Donating Goods In-Kind
The power of in-kind donations can make ripples of impact in our community. Contributions of donated goods help nonprofit organizations thrive by expanding their resources, saving money, reducing overhead costs, and helping increase their efficiency.
In-Kind Donations
Finding the right home for physical goods isn’t always straight forward, but here are some resources that can help.
AUW Holiday Wish List
Program Name: AUW Holiday Wish List
- Goods Accepted: All listed resources – Every year, AUW creates a Holiday Wish List to assist our Partner Agencies in their efforts to help countless people our community. They ask for your generous donation of gifts and time to ensure those they serve have a happy holiday season.
Institute for Human Services (IHS)
Program Name: Institute for Human Services
- Goods Accepted: Clothing, toiletries, backpacks, diapers, and other essentials.
Helping Hands Hawaiʻi (HHH)
Program Name: Helping Hands Hawaiʻi
- Goods Accepted: Beds, household furniture, small appliances, clothing, accessories, linens, towels, and hygiene products.
Residential Youth Services & Empowerment Hawaiʻi (RYSE)
Program Name: RYSE Hawaiʻi
- Goods Accepted: New socks and underwear, travel-size toiletries, bottled water, razors, hygiene products, teen-friendly clothing, and vehicles in working condition.
Goodwill Hawaiʻi
Program Name: Goodwill Hawaiʻi
- Goods Accepted: Goodwill Hawaiʻi accepts women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing; kitchen and household items; dishes, pots & pans, cooking & serving containers; shoes and boots; books; linens; stuffed animals; and collectibles.
Hawaiʻi Foodbank
Program Name: Hawaiʻi Foodbank
- Goods Accepted: Canned proteins (tuna, chicken), prepared canned meals (soup, pasta), canned fruits, canned vegetables, rice in 2-5 pound bags. No perishable items like dairy, meat, chicken, fish, or fresh produce accepted.
HUGS Hawaiʻi
Program Name: HUGS Hawaiʻi
- Goods Accepted: Nonperishable foods, diapers, gift cards for essential needs (e.g., Wal Mart, Target, CVS), and new unopened toys.
Waimānalo Health Center
Program Name: Waimānalo Health Center
- Goods Accepted: Food, clothing, household items, office supplies, hygiene products, medical supplies.
Re-use Hawaiʻi
Program Name: Re-use Hawaiʻi
- Goods Accepted: Appliances, Furniture, Mirrors and Glass, Building Materials, Hardware and Tools, Electrical and Lighting, Flooring, Countertops, Cabinets, Paints and Stains, Plumbing, Windows and Doors, Roofing, Masonry, Tile, and Stone.
Family Programs Hawaiʻi
Program Name: Family Programs Hawaiʻi
- Goods Accepted: Food items (spam, chicken noodle soup, ramen noodles, chili, mixed vegetables, corn, tuna), bottled water, new clothing (plain t-shirts, shorts, slippers for ages 4-17), household items (cleaning supplies, toiletries), gift cards (for grocery stores and activity centers), and various new or gently used items (bikes, arts & crafts supplies, etc.).
Donating Physical Goods
If you are still unsure about the best program for donating particular physical goods, or if you have any questions about how you can best help our local community with your in-kind donation, please contact our Community Impact team at Impact@AUW.org.
In-Kind Donation FAQs
Below are some common FAQs and answers regarding donating physical goods as in-kind donations.
What are in-kind donations?
In-kind donations are non-cash gifts of goods or services provided to a nonprofit organization. These can include tangible items like clothing, food, or equipment, as well as services such as legal advice or marketing support.
Are in-kind donations tax-deductible?
Yes, in-kind donations are generally tax-deductible for donors. However, the IRS requires nonprofits to provide written acknowledgments for these contributions, detailing the nature of the gift and confirming that no goods or services were exchanged.
How should nonprofits document in-kind donations?
Nonprofits should record a description of the gift, its fair market value as stated by the donor, and the donor’s information. This documentation is crucial for compliance with tax regulations and for providing receipts to donors.
What types of goods can be donated in-kind?
In-kind donations can include a wide range of goods such as office supplies, clothing, food items, and even larger assets like vehicles or real estate. The specific types of acceptable goods depend on the nonprofit’s needs and policies.
How do nonprofits determine the value of in-kind donations?
It is typically the donor’s responsibility to determine and report the fair market value of their in-kind donation for tax purposes. Nonprofits provide acknowledgment letters that describe the donation but do not include a dollar amount.
What is an in-kind gift acceptance policy?
An in-kind gift acceptance policy outlines what types of gifts a nonprofit will accept and how they will be managed. This policy helps ensure that only useful and relevant donations are accepted and that they align with the organization’s mission.
Can used items be donated as in-kind gifts?
Policies vary by organization, but some nonprofits may not accept used items due to health guidelines or other considerations. It’s important to check with each organization regarding their specific requirements.
