An In-Kind Grant Could Be Just What You Need

What could be better than getting something that you thought you’d have to go out and buy? In-kind grants can be equipment a company provides to your organization. The term pro bono originally applied to established professions such as medicine, the law, accounting, etc., pro bono publico work meant, literally, “for the public good” — and it was considered a duty of members of a profession to offer some part of their services at a reduced fee or free to those in need. Today, the use of the term has expanded to encompass any sort of volunteer service in which someone donates skills for which he or she would otherwise be paid. So if a web designer creates a website for an organization at no charge, or a financial planner offers to give a lecture to your staff and community with proceeds going to your organization, that’s pro bono service.

GrantWatch includes many in-kind grants, some are from major companies like Best Buy and other well-known computer and technology companies.  In-kind grants and donations provide goods, and pro-bono services instead of cash. The process of applying for the grant is basically the same as with monetary grants. Goods awards can include tangible items such as computers, software, cars, clothing, furniture, books, supplies, and office equipment, for use by your organization or for special events like silent auctions and raffles. Goods may also be intangible, such as advertising, meeting space, photocopies, patents, royalties, and copyrights. Goods can range from brand-new to used items. They can be surplus items or equipment that is even just loaned for a period of time. Another type of in-kind grant can be a cash equivalent like a gift certificate.

In-kind services are pro bono professional services donated by groups such as corporations, small businesses, vendors, colleges, individual professionals or tradespeople. For example, your organization could be given training by an expert fundraiser, or a specific number of hours of professional development, accounting, or legal services. What could be better than the gift of time? When a successful expert like the CEO of a financial planning company, an up-and-coming web designer, or a professional photographer offers their time and expertise, the recipients profit greatly, often more than they would have if they’d gotten the cash equivalent of that expert’s time and services.

GrantWatch posts in-kind donation grants that add great value for organizations and businesses fitting the granter’s requirements. Two are listed below.

Grants and In-Kind Technical Support to USA Nonprofits, For-Profits,
and Agencies for Innovative Plastics Recycling Programs, Deadline: 1/31/19.

Grants and in-kind support to USA nonprofit organizations, government agencies, materials recovery facilities, and for-profit organizations to initiate a plastics recycling program in local communities throughout the country. Funding and technical assistance are intended to support the Funding Source’s new innovative program, where difficult-to-recycle plastics are diverted from landfills and converted into reusable materials.

Grants to USA Nonprofits in Eligible States
to Establish Technology Centers for Teens, Deadline: 2/1/19

Grants of up to $50,000 and in-kind services to California, Texas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Kansas, and Missouri nonprofit organizations in eligible cities to help establish technology centers and programs for teenagers. Funding is intended to support community-based organizations that have an existing after-school teen program and a commitment to serving youth in underserved communities.

The mission is to provide a fun, interactive learning space where teens explore technology to discover new interests, collaborate with one another, and prepare for the future.

Many corporations and businesses prefer to provide in-kind support, so, if your funding request has options for in-kind support, this may be a great way to start a relationship with a corporate funder. Look for a match between what you need and a company’s products. It’s important to note, in-kind gifts must be accounted for differently than cash for tax purposes, so be sure to consult a tax expert.

About the Author: The author is a staff writer for GrantWatch.com.