United Way and Hands on Central Texas Gifts In Kind

Dear Gifts In Kind Members,

After nearly two years of successfully serving Central Texas non-profits with quality donated goods, the United Way Capital Area Gifts In Kind Resource Center located at 310 Comal St. in Austin will be closing on April 30, 2009.

Through the Resource Center, United Way Capital Area's Gifts In Kind program distributed more than $1 million in non-cash donations of new and gently used items such as digital projectors, office supplies, equipment, furniture, toys and books. We appreciate your support of the Resource Center over the last 2 years.

United Way's Gifts In Kind Program is not ending and will continue to operate and provide members:

• Free "Pass through" donated goods (new or used) with direct referral to the donor - last year nearly $150,000 worth of goods were distributed to members through this program;
• Managed "Wish List" posting needed items for direct referrals;
• Inclusion in Gifts In Kind special events, such as seasonal donation drives;
• Access to Gifts In Kind International, which includes the Retail Donation Partner Program where non-profits can be matched with a local business for available goods along with a Special Pricing Program.

Now is the time to come and pick up those items you've been waiting to get. In order to distribute the existing inventory at the Resource Center, the Gifts In Kind Program is inviting all members to make an appointment at the Resource Center. Please contact Nikki Krueger at 512.225.0381 or nikki.krueger@unitedwaycapitalarea.org to schedule an appointment at the Resource Center before April 30, 2009.

Gifts In Kind Program Wish List Classifieds

Click here to see what Gifts In Kind non-profit members need now.

Corporate Giving Benefits

• Your company will receive positive recognition for helping the communities where you do business; such involvement creates and bolsters a good corporate image.
• Making an in-kind contribution often reduces costs associated with surplus inventory.
• Contributing is an efficient way to recycle used or depreciated equipment and supplies.
• Making a donation allows your company to respond to an immediate need while benefiting your local community.
• Corporate donations may be tax deductible.
• United Way Gifts In Kind is happy to facilitate a donation matching process by connecting your company with nonprofits whose work aligns with your corporate values.

Program Overview for Nonprofits

United Way Gifts In Kind manages large-scale donations, and matches those gifts with member nonprofit agencies that can use them best. Last year, we filled the shelves of our Resource Center and distributed over $1 million of in-kind goods to area nonprofits. This support helps nonprofits hold down overhead costs, expand capabilities, and ultimately serve more people in the community.

United Way Gifts In Kind covers operating costs by charging minimal membership and handling fees to participating nonprofits. The annual membership fee is just $100.

What are some of the benefits of membership?

• Your organization will have full access to the United Way Resource Center, a 2,500 square-foot location housing in-kind goods. The Center distributes items most requested by Central Texas nonprofit organizations, such as office supplies and office equipment, plus supplies needed by shelters, such as diapers and personal toiletries.
• We’ll arrange direct referrals to corporate contributors for new and gently used items. Items needed by your organization can also be posted on a Wish List that we manage and promote.
• You have the opportunity to participate in the Retail Donation Partner program, which matches nonprofits with local retailers for available goods.

To become a member or contribute goods, please contact
Nikki Krueger at 512.225.0381 or
nikki.krueger@unitedwaycapitalarea.org

Donation Review and Acceptance Policy

United Way Gifts In Kind encourages donation of a wide range of goods and services for local nonprofits. Our program serves as a channel for donations to flow from contributors to member agencies that create a positive impact in our community. While the United Way Gifts In Kind program strongly encourages in-kind giving, we cannot always accept offered donations. Therefore, the United Way Board of Directors and Hands On Central Texas Advisory Council have charged staff with the responsibility of determining which contributions can be accepted by the organization.

United Way Gifts In Kind encourages non-cash donations such as:

• Office supplies, office equipment, office furniture
• Computers, monitors, and printers
• Digital cameras, video recorders and video equipment
• Entertainment coupons & tickets
• New toys and new books
• Shelter operation supplies (i.e., soap, toothpaste, diapers, etc.)

Products will not be accepted for distribution that:

• Are ingested, such as food, drugs, or other similar products
• Are in and of themselves injurious to health, including firearms, tobacco products and other similar items
• Are being recalled or taken off the market because of governmental regulation, pending legal litigation or product performance problems
• Are a matter of public controversy (subject to the discretion of United Way Capital Area)
• Render UW Gifts In Kind or recipients legally liable in any manner beyond the normal risks inherent in similar purchased goods
• Carry an unrealistic time frame for distribution that does not allow for efficient needs analysis and distribution coordination through the Gifts In Kind program
• Are restricted by governmental drug or safety regulations
• Are not in good working order
• Involve distribution costs that are, in the opinion of United Way Gifts In Kind, inordinately high in relation to their value
• Are damaged, unusable, or have broken seals