United Way and Hands on Central Texas Gifts In Kind

At United Way, we know the power of in-kind contributions. Such contributions build capacity for nonprofits – they help the organizations hold down overhead costs, expand capabilities, and ultimately, serve more people in our community.

Last year, United Way Gifts In Kind filled the shelves of our Resource Center and distributed over $1 million of in-kind goods to area nonprofits. This year, we’d like to do even more.

Gifts In Kind Program Wish List Classifieds

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

Our research shows that our member nonprofit organizations always need a wide range of contributions. In Central Texas, items most needed include office supplies, office equipment, and donations required by shelters, such as diapers and personal toiletries.

Won’t you help us fill the shelves of the United Way Resource Center? With your in-kind contributions, we can provide a new level of support to nonprofits in our community!

UW Resource Center Volunteer Assistant needed

United Way Gifts In Kind program is seeking a volunteer to help in daily operations at the UW Resource Center, a warehouse space dedicated to providing in-kind donations to local area nonprofit organizations. Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 9 hours per week and be able to lift a minimum of 20 lbs. This position requires passing a criminal background check, which will be conducted upon receipt of application. Join us in lowering overhead costs for local nonprofits while getting to know your community needs. For additional information on how you can help please contact Ursula Pike at: ursula.pike@unitedwaycapitalarea.org or call 512-225-0381.

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
Ursula Pike at 512-225-0381 or
ursula.pike@unitedwaycapitalarea.org

The United Way Resource Center is located at 310 Comal Street in Austin (in the building with Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore).

UNITED WAY RESOURCE CENTER HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
(by appointment only for member agencies)

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