In-kind support
In kind support involves a business donating some of their resources to a voluntary sector organisation and is increasingly being recognised as a cost-effective and meaningful alternative to cash donations.
This donation can assume a variety of forms including:
- Staff time
- Marketing support
- Specialist equipment or skills
- A service or action
- Resources including equipment or meeting rooms
Benefits
Low Risk
In kind offers a low risk opportunity to begin working with voluntary sector organisations. It enables you to test the waters and explore the different voluntary organisations before committing to a more long term arrangement.
Flexibility and creativity
Whether your organisation is small or large, service or product centred, local or national, there is always an in kind support option! With no set rules, in kind giving can be tailored to the capacity of your organisation, and in line with your business' activities and objectives. It provides a real opportunity for creativity and thinking outside the box.
Win Win
Are you facing a problem disposing of IT hardware and the associated legislation? Donating them to a computer recycling charity could be an efficient solution and they should meet compliance with licences and ensure that files are properly wiped clean.
Have you purchased new office furniture and have no further use for your old equipment? Your local community centre might be glad of it, as would a furniture recycling organisation. In addition, recycling in this way means that you will be helping the environment.
Process
Identify any resources or skills that you are able to or would like to donate
Identify suitable recipients, considering:
- Is the organisation in line with your business' objectives and aims?
- Is there a relationship between your business' activities and the voluntary sector's activities?
- What are your reasons for in kind donation?
- Will the organisation benefit from your donation?
In Kind Support Toolkit
