How to Solicit In-Kind Donations for Your Non-Profit

Seeking in-kind donations in addition to monetary ones is another way to fulfill your agency’s needs. Many individuals and small businesses have a variety of goods to offer non-profit charities. Here are some steps you can take to increase your in-kind donations.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Think small! Large chain store corporations receive many requests for in-kind donations. It will be easier for your nonprofit organization to develop a relationship with small business owners in your community. Request donated goods and services from them first. Remember, the more businesses your solicit, the more people learn about your nonprofit.

2. Ask landlords to donate left behind items to your nonprofit organization. Due to property renovations and tenants leaving behind items, landlord and property managers have access to items like clothes, furniture, fixtures and appliances. Landlords also have access to trucks, so they can deliver their in-kind donation.

3. Post a free wanted ad on www.craigslist.org. Be specific with your request, leave a contact name and phone number and instructions for potential in-kind donors.

4. Create a wish list of in-kind goods needed. Publish it in your monthly newsletter. Each month, check off items as they are donated so recipients of the newsletter can see your progress. Be sure to thank donors in your newsletter and annual report.