In kind support
In kind support refers to businesses donating goods, services or resources to a voluntary sector organisation.
Mutual Benefits
Many voluntary sector organisations have found that this type of non-financial support can actually be more valuable than cash in hand:
- Private sector business services and expertise are not cheap. Receiving previously paid for services can cut cost, whilst receiving unexpected services or expertise can support your organisation's development.
- Developing skills or acquiring resources can support the long term sustainability of voluntary sector organisations by creating stronger foundations and improving internal knowledge.
In kind donation can be an attractive proposition to businesses as:
- The costs incurred are often indirect (staff time or use of facilities) rather than direct. In some cases, there may even be no additional costs, for example, if venues would otherwise be empty or equipment thrown away.
- Businesses can benefit from the opportunity to extend the effect of their expertise and resources. For those interested in Corporate Social Responsibility, this often provides a direct route to supporting the community.
Process
In kind support can assume a variety of forms and this flexibility is one of its key features - both businesses and voluntary sector organisations are able to tailor the practice to suit their needs, objectives and capacities.
Using Expertise
Private sector businesses can be a great source of expertise and knowledge. Offering their services to voluntary sector organisations can be a way of developing their own skills, as well as ensuring that the wider community can benefit from them. There is no set pattern, but some examples include:
- An IT company designing a website for a charity
- A film company producing promotional videos for a charity
- A printing firm producing leaflets or postcards
- A business support firm supplying free training for voluntary sector employees
Equipment, supplies and resources
Office refurbishments, technical overhauls, a room that is going spare: Businesses can be a minefield of equipment and resources - it is just a matter of seizing the opportunity and identifying effective solutions that both parties can benefit from. Some suggestions include:
- Asking businesses to inform your organisation when they have furniture or equipment that they want to get rid of;
- Exploring agreements to use company resources when they are not being used by the business;
- Developing relationships that enable both parties to benefit from discounted prices through bulk buying.
Something to think about
In the main, in kind offers can be a real opportunity for voluntary sector organisations; however, it is worth asking yourself a few questions before agreeing to the support:
- Do you need the resource? 2 computers could be great but 10 may be a burden.
- Will the maintenance of the resource incur additional or unforeseen costs? Staff may need to be trained to use new IT equipment. Updating systems and dealing with problems can be costly.
- Why is any office equipment being given away? A touch of scepticism is no bad thing when it comes to a choice between a free chair and an employee suing you for breaching health and safety.
- Is the support appropriate? Accepting in kind support aligns your organisation with a business. Make sure that this will not harm your reputation.
- What does the business expect? Check out any expectations that the donator may have to ensure that you are not landed with any unexpected demands.
In Kind Support Toolkit
