In-Kind |

In-Kind

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IN-KIND DONATIONS:

In-kind donations are those donations that are done in goods and services rather than money.

Sometimes it is not cash you give, but some other valuable. The most obvious one would be the services of a professional. A lawyer might donate his time to assist in the filing of incorporation papers for a non-profit corporation. A doctor might volunteer to do screening examinations or flu shots. Or a carpenter might build something for a local charity. In each case, they are entitled to a deduction from their income taxes for the value of their time and any costs incurred, because that is a charitable donation.

These are sometimes the most valuable sorts of donations.

A cash gift is nice, of course; but the organization saves twice when it saves all the bookkeeping and paperwork involved in disbursing that cash in accordance with their charter.

The in-kind donation is a simpler and more human one.

Donations In-Kind

A donation in kind is where a product, equipment or capacity of a business is donated to a charitable cause (usually local). This can vary from imperfect stock, to spare or overproduced stock, old equipment, low cost office space or spare transport capacity.

This can help save the need to throw away or clear out items at low prices; whilst helping good causes. This type of donation usually requires more thought than a financial donation, but can be extremely useful to good causes at little cost to your business. It is important however to check with the charity or scheme that your donations are needed.

There are some organizations that collect donations of new goods, and distribute them to worthwhile causes; if you are unsure of a cause to donate to, these could help see your contributions are given to those who will benefit.

Examples of Donations In-Kind:

1. A business upgrades its computer systems, and donates the old computers and printers to a charity collection organisation.

2. A sandwich makers often ends up with spare products and a number of items that are slightly imperfect; and offers these to the local homeless shelter at the end of each day, rather than throwing them away.

3. A toy manufacturer produces a number of items with minor cosmetic flaws; and donates these each month to a local children’s charity.

4. A Nationwide Haulage Delivery company always has half empty Lorries on Fridays, and offers the spaces to charities that need to send goods between branches or to distant locations; saving them transport costs.

HOW TO MAKE IN-KIND DONATIONS

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Determine what organization you would like to help. Charities, non profit organizations, churches and schools are some examples. Choosing an organization that you enjoy or one that you know needs the help is the most beneficial way to go.

Step 2

Find out from the organization what they may need. In-kind donations can be volunteering your time and services. If you are an attorney, for example, donating your legal services to the organization is a needed service that a monetary value can be placed on (your hourly charges.)

Step 3

Consider what contributions you may have that can be donated. Loaning funds without interest, providing space in your building for group meetings or the donation of supplies for an organization are examples of in-kind donations many businesses make.

Step 4

Provide the donation to the organization. Be sure the organization provides you with a receipt for the services or items you are donating. This should include the date of the donation, a description of the item or service donated, the organization’s name and the estimated value of donated services.

Step 5

Document all in-kind contributions as expenditures. They should be recorded as both a revenue and an expense on your general ledger and on your financial reports. Keep these reports for three years after you have submitted your financial records for taxes.

Step 6

Talk to your accountant and your tax professional to determine the best way to make in-kind donations for your business or personal benefits. They can estimate the amount you can or should give to give you a clear goal to work towards each year.