In addition to grants and fundraisers, nonprofits have a few options at their disposal to get in-kind donations for the organization. Tapping local community resources for assistance is a way to make the public aware of your organization's work and to gain its support. Networks of your supporters and volunteers are also vital in gaining access to resources and free items for your nonprofit.
Instructions
1. Send out a request to your organization's volunteers and supporters in your organization's regular newsletter or email update. Even if your volunteers give their time and talents in another capacity, they may be willing to step up and help pull weeds on the organization's property or send out invitations for an upcoming fundraiser.
2. Leverage the personal and professional networks of your volunteers, supporters and friends to get help for your nonprofit. Lawyers or electricians may donate their time, or a board member may be able to make an introduction of a city council member to the organization's executive director.
3. Post requests for specific items your organization needs on Freecycle. Freecycle is a nationwide grassroots movement to keep usable items out of landfills. Send an email out to your local Freecycle group stating your nonprofit's needs, and if someone in the group has a few of whatever you are asking for left over in the garage somewhere, he will let you know. Then, someone from your organization will pick it up from his garage at a time convenient to both parties.
4. Ask for items or services on Craigslist, or get items you need in its free section of the classifieds. If you post an ad (for which there is no cost), let the reader know it is for a nonprofit organization. Develop an internship program. Interns can help your organization out, and you can teach the intern about different aspects of running a nonprofit.
5. Contact your state's nonprofit association for assistance in developing an internship program that is beneficial to both your organization and to the intern. A listing of state nonprofit associations is available on the National Council of Nonprofits website. (see Resources)
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