This blog post was written by Madison Decker, NBCF Charitable Advancement Manager. Madison assists partners and businesses turn in-kind donations into meaningful support for patients and families. Additional contributions were provided by Katie Mooneyham, Strategic Partnerships Coordinator, and Candace Day, Director of Digital Communications.
When people think about corporate giving, a direct financial donation is usually the first thing that comes to mind. While direct financial support is critical to nonprofits, there are other ways companies can make a meaningful impact. This is where gifts-in-kind (GIK) donations can come in.
Gifts-in-kind (GIK) are non-cash donations of goods or services that directly support a nonprofit organization’s mission. These gifts may not always get the spotlight, but their impact can be immediate, tangible, and deeply meaningful.
Your company may already have valuable resources that could directly support people in need. Resources such as products, services, warehouse or office space, or even expertise could help a nonprofit advance its mission.
Simply stated, gifts-in-kind can provide immediate, direct support for people in need and help nonprofits stretch limited budgets while expanding their programs and services.
Gifts-in-kind partnerships aren’t just beneficial for nonprofits; they’re also a smart strategy for businesses looking to give back in meaningful ways.
For partners, GIK donations can:
Many companies already have the resources to make a difference; they just may not realize that what they do best is exactly what a nonprofit needs most.
Gifts-in-kind partnerships typically fall into two main categories: product donations and service-based support.
These are non-cash contributions of physical goods that can help support a nonprofit’s mission and the people it serves. Product donations may include:
GIK product donations are often distributed directly to people in need through the nonprofit’s programs, events, and patient support initiatives.
Service-based support is when a company contributes professional services, expertise, or other resources. This often includes:
The contributions often help nonprofits extend their reach and reduce their operating costs.
Each year, Thrive Causemetics donates approximately 8,000 various beauty products to NBCF, including mascara, lip gloss, and eyeshadow, for inclusion in HOPE Kits® and distribution at outreach events. Throughout their partnership, they’ve given over $3.5 million in product donations, reaching hundreds of thousands of women facing breast cancer across the United States.
As a bonus to providing products for breast cancer patients and community outreach events, Thrive Causemetics has unlocked opportunities to reach new customers and share its connection to the cause.
Toni, a breast cancer survivor and HOPE Kit recipient, shared what the products she received when she was in treatment meant to her:
“I love everything in the kit. So grateful to have received it. The tumbler and the Thrive makeup is the best part. The tumbler keeps my water cold for a very long time. The makeup allowed me to feel somewhat pretty again. I even ordered more products from Thrive as a result.”
A GIK partnership may be a good fit if your company has:
Because GIK partnerships are centered on fulfilling programmatic needs, alignment between the company’s resources and the nonprofit’s needs matters. A nonprofit may consider the following factors before accepting a GIK donation:
By considering these factors, the nonprofit can ensure that donated resources are used in meaningful, timely ways that create the biggest impact for the people being served.
Gifts-in-kind challenge the idea that impact only comes from writing a check. They invite creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of community needs. Some of the most impactful partnerships begin with a simple question:
“What do we already have that can make a difference?”
As nonprofits and partners continue to explore new ways to create impact, gifts-in-kind remain one of the most underutilized and effective forms of giving. When thoughtfully paired, these donations transform everyday resources into impact.
Not sure if your product or service could be a good fit? Reach out to our team now to see if your company’s resources align with current needs and ways to support those facing breast cancer. We’d love to explore what’s possible together.
Donations are always appreciated, but there are lots of great ways to get involved.
