In-Kind Contributions

Nonprofit organizations are often the recipients of inkind contributions as well as monetary contributions. In-kind gifts are noncash transactions that involve goods or services donated by individuals, corporations, and associations. Instead of cash, the nonprofit organization receives some other gift that assists in carrying out its mission. Common examples of inkind contributions are donated space, office supplies, printing and shipping, health aids, land, technical advice, discounts not otherwise available, and many other types of goods and services. In 2003, the value of in-kind contributions accounted for nearly 50% of all giving, surpassing monetary giving from both foundations and corporations in the United States.

While in-kind contributions are as widely varied as the missions that drive nonprofit groups, there are generally three categories of contributions. First, it ...