Nonprofit Talk - When are "free" in-kind donations worth it?
|
Posted By: Jon C. on July 07, 2008 As a nonprofit ED, manager, or staffer, you probably run into this situation frequently: a donor has offered equipment or supplies for free, or at a minimal cost. The problem: will the "donation" end up costing more in time, transaction cost, or personnel resources than it's really worth? Many of us have fallen into this trap... accepting a good-faith donation of equipment or furnishings only to realize that you'll have to pick up and store the materials at your expense, or that the materials are obsolete, damaged, or otherwise unusable. Before accepting any donation, be sure to make sure that you've covered the following points: 1. Is there a real, organizational need for the donated materials? There's a tendency to get excited when someone offers us anything free. Regardless of whether we need it or not. Do you really need another office desk? Does your organization have someone who needs a computer, or will it simply sit in a corner or empty office to become tomorrow's headache? Think carefully about whether the donation will make a serious impact before investing time into receiving it. 2. Are the donated materials in good condition? Your organization will probably be approached about receiving materials that are gently used, as well as materials that have outlived their usefulness. Learn the difference between the two. It may be more sensible to invest in a new product. Obsolete computer equipment is the most common in-kind donation headache - there are countless nonprofit offices full of dot-matrix printers, DOS computers, monochrome PC monitors, run-down copy machines, and other such dinosaurs. Make sure you have a complete inventory of any equipment you'll be receiving, and ensure it is compatible with your existing technology. 3. What are the costs associated with the donation? In most cases, your organization will be responsible for transporting and storing the materials. Will you need to procure a truck or van? Is there adequate storage, or will this create a new expense? How much will your organization need to invest in repair? You'll be surprised at how often the cost of transporting large-item donations exceeds the cost of purchasing the item new. 4. One man's trash isn't always another man's treasure. Beware of inheriting another organization's headache... don't be afraid to decline a donation that isn't in your organization's long-term interest. Yes, it may be a good faith donation, but be prepared to explain politely why your organization has little use for that crate of 5" floppy disks or a collection of ancient electric typewriters. If the donation is not something that you would already have on your supply list if your budget allowed, think twice before accepting it. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Jon C.
Benefits Management Analyst, State of Ohio Hampton University class of 2004 Member Since July 2003 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
WOMEN OF GOD in UNITY Working Together5 Anointed Christian Women talking about things happening in our communities Throughout the nation and should be change with our help daily. And there will be 2 recording gospel Artist at this event p ...more
Min Sammy Jackson • 35 Views • March 9th, 2026 |
 |
WOMEN OF GOD in UNITY Working Together5 Anointed Christian Women talking about things happening in our communities Throughout the nation and should be change with our help daily. And there will be 2 recording gospel Artist at this event p ...more
Min Sammy Jackson • 36 Views • March 9th, 2026 |
 |
Behind the Wheel of the Hot 2026 Kia Sportage ReviewCompact SUVs remain competitive, and Kia’s best-selling model for 2026, the Sportage, gets a major mid-cycle update to stay ahead. During a week with the new Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD, I tested ...more
Randi Payton • 154 Views • March 5th, 2026 |
 |
Season OpenerOpen door looks inviting; You see noone near the vehicle yet the door has been wide open for an unusual amount of time!
🤔💭“maybe I should help them out or should I just stick to th ...more
How May I Help You NC • 162 Views • March 4th, 2026 |
 |
Motivational Artist MARCUS PARKER Creates Rize Mode A AI Powered Artist@MARCUSPARKER #MARCUSPARKER
@RIZEMODE #RIZEMODE
@WISEDIVAS #WISEDIVAS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Underground Motivator MARCUS PARKER Launches AI Artists and New Guide to Help Others Build Their Own ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 200 Views • March 2nd, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,862,261 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,520 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 75,932 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,766 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
