How churches are stretching their budgets through gifts-in-kind organizations
By Gary C. Smith
It’s a given that with budgets tighter than ever, churches need to be creative in doing more with less. Yet many dismiss one very real resource because they’re convinced there must be a catch. But it’s not too good to be true.
That resource is gifts-in-kind organizations. These organizations collect donations of new merchandise from U.S. corporations and redistribute it to its not-for-profit members, including churches and schools, for free.
Free materials, including office and art supplies, janitorial supplies and sporting goods. Plus, tools, toys, software, books and media, personal care items, party goods and more.
Churches can browse catalogs of donated supplies and request what they need, saving on supplies and limiting out-of-pocket costs for the church.
The Faith Baptist Church is located right near the highway in Spokane, Missouri. It is between Springfield and Branson. Pastor James Mohler said that people riding down the highway often just stop in to the church for help. And he is ready to offer some.
Since 2006, Faith Baptist has been a member of the gifts-in-kind organization, National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAEIR). Pastor Mohler frequently scans the catalogs of merchandise looking for items that he can give folks in need who either happen by or are members of his church, school or missionary. Items as simple as cleaning supplies, writing paper, pens, pencils and crafts are deeply appreciated. Tools and clothing are a couple of his favorite offerings.
Mohler sometimes drives to the NAEIR warehouse in Galesburg, Illinois to pick up larger orders to save on shipping. He figures he serves over 1,000 people with free merchandise he would not otherwise be able to provide.
He said that it’s hard to put a dollar value on the donations he has received over the years, but one way he tried to do that was to say that one of his storage areas was broken into once and he estimated $20,000 of donated tools and supplies were stolen.
“I can do things I would never be able to do with help from our gifts-in-kind program. It’s a real blessing,” he said.
What’s the catch? There isn’t one. Typically, members pay a modest annual membership fee, plus nominal shipping and handling costs. That’s it. It ends up costing churches a fraction of what it would to purchase the same supplies through conventional channels.
Who’s doing the donating, and what’s in it for them? Major companies located across the country participate.
One benefit is that they’re supporting meaningful charitable causes. At the same time, they’re taking advantage of tax deductions, reducing storage costs, clearing warehouse space, and avoiding hassles with liquidators. And instead of clogging landfills, they’re putting unused goods to use.
Marcelyne Rousseau is the secretary/treasurer of Eben-Ezer SDA Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She mainly looks for donated clothes, shoes and personal care items to give to the needy in the community. In addition, she gets office supplies for the church as well as janitorial and maintenance items. School supplies are a popular item with the children in the area.
“We are able to provide much needed items and the program saves the church a lot of money,” Rousseau said.
The rules are simple. Participating organizations must agree to act in accordance with IRC section 170(e)(3), which states that merchandise must be used for the care of the ill, needy or minors. It cannot be bartered, traded or sold. The merchandise can be given directly to qualifying individuals served by an organization or used in the administration of the organization.
Savvy churches and schools nationwide are taking advantage of this service to stretch their budgets.
In these days of slashed funding and shrinking budgets, the question isn’t if gifts-in-kind organizations are too good to be true. The question is: if your church hasn’t explored this option yet, what are you waiting for?
Gary C. Smith is the president and CEO of the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAEIR), the oldest, largest gifts-in-kind organization in the U.S. NAEIR receives donations of excess inventory from American corporations and distributes the material to a membership base of more than 13,000 charities. It has collected and redistributed more than $3 billion worth of new, donated supplies and equipment since its founding in 1977. On average, NAEIR members acquire more than $18,000 worth of free products per year for their organizations.
For more information, churches can call 1-800-562-0955 or visit NAEIR’s website at www.naeir.org.
I need evangelism sound system and other Bible materials to do the work in rural areas.
We are a non denominational worship group based in Zambia who preach the gospel through open gospel music crusades. We are in need of used music instruments. How can we apply to benefit from your gesture.
We’re Eglise Baptiste Ephrata Pignon Haiti a small congregation who are looking for : some haitian bible creole and books of songs;
laptop and printer; sounds equipment; music equipment news or used. we haven’t financial way to afford them. We will so glad if you can help us in your prayers that God provide any of them.
thank you for your prompt response
God bless you
We are church in Zambia and we a challenge of renting a building. We need help to buy land so that we can put up a temporary structure to use for worship. The rental we have been paying can be used to building a permanent structure.
Having trouble getting to work and church main two that s important than n my life…
Our Church wants to bless and reach souls through streaming. We that God locks a cheerful to bless us with streaming equipment or anything that assists in our ministry.
New church in Uganda need new sound and light equipment. How can i apply for the items?
supply for church sound system ) How do i apply for this thinks? but i need this to replace our old sound system its was long over for 15 years..
Our church closed June 6th and we have a few things that really need a new home. The baptismal stand with bowl plus the communion table. We need to know now
We want to build a church
We are a small church with few membership and we are in need of a laser printer
Our church was destroyed by fire in 2015. We are struggling to rebuild and restock our musical equipment.
How do I apply Our church is in need of some things Like cabinets restroom music equipment Thank you
We are a growing church from Ethiopia looking looking looking for music equipment, sound equipment.
We are a growing church looking looking looking for music equipment, sound equipment, and camera equipment.
For information regarding gifts-in-kind services and catalogs, churches can call 1-800-562-0955 or visit NAEIR’s website at www.naeir.org.
We are a small congregation who has been struggling with financial problems we have upgrading to another building and with few members the task has become daunting at times. We are in a real need of some new pew chairs in gray fabric at least 75 and with searching so many different websites the least expensive was $52 a chair. We have had fundraising but now have exhausted all avenues at this time. Is there anyway to at least contribute a donation of funds or chairs thank you for your time
We are a growing church looking looking looking for music equipment, sound equipment, and camera equipment.
We want donations for the supply of church equipment how can I apply .
We are the new church plant in Malawi Africa looking for a donation of tent for congregation services and evangelism programs. The church has got few members and very poor that can’t afford to buy a tent. God bless you abundantly
We are small church in South Africa,KwaZulu-Natal Natal,we are currently using a small tent as our place of worship.we are willing to accept any donations.
we have a small group that has gone entirely with Zoom thus the accoutrements we have over the past 14 yrs will no longer be used, if there are any groups in need of some items, please contact your list and we can work out getting them to you
Anything Helps
we are a small growing church that wants help bridge the gap in different area
Hi Jersy, for more information on the program you can call 1-800-562-0955 or visit NAEIR’s website at www.naeir.org. Thanks and best of luck!
Supplies for church(Cleaning and restroom) Hw do I apply for this things? Thank you!