Identifying & Tracking In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

Identifying & Tracking In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

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In-kind donations can be a game-changer for nonprofits. Whether it’s donated equipment, free professional services, or supplies for an event, these non-cash gifts can significantly reduce costs and expand impact. But while receiving donated goods and services is exciting, identifying and tracking in-kind donations for nonprofits isn’t always straightforward.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly how nonprofits can manage these contributions to maximize their value and stay at the top of their fundraising game. We’ll cover:

Understanding how to make the most of in-kind support starts with clarity—what exactly qualifies as an in-kind donation, and how do these non-cash contributions differ from traditional monetary gifts? By grasping the fundamentals, nonprofits can confidently seek out and steward these donations with the same care and strategy they apply to financial gifts.

Let’s start by defining what in-kind donations are and how they function in the nonprofit world.

What are in-kind donations?

In-kind donations can be defined as any non-monetary contributions that nonprofits receive. While they can be gifted by individuals, businesses, or other organizations, companies are often one of the most helpful sources to keep in mind.

Instead of giving direct funds, donors provide goods or services that the nonprofit can use to support its mission. These contributions can be just as valuable—sometimes even more so—than financial gifts because they often fulfill specific needs without requiring the nonprofit to spend its own funds.

There are two main types of in-kind donations:

  • Tangible Goods: These are physical items like office equipment, clothing, food, medical supplies, furniture, or technology. For example, a local restaurant might donate food for a fundraiser, or a company could provide laptops for a youth program.
  • Professional Services: These include donated time and expertise from skilled professionals. Examples include legal advice, graphic design, IT support, or accounting services offered at no charge.

Understanding what qualifies as an in-kind donation is the first step toward accurately tracking, valuing, and reporting these contributions.

Benefits of in-kind donations for nonprofits

In-kind donations can be incredibly valuable assets for nonprofits, often providing support that goes beyond what financial contributions alone can accomplish. These non-cash gifts can help organizations stretch their budgets, expand their reach, and build meaningful community relationships.

Here are some key benefits of in-kind donations:

  • Reduced operating costs. In-kind donations can significantly lower overhead expenses. For example, donated office supplies, computers, or venue space can free up cash that can be redirected to core programs or urgent needs.
  • Access to expertise and services. Donated professional services offer nonprofits access to high-quality expertise they might not otherwise afford. These contributions can raise the professionalism of an organization without draining its budget.
  • Enhanced program delivery. In-kind donations can directly support program activities. A food bank receiving donated groceries, or a school program receiving art supplies, can immediately put those resources to use, allowing the nonprofit to serve more people or improve the quality of their service.
  • Increased donor engagement. Some supporters may be more willing to give in-kind than cash. Allowing multiple ways to give makes philanthropy more accessible and helps bring in new types of donors who can still make a meaningful impact.
  • Valuable public relations opportunities. Partnering with businesses for in-kind support can result in shared marketing, media attention, and co-branded events. These opportunities raise awareness for your organization while providing positive exposure for the donor.

Altogether, these benefits highlight how in-kind donations are more than just budget boosters—they’re strategic assets that can elevate a nonprofit’s operations, programs, and visibility. By embracing these contributions, organizations can unlock new levels of impact and form deeper, more diverse partnerships with supporters.

Next, let’s explore how to identify in-kind donation opportunities and recognize the full range of goods and services your organization could be receiving.

How to identify in-kind donation opportunities for nonprofits

In-kind donations can be incredibly useful—but only if your nonprofit knows how to identify and pursue them strategically. Rather than waiting for offers to come your way, it’s important to proactively seek out opportunities that align with your organization’s needs and mission.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Assess Your Organization’s Needs

The first step is to assess your organization’s operations and programs to identify what kinds of goods or services would be most helpful. Think beyond the obvious—yes, donated laptops and office supplies are useful, but so are things like printing services, volunteer t-shirts, event catering, or software subscriptions.

Talk to staff and program leads across departments to get a full picture of where in-kind support could have the greatest impact. Then, compile a clear and prioritized wish list that you can share with supporters, post on your website, or use in corporate outreach efforts.

2. Identify Companies with In-Kind Giving Programs

Many businesses—of all shapes, sizes, and sectors—offer structured in-kind donation programs. National brands often have well-established initiatives supporting nonprofits through product donations, while smaller businesses may offer goods or services informally upon request.

Start by researching companies that align with your mission or operate in your geographic area. Look at their corporate social responsibility pages, giving guidelines, or press releases to see if they mention product donations or sponsorships. You can also explore nonprofit resource sites and directories that list companies known for their in-kind support—or use a corporate giving database to streamline the research.

You might be surprised by the diverse array of products and services that companies offer! From theme park tickets to meeting spaces, you can find a company willing to sponsor just about anything.

3. Build Relationships with Local Vendors and Partners

Don’t overlook the small or mid-level businesses in your own community. Many are willing to support local causes—especially if they see a mutually beneficial opportunity.

For example, local restaurants may donate food for events, print shops might provide discounted materials, and service providers like accountants, lawyers, or IT professionals may offer their time pro bono in exchange for positive publicity. Reach out directly, explain your mission and needs, and highlight how their support could make a difference.

4. Tap into Your Network

Sometimes, your best in-kind donation opportunities are already within your reach. Board members, volunteers, and current donors may have connections to companies or individuals willing to contribute services or products. Make it easy for your network to help by sharing your wish list and encouraging them to make introductions or advocate on your behalf.

5. Look for Event-Specific Donations

Events offer a great entry point for in-kind gifts. From auction items and decor to refreshments and venues, events require a wide range of goods and services—making them ideal for asking businesses to contribute in ways that are manageable and visible.

Making the ask for in-kind donations

Asking for in-kind donations can be a powerful strategy. When done well, these gift requests allow you to build lasting relationships and meet specific needs⁠—all without straining your budget.

Here’s how you can approach the ask effectively⁠ and maximize the likelihood of a positive response:

1. Be Specific About What You Need

Rather than a general appeal for “supplies” or “support,” get specific with what you need. For example, you might ask for “200 unopened hygiene kits for our shelter” or a “One-time legal review of our employee handbook.”

Remember⁠—the more clearly you communicate your needs, the easier it is for potential donors to say yes.

2. Match the Ask to the Donor

Be sure to consider who you’re asking⁠—and what they could realistically provide. For example…

  • A tech company may be more inclined to donate hardware or IT support.
  • A local bakery might provide baked goods for an event.
  • A law firm could offer pro bono legal services.

For the best results, use your donor database, volunteer network, or board connections to identify people or businesses with relevant resources that they may be willing to share.

3. Explain the Impact

Corporate and individual donors alike want to know how their contributions will make a difference. Help them see the value of their gifts by framing your language around a gift’s tangible impact:

  • “Donating 50 backpacks will equip every student in our summer program with the tools they need to learn well.”
  • “Your donated ad space can help us reach 10,000 local residents, informing them about our organization’s services and programs.”

Highlight how their support directly advances your mission, and how you wouldn’t be able to do it without them. This is also helpful for companies that then have to communicate their impact to stakeholders and beyond.

4. Make It Easy to Say Yes

Remove barriers by offering clear instructions and a simple process for getting involved. This could mean:

  • Sharing an in-kind donation wish list.
  • Organizing a convenient or flexible drop-off location.
  • Offering to pick up items.
  • Providing documentation for tax purposes.

All in all, the easier it is for companies (or individual donors) to say yes to your request, the more likely they are to do so.

Tracking in-kind donations effectively

Properly tracking and reporting on in-kind donations is essential for nonprofit transparency, financial accuracy, and compliance with IRS and accounting standards.

Here’s how to ensure your organization manages in-kind contributions with clarity and care:

1. Use a Centralized Tracking System

Whether it’s a donor management platform, accounting software, or a simple spreadsheet, all in-kind donations should be recorded in a centralized location.

For the best results, the system should capture:

  • Donor name and contact information
  • Date received
  • Description of goods or services
  • Calculated fair market value (FMV)
  • Intended use or program designation

Even better, you’ll want to choose a platform that allows you to tag or categorize in-kind gifts separately from cash donations, too.

2. Collect Proper Documentation

Always request a donation receipt form or acknowledgment letter from the donor (or provide one yourself). This should include:

  • A detailed description of the donation
  • The date of the donation
  • A statement clarifying whether the nonprofit provided anything in return
  • The estimated FMV, if applicable

This protects both your organization and the donor during audits or end-of-year reporting.

3. Maintain a Consistent Policy

Develop and follow an in-kind donation policy that outlines how gifts are accepted, valued, tracked, and reported. This ensures consistency across departments and accountability for staff and volunteers handling donations.

4. Sync with Accounting and Development Teams

Ensure that your finance team and fundraising/development staff are in sync. Finance needs accurate data for audits and tax filings, while development needs in-kind values for donor stewardship and fundraising metrics. Regular communication helps avoid duplication or missed entries.

5. Report In-Kind Donations Transparently

Include in-kind donations in your annual reports, fundraising materials, and Form 990 filings when appropriate. They demonstrate the full value of community support and show donors that their contributions—cash or not—are being properly honored and managed.

Bonus: Companies that give in-kind donations to nonprofits

Aiming to secure in-kind donations for your nonprofit? Many corporations actively support charitable organizations by donating products, services, software, and professional expertise. And knowing where to look is often half the battle!

Below are several companies known for providing in-kind support to nonprofits:

Google

Google Logo - In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

Google offers the Google Ad Grants program, providing eligible nonprofits with up to $10,000 per month in in-kind advertising on Google Search. This initiative helps organizations increase their online visibility, attract donors, and promote their missions effectively, reaching a broader audience without incurring advertising costs.

Learn more about the company’s other corporate giving programs.

Microsoft

Microsoft Logo - In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

Microsoft supports nonprofits by offering grants and discounted solutions through its Microsoft for Nonprofits program. Eligible organizations can access a range of Microsoft products and services, including cloud solutions and software, to enhance their operations and impact.

Learn more about the company’s other corporate giving programs.

Bath & Body Works

BABW Logo - In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

Bath & Body Works contributes to underserved and underrepresented communities by providing in-kind donations to 501(c)(3) organizations. Through partnerships with organizations like Good360, nonprofits can receive personal care items, soaps, lotions, and more to support their programs and beneficiaries.

Learn more about the company’s other corporate giving programs.

Cisco

Cisco Logo - In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

The Cisco Foundation offers both in-kind donations of networking products and cash grants to nonprofits addressing significant social issues. Their programs focus on organizations that use technology to improve access to education, economic empowerment, and critical human needs.

Learn more about the company’s other corporate giving programs.

Home Depot

Home Depot Logo - In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

The Home Depot Foundation provides in-kind donations and grants to nonprofits, particularly those involved in veteran housing and disaster response. Their programs aim to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans and support communities impacted by natural disasters. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, The Home Depot Foundation has invested millions of dollars worth of supplies for projects that provide critical home repairs, accessibility modifications, and disaster relief.

Learn more about the company’s other corporate giving programs.

Target

Target Logo - In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

Target offers gift card donations to eligible nonprofit organizations, public schools, and public agencies. These donations, typically ranging from $25 to $500, support various community initiatives and are available upon request at local Target stores.

Learn more about the company’s other corporate giving programs.

Dell Technologies

Dell Logo - In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

Dell Technologies supports nonprofits by contributing funds, technology, and expertise to help them drive positive social change. Their initiatives aim to empower organizations to fulfill their missions effectively, particularly in areas where resources are limited.

Learn more about the company’s other corporate giving programs.

Nike

Nike Logo - In-Kind Donations for Nonprofits

Nike supports schools, community-based organizations, and individuals through grants and product donations. Their programs focus on uplifting communities through sport and inclusion, with initiatives like Nike Give enabling consumers to contribute to organizations that make a difference.

Learn more about the company’s other corporate giving programs.

Wrapping up & additional giving resources

In-kind donations offer tremendous value to nonprofits, often bridging the gap between limited budgets and big goals. From donated technology and equipment to essential products and services, these types of contributions allow organizations to conserve funds, improve efficiency, and focus more of their resources on programming and impact.

And remember: with the right tools and processes in place, managing in-kind donations doesn’t have to be complicated. It can become a core strength of your development strategy.

For more information, check out these additional resources:

Make the most of in-kind donations for nonprofits and other forms of corporate giving with Double the Donation.

Matching Gift Reviews- Insights From Leading Nonprofits

Matching Gift Reviews: Insights From Leading Nonprofits

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Matching gifts are one of the most powerful—yet often underutilized—fundraising opportunities available to nonprofits. With over 26 million individuals eligible for employer gift-matching programs, the potential to double (or even triple) donations is massive. But how do leading nonprofits actually make the most of these programs? What tools, strategies, and best practices help them succeed? In this post, we’re diving into real-world insights and matching gift reviews from organizations that have optimized their efforts.

From streamlining donor follow-up to integrating the right technology, these firsthand experiences can offer valuable takeaways for any organization looking to boost its revenue and deepen donor engagement through corporate philanthropy.

Let’s begin!

What is Double the Donation?

Double the Donation is the leading provider of matching gift and corporate philanthropy solutions for nonprofits and schools. Its mission is simple: to help organizations maximize their fundraising potential by making it easier for donors to get involved with their employers’ workplace giving programs.

At the heart of Double the Donation’s offerings is Double the Donation Matching, an advanced platform that integrates seamlessly with donation forms, CRMs, and other nonprofit tools. It automatically identifies donors who are eligible for matching gifts (along with volunteer grants and VTO), prompts them with easy-to-use forms, and follows up to increase submission rates—all without adding extra work for your team.

Inspired by these matching gift reviews? Get started with Double the Donation.

What makes Double the Donation stand out?

Wondering what makes Double the Donation the leader of its kind? Let’s take a look at what sets this platform apart:

  • Industry-Leading Company Database: With the most comprehensive and up-to-date matching gift database in the world, Double the Donation empowers donors to quickly find their employers’ matching gift and volunteer programs. This breadth of data leads to more successful matches and less guesswork⁠—a win-win! Plus, it contains information beyond matching gifts, too, providing insights on corporate volunteer incentives, sponsorships, and more.
  • Smart Automation: Unlike basic tools, Double the Donation’s flagship platform takes matching gift automation to the next level. It automatically identifies eligible donors, allowing you to trigger personalized follow-up emails and track each donor’s match status—all without manual data entry or follow-up.
  • Seamless Integrations: Double the Donation integrates with 100+ donation platforms, CRMs, peer-to-peer tools, and volunteer management systems. This allows nonprofits to embed matching gift functionality directly into the tools they already use—with no complicated tech setup required.
  • Focus on Donor Experience: With intuitive search tools and guided match submission steps, the donor experience is a simple and frictionless one. When donors have an easy path to submit their matches, they’re more likely to complete the process—and that means more revenue for your mission.
  • Support Beyond Matching Gifts: With expanded support for volunteer grants and volunteer time-off (VTO) programs, in addition to broader sponsorships and grant opportunities, Double the Donation is continuously growing alongside the evolving landscape of corporate social responsibility.

In short, Double the Donation isn’t just a tool; it’s a strategic partner that helps nonprofits grow their impact with less effort and more return. But don’t just take our word for it⁠—read on to see what real organizations have to say.

Real matching gift reviews from 16+ fundraisers

When it comes to maximizing matching gift revenue, the best insights often come from those in the trenches. That means fundraisers who are actively using these programs day in and day out. In order to provide the best advice, we gathered information from nonprofit professionals across various missions, sizes, and experience levels.

From boosting donor follow-up rates to automating employer identification, these fundraisers offer an honest look into the tools and tactics that have helped them unlock thousands in corporate match revenue.

…on ROI

We’ve increased our matching gift revenue year over year for three consecutive fiscal years since we started, and from an annual basis, last year we more than doubled our matching gift revenue.

Matching gift reviews from American Lung Association.

– American Lung Association

Within our first full year of following DTD’s marketing guidelines and implementing the plugin, we experienced more than a 40% increase in our matching gift revenue and a 54% increase in our broader workplace giving revenue.

Matching gift reviews from Denver Rescue Mission.

– Denver Rescue Mission

Double the Donation Matching has increased our matching gift revenue by 30%! We have been very pleased with the product and support, and look forward to further incorporating Double the Donation Matching across our fundraising!

Matching gift reviews from ACFB.

– Atlanta Community Food Bank

This solution has made tracking matches much easier, and we’ve seen an uptick in matching gift dollars because of it. Integrating Double the Donation has allowed me to track all matching gift information in one place, significantly reducing operational time.

Matching gift reviews from Cleveland State University.

– Cleveland State University

We love that Double the Donation easily integrates with our crowdfunding campaigns. We saw a huge spike in matching gifts after implementing it for our Day of Giving, and this integration has made it easy to increase our revenue without requiring additional staff resources.

Matching gift reviews from Marietta College.

– Marietta College

Thus far, Double the Donation has increased HSI’s matching gift revenue by 17% in year 1! Double the Donation’s support team was exceptional in implementing on our web pages and working out the tweaks.

Matching gift reviews from HSI.

– Humane Society International

Double the Donation’s Team has increased our year-over-year matching gift revenue by ~48%, and we’re still rolling it out into our fundraising across all of our events! We’re expecting our annual matching gift revenue to grow by over a million dollars.”

Matching gift reviews from LLS.

– Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

We have been so happy with [Double the Donation’s] services. Our matching donations have tripled since we signed up with [Double the Donation].”

Matching gift reviews from Lazarex.

– Lazarex Cancer Foundation

…on Ease of Use

Double the Donation is always available for our donors to come, type in, and easily process. All of the information is already set up, so there’s very little we have to do once it’s implemented, and it is a fantastic resource for us to increase the amount of funding we’re able to use in the community.

Matching gift reviews from Daily Table.

– Daily Table

Double the Donation is one of our favorite software systems because it was easy to set up, easy to use, and works well.

Matching gift reviews from Atlanta Mission.

– Atlanta Mission

We accredit a lot of our recent fundraising success to the seamless GiveCampus and Double the Donation integration. Double the Donation Matching is by far the easiest product we use. Once you turn the integration on, it runs by itself and eliminates a lot of the legwork required on our end. This efficiency is key for our advancement office.

Matching gift reviews from Blair Academy.

– Blair Academy

Double the Donation Matching has become an important component of our fundraising, allowing us to maximize corporate matching opportunities in a simple and proactive way with little labor and maximum results.

Matching gift reviews from Greater Boston Food Bank.

– Greater Boston Food Bank

The integration has just made matching gifts super simple for everybody. Everything is available at just a click of a button, which makes it easier for everyone to take advantage of matching and get involved.

Matching gift reviews from Pet Partners.

– Pet Partners

Our favorite aspect of Double the Donation Matching is that it makes the process very easy for our donors. So often we heard that they had no idea if their company matches gifts.

Matching gift reviews from Lumind IDSC Foundation.

– LuMind IDSC Foundation

…on Customer Service

Double the Donation has a lot of great features, but what I like best isn’t a feature. It’s the staff, they are super helpful, and so easy to work with, and that means an awful lot.

Matching gift reviews from Maine Public.

– Maine Public

Our experience with the Double the Donation team was exceptional. Their technical and client success teams were highly transparent and responsive when working with us on design, accessibility, and data flow. Unsurprisingly, we’ve seen a great amount of success with the combined tools since we fully integrated.

Matching gift reviews from Syracuse University.

– Syracuse University

…on the Power of Automation

Having Double the Donation has allowed us to send personalized match asks to our donors without the extra manual work. Our matching gifts have increased, and we hear from donors who are grateful to know this opportunity is available. We couldn’t have done this without Double the Donation.

Matching gift reviews from PBS SoCal.

– PBS SoCal

The most valuable aspect of Double the Donation (DTD) is the time and effort that we save by having DTD send emails automatically. DTD eliminates the manual processes for mailings and emails to donors, enables us to anticipate incoming matching gifts more accurately, and lets us track the matching gifts we have received.

Matching gift reviews from University of Delaware.

– University of Delaware

The direct integration available to all our current platforms has made tracking matching gifts much easier, and the easy-to-use platform has been vital to our matching gift outreach strategy. We’ve seen solid growth in the number of matching gifts we receive and an increase of 27% in matching gift revenue because of it. We have integrated Double the Donation Matching into all of our donation forms, and the intuitive process makes it so that constituents with all levels of technical capabilities can obtain and understand the matching gift information they need.

Matching gift reviews from Lung Cancer Research Foundation.

– Lung Cancer Research Foundation

Double the Donation has saved an incredible amount of time for our small advancement shop and is consistently dependable on the messaging and the follow-up process that happens. These increased matching gift funds have greatly helped us reach many of the annual goals that we have set over the last couple of years.

Matching gift reviews from University of Lynchburg.

– University of Lynchburg

Inspired by these matching gift reviews? Get started with Double the Donation.

Wrapping Up & Further Reading

Matching gifts can feel like a hidden treasure—one that’s waiting to be unlocked with the right strategy and support. As we’ve seen from the experiences of top nonprofits, success comes down to clear communication and smart automation.

Whether you’re getting started or fine-tuning an existing program, the insights here can help unlock more value from every donation.

Want to take the next step? Explore matching gift platforms, talk to peers in the space, and don’t hesitate to test and learn as you grow. With the right approach, matching gifts can become a game-changer for your fundraising strategy. Good luck!

For more information, check out these additional recommended resources:

  • 13 Matching Gift Operational Stats: Top Nonprofits’ Insights. This post highlights key statistics from leading nonprofits that are actively managing and growing their matching gift programs. Learn what top-performing organizations are doing right, and see how you can apply these insights to boost your own results.
  • Matching Gift Testimonials: How Double the Donation Helps. Hear directly from nonprofits using Double the Donation’s tools to power their matching gift success. This page features authentic testimonials showcasing how the platform streamlines outreach, increases revenue, and simplifies processes at every stage.
  • Free Download: Double the Donation Matching Case Studies. Discover how real organizations have transformed their fundraising through matching gifts. This free downloadable resource is packed with case studies that detail the challenges, solutions, and results experienced by nonprofits.

Inspired by these matching gift reviews? Get started with Double the Donation.