Teachers and nonprofits have more motivation now than ever before to obtain needed merchandise from a gifts in kind organization. Companies that import manufactured goods from overseas are likely to be saddled with much higher tariffs going forward. This can include anything from school supplies to toys to maintenance supplies. So, community organizations, social service agencies, and teachers have more motivation than ever to consider obtaining goods from a gifts-in-kind organization. Why? Because the merchandise available from a gifts-in-kind organization is already in the U.S., donated by a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer looking to clear out overstocks and excess inventory. If tariffs had been assessed, they would have already been paid by the company, not the consumer. There are several of these organizations across the U.S. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, community organizations, and social service agencies, along with teachers in public and private schools, can join one of these groups. That membership entitles them to receive merchandise at no cost, aside from a nominal handling fee. There usually is an online catalog that makes ordering simple. Gifts-in-kind merchandise can be used to meet any need – for example, making sure a student has a warm sweatshirt for school or filling care packages for domestic and international mission trips. However, the merchandise must be used to fulfill the organization's mission or supplement classroom supplies. It may not be sold, traded, or bartered. These goods can make a big difference to a nonprofit. One example is Teen Round-Up of Duncan, Oklahoma, which serves families in financial crisis and single parent homes. It has been a member of a gifts in kind program for over a decade. Every year, Teen Round-up hosts a free three-day, two-night summer camp for 1,000 children ages 7-12. The camp includes seven home cooked meals, crafts, sports, challenging zip lines and more. It also puts on a “Christmas Surprize” for more than 200 children and single moms, with dinner, gifts, and a party atmosphere. Roxanne Kerley, vice president and director, says, 'This year, our giant Christmas tree and camp activity building were decorated with 100 percent gifts in kind ornaments, lights, and decorations. We gave 260 children a giant gift bag filled with novelty items, clothing, educational items, and toys.' 'We’re doing more for our community because of it,' she adds. 'The small cost to be a member and allocation costs are just a token compared to what you will receive through the organization.' For instance, membership in the gifts in kind organization Teacher Program is free and helps stretch out-of-pocket expenses by providing materials such as arts and crafts items, pens and pencils, highlighters, scissors, incentive items like stickers, and so much more. In most cases, participants in this program pay less than a third of what the products would cost even at the lowest prices available at deep discount stores. Donations come from dozens of companies as diverse as Crayola, McMaster-Carr, Avery Products, Newell Brands, and Cutter & Buck. Whatever a nonprofit or teacher needs, they’re likely to find it. What motivates companies to donate to gifts-in-kind organizations? It may be to reduce storage costs, clear up space in their warehouse, keep unsold merchandise out of landfills, or fulfill their philanthropic missions to give back to their communities. It’s also a way for companies to streamline their donation process. They can receive a tax deduction for donated items without having to tie up their own employees’ time searching for worthy groups or shipping items to multiple locations. With gifts-in-kind organizations, nonprofits and teachers can both spend less on items they need while also providing more help to the communities and students they serve.

Nonprofits & Teachers Can Avoid Tariffs & Receive New Donated Merchandise

This article discusses how nonprofits, community organizations, and teachers can benefit from gifts-in-kind organizations to avoid tariffs on imported goods. These organizations provide free or low-cost donated merchandise, which can be used to fulfill the organization's mission or supplement classroom supplies. The article highlights examples from Teen Round-Up of Duncan, Oklahoma, and the Teacher Program, showcasing the impact of these donations on the community.