In kind Contributions

“Contributions in kind” – non-monetary contributions of staff, office space, and other resources -- are important to many non-profit activities. Often, they bring in skilled and committed personnel that a small organization could not afford to employ – such as an information technology expert to install and update computers, or a marketing whiz to draft a resident survey. Other in-kind contributions might include photocopying and telephone services, supplies, or resources for a mass mailing.

Be sure to track all in-kind contributions and estimate their value in your budget. It is misleading to leave them off your bottom line just because you do not actually “pay” for them at the moment. Listing these activities shows their true cost to your stakeholders, and demonstrates to funders that the community supports your enterprise. Including them in the budget also:

1) Reminds you that these costs will need to be covered if you can not get them donated.

2) Warns you that you may be becoming too dependent on a partner and need a new infusion of resources.