programs that allow nonprofits to apply for resources, even if they don’t have an existing relationship with the company. These programs can offer a wide range of in-kind donations, including physical goods and professional services.
For example:
- Google offers free credits to eligible nonprofits through its Google Ad Grants program, allowing organizations to access advertising resources without paying for them.
- Sony often donates audio/visual equipment for nonprofit events, helping organizations host professional-quality gatherings without the need to purchase expensive gear.
To apply for corporate in-kind donations from major companies, just follow these simple steps:
- Research Programs: Look for companies with established in-kind giving programs. Some may focus on donating goods relevant to their business, while others may focus on services or skills that support nonprofit operations.
- Apply: Each company will have its own application process. Some corporations make it easy to apply, while others may require a more detailed application, including proof of nonprofit status and alignment with the company’s values. Either way, it’s important that you make your proposals stand out for the best chance of approval.
- Follow Program Stipulations: Be sure to follow any guidelines provided by the corporation’s giving program. This could include using the in-kind donations for specific projects or reporting back on how the donation benefited your nonprofit.
Corporate in-kind donations can provide your nonprofit with critical resources without the need for cash contributions. Start by exploring your existing donor base for connections to corporate giving programs, reach out to local businesses for support, and research major corporations with established in-kind donation programs.
To maximize your nonprofit’s chances of success in securing corporate in-kind donations, consider leveraging CSR research tools, maintaining relationships with local businesses, and consistently applying for corporate programs. Not to mention, you can choose to work with a fundraising consultant to find new funding opportunities for your cause. Best of luck!
About the Author
Adam Weinger is the President of Double the Donation, the leading provider of nonprofit workplace and corporate giving solutions that serves more than 6,000 organizations. With more than 13 years of experience in the mission-driven software sector, Adam is passionate about helping nonprofits raise more from matching gifts, tap into workplace volunteer programs like volunteer grants and volunteer time off, and take full advantage of all kinds of corporate giving opportunities. Alongside his team, he also oversees Double the Donation’s annual Matching Gift and Workplace Fundraising & Volunteering Summits, which aim to educate nonprofits about these programs.