What to Do When Donors Don’t Qualify for an Employer Match
/in Fundraising Strategy, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerDonors who don’t qualify for an employer match might initially seem like a setback for nonprofits, but this doesn’t always have to be the case. While employer matching gifts programs are an incredible way to amplify donations, there are numerous strategies that can help nonprofits ensure that donations still get doubled. Therefore, it’s important for nonprofits to understand the alternatives available for maximizing donor impact, even when an individual doesn’t qualify for matching gifts through their employer.
In the following post, we’ll explore four effective strategies for nonprofits looking to make the most of their fundraising efforts. These include the following employer match alternatives:
- Alternative #1: Host a challenge match campaign.
- Alternative #2: Look into a spouse or family member match.
- Alternative #3: Advocate for a new employer match program.
- Alternative #4: Encourage recurring gifts (including payroll giving!).
While it’s true that many donors rely on corporate matching gifts to amplify their contributions, there are a variety of ways nonprofits can still maximize their donations, even if a donor isn’t eligible for employee matching gifts. By leveraging creative strategies, nonprofits can turn these situations into opportunities for growth and engagement, helping nonprofits maintain momentum and improve their fundraising outcomes.
Let’s begin with our first recommendation.
Alternative #1: Host a challenge match.
When donors don’t qualify for an employer match, empowering them to turn their initial donation into a challenge match campaign can be an incredibly effective way to encourage giving and motivate other donors. A challenge match works by offering to match donations if certain fundraising goals are met within a specified timeframe.
For example, a major donor might agree to match donations up to $10,000 for a set period, such as a week. This gives supporters an exciting reason to contribute, even if they don’t qualify for a traditional employer match.
Challenge matches are highly effective because they play on the psychology of “matching” to motivate donors to act quickly and contribute more. They introduce a sense of urgency and competition, which can lead to an increase in donations overall.
How to Set Up a Challenge Match
The first step in hosting a challenge match is to find a matching donor. This could be an individual, corporation, or group that wants to incentivize others to give. In this case, it can be the key donor who recently found out they don’t qualify for an employer matching gift program!
Why? A challenge match gives donors the opportunity to double their impact through the nonprofit itself, bypassing the need for an employer’s involvement.
Once you have a matching donor in hand, it’s important to clearly define the terms of the match being offered. Here are some things to consider:
- Matching Amount: Determine how much the matching donor is willing to match, and set a cap if needed.
- Time Frame: Establish a clear timeframe for the match. Will it run for one day, one week, or one month? What happens if your match runs out early? Is there an opportunity to upsell the matching gift donor to increase their match pledge mid-campaign?
- Matching Criteria: Clarify whether the match applies only to new donors or to existing donors as well. Will there be any restrictions on what types of contributions are eligible for the match (e.g., online gifts, event donations)? Additionally, does your organization need to reach the full match goal in order to unlock the funding, or is match funding released as donations are made?
From there, you’ll need a robust marketing strategy to promote your challenge match campaign. We recommend establishing a sense of urgency, making it visual with a fundraising thermometer or progress bar, and sharing the story behind the match. Not to mention, challenge matches often work best when paired with email campaigns, social media promotion, special incentives, and more.
Here’s how one organization promoted its challenge match fundraiser to increase awareness and participation:
Alternative #2: Look into a spouse or family member match.
When a donor doesn’t qualify for an employer match on their own (whether because they are not employed, don’t work at a company with a matching gift program, or don’t meet the specific qualifications), it might feel like a matching gift is completely out of reach. However, before giving up on the idea of additional matching funding, nonprofits should encourage donors to consider the possibility of family member matching gifts. After all, many companies offer matching gift programs that extend beyond the employee themselves, including spouses, dependents, and other family members.
By exploring these available options, nonprofits can uncover additional opportunities to double or even triple a donor’s impact.
For instance, let’s say that a donor named John works for a company that doesn’t offer a matching gift program, but his wife, Jane, works for a company that does. If John makes a donation to your nonprofit, Jane could submit a matching gift request to her employer, thus ensuring that John’s donation is ultimately matched. This provides a unique way to maximize the impact of donations, even when one spouse isn’t directly eligible for a match.
How to Check for Spouse Matching Opportunities
It’s essential for nonprofits to remind donors to check if their spouse’s employer offers matching gifts. As part of your donor communications, consider including a prompt or reminder about spouse matching opportunities. For example, on donation forms or in confirmation emails, you might add a message like:
“Did you know that many companies will match gifts made by you or your spouse? If your employer doesn’t match your donation, check with your spouse’s company to see if they offer matching gifts.”
This simple call-out can help donors think about this additional avenue and could significantly increase the amount of match funding your nonprofit receives. Encourage donors to contact their HR department or benefits coordinator to confirm if their spouse’s company has a matching gift program. Providing a list of well-known companies with matching gift programs in your donor communications (or linking to a matching gift search tool) can help jump-start the conversation and make it easier for donors to inquire about these opportunities.
Many major companies offer matching gifts to both spouses and other family members, though it’s important to remember that each program has different rules, eligibility criteria, and limits. Some notable employers that have been known to offer spouse and dependent matching include CarMax Foundation, Coca-Cola Company, Intel Corporation, and more.
While spouse and dependent matching programs are often overlooked, they can significantly increase the total funding your nonprofit receives if the original donor doesn’t qualify for a match. By encouraging donors to tap into their family members’ eligibility, you’re opening new funding streams that wouldn’t otherwise be available.
Alternative #3: Advocate for a new employer match program.
If a donor works for a company that doesn’t currently offer a matching gift program, that doesn’t mean it never will. In fact, the employer might just need a little nudge to do so, which may make it worth advocating for the introduction of a matching gift program at their business.
Unfortunately, the process of advocating for a new employer match program can seem daunting for individual employees. Still, with the right approach, it can be a highly effective strategy for nonprofits and their donors looking to expand their fundraising opportunities. In other words, an advocate, a donor, or a nonprofit can help bridge this gap by presenting the compelling case for why their employer should establish such a program. By working with the donor to navigate the advocacy process, your organization can open the door to a consistent stream of matching gift opportunities that will continue to generate significant support in the future.
How to Advocate for a New Matching Gift Program
Advocating for a new corporate matching gift program generally involves an existing employee presenting the case clearly, organized, and compellingly. Here are the key steps that nonprofits can guide their donors through when advocating for a matching gift program:
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Cover the Basics of Matching Gifts: The first step is to help the donor understand how matching gift programs work. This will ensure they can clearly explain the concept to their employer and make an informed case. Knowing how these programs operate helps build the foundation for a successful advocacy effort.
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Explain the Benefits to the Employer: Advocating for a matching gift program benefits the nonprofit and the donor and provides several advantages to the company. Donors should emphasize these benefits when communicating with their employers. The added employee engagement and retention, as well as the positive impact on brand image and overall sales, are key selling points that can help convince decision-makers to establish a program.
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Provide Examples of Companies with Matching Gift Programs: To further bolster their case, donors can highlight examples of well-known companies that already have matching gift programs in place. Showing that competitors or similar businesses within the industry are already offering matching gifts can serve as social proof and motivate employers to keep up with the trend.
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Share Resources to Streamline Program Development: Many employers may hesitate to start a matching gift program because they worry about the time and effort required to manage it. To address this concern, nonprofits can share resources that streamline the process. For instance, Double the Donation offers a step-by-step guide to establishing a matching gift program, including setting up submission processes, determining eligibility criteria, and tracking donations. Sharing such resources (including recommended CSR management platforms) makes it easier for companies to implement the program and ensures it runs smoothly.
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Use a Template to Communicate the Request: To make the process easier, donors can use a template letter (such as the one in this guide) to request that their company launch a matching gift program. A well-crafted template will ensure that the message is clear, professional, and persuasive, increasing the chances that the request will be taken seriously.
All in all, advocating for a new matching gift program at an employer can be a game-changer for nonprofits, unlocking a new stream of funding and expanding the reach of their fundraising efforts. This not only benefits the individual donor but also strengthens the long-term partnership between the nonprofit and the company, helping both sides maximize their impact on the causes they care about.
Alternative #4: Encourage recurring gifts (including payroll giving!).
When a donor doesn’t qualify for a workplace matching gift program, it might seem like all options for amplifying their donation are exhausted. However, just because they can’t participate in one type of workplace giving program doesn’t mean they can’t participate in another. One valuable alternative is encouraging donors to set up recurring gifts, including payroll giving, which can significantly benefit both the donor and the nonprofit.
Recurring gifts are donations that are automatically charged to a donor’s credit card or deducted from their paycheck on a regular basis, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually. Even if a donor doesn’t qualify for a matching gift through their employer, they can still give in a consistent, impactful way that extends their contribution over time.
In fact, encouraging recurring donations, including payroll giving, is an excellent strategy for nonprofits, as it provides sustainable, predictable revenue streams. When donors commit to giving regularly, they ensure their support for your cause extends far beyond a single contribution. This provides nonprofits with a steady flow of funds to support ongoing programs, plan for future initiatives, and maintain organizational operations without the constant need to raise new funds.
How to Encourage Recurring and Payroll Gifts
To effectively encourage recurring and payroll giving, nonprofits should clearly communicate the benefits of these giving methods to their donors. This could include:
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Highlighting the ease of payroll giving: Emphasize how simple it is to set up payroll deductions and how it allows donors to give automatically without having to remember to make regular payments. Providing clear instructions on how to set up payroll giving through an employer is key.
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Promoting the long-term impact of recurring gifts: Donors may be more inclined to commit to recurring gifts if they understand the significant impact of their contributions. For example, a donor who gives $10 per month is contributing $120 annually, which can make a substantial difference when aggregated with contributions from other recurring donors.
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Offering donor recognition for recurring and payroll gifts: Donors who commit to recurring donations should be recognized for their continued support. This not only acknowledges their contribution but also strengthens their sense of belonging and engagement with the organization.
Take a look at how Pets for Patriots promotes the payroll giving opportunity on their website:
Encouraging recurring gifts, including payroll giving, is a highly effective way to maximize donations when donors don’t qualify for workplace matching programs. These giving options provide nonprofits with a reliable and predictable revenue stream, enabling better financial planning and long-term sustainability. They also deepen the relationship between donors and organizations, ensuring that contributions continue to have a lasting impact.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
When donors don’t qualify for an employer match, it’s essential to understand that there are still numerous ways for them to maximize their contributions. By implementing strategies such as challenge matches, leveraging family member matching opportunities, or even advocating for new employer programs, nonprofits can sustain their fundraising momentum in the long run.
These alternatives not only help maximize the individual’s impact but also create long-term engagement and loyalty.
Interested in learning more about how you can maximize your fundraising? Check out these recommended resources:
- Types of Fundraising Matches Your Org Should Think About. Donor not eligible for corporate matching gifts? See how these other fundraising match types can help unlock additional support for your organization.
- How to Advocate for a Matching Gift Program to Your Employer. Just because a company doesn’t currently match donations doesn’t mean it never will. Sometimes they just need a push, and advocating for a program can be the right way to do it!
- Winning Workplace Giving Strategies & How to Leverage Them. There’s more to workplace giving than just matching gifts! Learn how ineligible donors can expand their impact through payroll giving, volunteer grants, and more.
Types of Fundraising Matches Your Org Should Think About
/in Fundraising Strategy, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerLeaving Money Behind? 5 Signs You’re Missing Matching Gifts
/in Fundraising Strategy, Learning Center, Marketing Strategies /by Adam WeingerHow to Steward Workplace Giving Donors Effectively
/in Fundraising Strategy, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerBuilding a Matching Gift Strategy: A Nonprofit’s Guide
/in Fundraising Strategy, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerFundraising in Turbulent Times: Diversifying Your Support
/in Fundraising Strategy, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerUnlocking Corporate Grants Using Supporter Employment Data
/in Employer Appends, Fundraising Strategy, Corporate Sponsorships, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerSecuring corporate grants can often feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to identifying the right companies and contacts. However, many nonprofits overlook a powerful resource already within reach: corporate grants and employment data. By tapping into the employment information of your supporters, you can unlock a treasure trove of funding opportunities that are closer than you think.
Why? Companies are much more likely to fund organizations that resonate with their employees, whether through matching gift programs, CSR initiatives, or employee-nominated giving. These opportunities often start with a single connection: one of your donors, volunteers, or board members who works for a company eager to give back.
In this post, we’ll show you how to use corporate grants and employment data to identify and secure more funding opportunities than ever before.
1. Why Employment Data Matters for Corporate Grants
Many corporate giving programs, but especially grants, prioritize organizations with an internal advocate. This is usually an employee who donates, volunteers, or nominates the nonprofit in question. Therefore, if you can identify where your supporters work, you instantly gain visibility into which companies might be open to funding your mission.
Here’s why employment data is so valuable in this context:
- Workplace giving grants: Companies are more likely to fund causes that matter to their workforce, which is where workplace giving programs like matching gifts, volunteer grants, and more come in.
- Employee-nominated grants: Many companies accept nonprofit nominations from current employees, so knowing where your supporters work allows you to target them effectively.
- Broader connections to grant opportunities: Even beyond grants that are specifically “employee-nominated,” nonprofits can use employment information to locate existing connections to charitable businesses. When a company sees that a sizable segment of their employee base supports your cause, they may be more likely to shell out grant funds.
The bottom line? Knowing your supporters’ employers allows you to tap into otherwise hidden funding pipelines. But first, in order to do so effectively, you need a system for capturing that data.
2. How to Collect Supporter Employment Information
Collecting employment data doesn’t have to be intrusive or complicated. In fact, most donors are happy to share where they work, especially if you explain how that information can help you unlock more impact.
Start by integrating employment data fields at key touchpoints:
- Donation forms: Include an optional “Employer Name” field alongside standard fields such as name and email.
- Confirmation pages: Prompt donors to check if their employer has a giving program immediately after donating by providing their company name in a database search tool.
- Email follow-ups: Send a follow-up email asking supporters where they work, explaining how it can lead to increased funding.
- Event sign-ups or volunteer forms: Add a simple employer field here, too; these contacts are often highly engaged and ready to provide additional value.
In addition to collecting data manually, organizations can also use employer data enrichment strategies to uncover employment information for supporters who haven’t provided it directly. These services analyze an individual’s name, email, and other identifying details to match them with publicly available employment records, allowing you to fill in the existing gaps in your database and fueling your corporate grant search.
By combining direct collection with employer append tools, you can build a far more complete picture of your supporter base and proactively identify companies that may be a great fit for outreach.
3. How to Identify Corporate Grants
Once you begin collecting supporter employment information (either through your donation forms or volunteer sign-ups) you can begin identifying which companies offer corporate grants that align with your mission. But with thousands of companies potentially offering funding, it can be tough to know where to start.
Instead of cold outreach, we recommend strategic resources to focus your efforts:
- Look for curated corporate grant lists. Numerous nonprofit blogs and philanthropy platforms publish regularly updated roundups of companies with active grant programs. For example, check out this list of companies that give grants to nonprofits!
- Look at your supporters’ employers. At this point, you should know where some of your supporters work. Use this information to research whether their companies offer grants or sponsorships, and whether employees can nominate or advocate for your organization.
- Explore CSR or community investment pages. Visit the websites of companies in your network and look for terms like “Community Impact,” “Corporate Responsibility,” or “Giving Back.” These often lead to grant program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
- Track and document your outreach. Use a simple CRM or spreadsheet to track potential grantmakers, application timelines, contact information, and employee advocates within each company.
Once you’ve identified likely prospects, craft proposals that highlight your mission alignment, your existing relationships with their workforce, and the tangible impact of their support. You can also tap into professional grantwriting resources, whether that’s hiring a writer, attending a webinar, or downloading free templates, to strengthen your applications.
4. Using Employment Data to Strengthen Grant Requests
Employment data isn’t just about discovery; it’s also a powerful way to strengthen your actual grant applications. When applying for a corporate grant, having an internal advocate can dramatically increase your odds of success.
Here’s how your team can involve them for the best results:
- Ask the employee to nominate your nonprofit, if required by the grant.
- Include their name, role, and connection to your organization in the application.
- Invite them to provide a testimonial about why they support your mission.
- Ask them to share internal CSR contacts or program guidelines with your team.
From there, when reaching out to corporate contacts or applying for grants, mention the employee connection explicitly: “We are proud to have 14 donors and 3 volunteers from your company, including Jane Doe from your Marketing team. Their ongoing support makes a meaningful impact, and we would love to explore a deeper partnership.”
All in all, this type of outreach shows alignment, community relevance, and trust: three key factors for funders considering grant applications.
5. Building Long-Term Value with Corporate Partners
Unlocking a single grant is excellent, but turning that grant into a long-term partnership is even better. Luckily, employment data can help you build those bridges.
For example, consider using corporate employment connections as a starting point for ongoing engagement. You can…
- Send tailored impact reports to the employee advocate and CSR contact;
- Invite company reps to site visits, events, or webinars;
- Recognize the company publicly through social media, email, or donor walls;
- Offer corporate volunteering opportunities that align with their values;
- Bundle sponsorship, volunteering, and grant opportunities into custom partnership packages;
- And more.
In the best case scenario, you’re not just asking for money. You’re inviting a company to be part of your mission and vision in a real, tangible way.
By keeping the employee connected, reporting on outcomes, and providing continued value, you can turn a one-time grant into a multi-year relationship that benefits both sides of the party.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Supporter employment data is one of the most underutilized assets in nonprofit fundraising. By simply knowing where your supporters work, you unlock access to employee-driven and broader giving programs, increase your relevance with corporate funders, and make your grant requests more personal and powerful than ever before.
Luckily, you can start today by:
- Adding an “Employer” field to your donation and event forms
- Conducting an employer append to gather missing employment info
- Using that data to research and pursue grant opportunities backed by internal advocates
With complete data and a well-thought-out strategy in place, your nonprofit can open new funding pipelines, build stronger corporate partnerships, and expand your impact, one supporter at a time.
Turning Corporate Event Sponsorships into Strategic Relationships
/in Fundraising Strategy, Corporate Sponsorships, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerHow Homeless Shelters Can Secure In-Kind Donations
/in Learning Center, In-Kind Donations, Fundraising Strategy /by Adam WeingerHomeless shelters play a vital role in providing safety, comfort, and essential services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. To fulfill their missions effectively, these organizations often rely on a combination of financial contributions and in-kind donations. In-kind donations refer to non-cash gifts such as goods, services, or expertise that directly support the shelter’s operations and the well-being of its residents.
Securing in-kind donations can be a game-changer for homeless shelters, as these contributions help reduce operational costs and ensure that residents receive the items they need most. From clothing and toiletries to furniture and cleaning supplies, in-kind gifts can fill critical gaps that monetary donations alone may not cover. Understanding how to identify, request, and manage these donations is essential for nonprofit professionals dedicated to advancing their shelter’s impact.
In this article, we will explore what in-kind donations are, the types most valuable to homeless shelters, where to find potential donors, and best practices for making the ask. We will also introduce tools that can streamline the process, helping your organization build sustainable partnerships and maximize the benefits of in-kind support.
Table of Contents
- What Are In-Kind Donations for Homeless Shelters?
- Types of In-Kind Donations for Homeless Shelters
- Where Homeless Shelters Should Look for In-Kind Support
- How Homeless Shelters Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask
- Tools and Resources to Help Homeless Shelters Get Started
What Are In-Kind Donations for Homeless Shelters?
In-kind donations are contributions of goods, services, or expertise rather than cash. Unlike traditional monetary gifts, which provide financial flexibility, in-kind donations offer tangible resources that directly support a nonprofit’s programs or operations. These can range from donated office equipment and supplies to professional services, such as legal advice or transportation assistance.
For homeless shelters, in-kind donations are especially impactful because they address immediate, practical needs. Shelters require a steady supply of essentials such as clothing, food, bedding, and hygiene products to serve their residents effectively. Receiving these items directly from donors enables shelters to allocate their financial resources more effectively toward other critical areas, such as staffing, program development, and facility maintenance.
Moreover, in-kind donations can foster stronger community connections. When local businesses or corporations contribute goods or services, they become active partners in the shelter’s mission, enhancing visibility and community goodwill. This collaborative approach aligns with smarter fundraising strategies that emphasize maximizing impact through diverse revenue streams and resource sharing.
How In-Kind Donations Differ from Cash Gifts
While cash gifts provide flexibility, in-kind donations offer specificity. They ensure that shelters receive exactly what they need, often reducing the time and effort spent on procurement. However, managing in-kind gifts requires clear communication about needs, storage capacity, and distribution plans to avoid surplus or unusable items.
Why In-Kind Donations Matter for Homeless Shelters
Homeless shelters operate with tight budgets and high demand for essential items. In-kind donations help bridge the gap between limited funding and the comprehensive needs of residents. They also enable shelters to respond quickly to emergencies or seasonal demands, such as providing warm clothing in winter or additional bedding during cold snaps.
Aligning In-Kind Donations with Mission Impact
Strategically soliciting in-kind donations ensures that every gift contributes meaningfully to the shelter’s goals. By focusing on items and services that enhance program delivery and resident well-being, shelters can maximize the value of these contributions and build lasting partnerships with donors who share their visions.
Types of In-Kind Donations for Homeless Shelters
Homeless shelters benefit from a wide range of in-kind donations that support both daily operations and ongoing resident care. Below are some of the most valuable types of gifts, along with their tangible impact:
Clothes
Donated clothing is essential for residents who often arrive with few personal belongings. Items such as warm coats, socks, underwear, and seasonal apparel help residents maintain dignity and comfort. Clothes donations also reduce the shelter’s expenses and allow staff to focus resources elsewhere.
Toiletries
Personal hygiene products like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene items are critical for health and self-esteem. Many residents cannot afford these necessities, so in-kind donations ensure consistent availability and promote wellness.
Food
Non-perishable and fresh food donations help shelters provide nutritious meals without straining their budgets. Partnerships with grocery stores or food suppliers can supply staples and specialty items, supporting meal programs and reducing waste.
Bedding
Items such as blankets, pillows, sheets, and mattresses improve the quality of sleep and overall comfort for shelter residents. Bedding donations are especially important during colder months and can significantly enhance the living environment.
Furniture
Shelters often need furniture like beds, chairs, tables, and storage units to create safe, functional spaces. Donated furniture helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere and supports program activities such as counseling or job training.
Cleaning Products
Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is vital for resident health and safety. Donations of disinfectants, detergents, mops, and other cleaning supplies help shelters uphold hygiene standards and comply with health regulations.
Professional Services
Beyond physical goods, services such as legal advice, transportation, medical care, and skilled volunteer work can greatly enhance shelter operations. These contributions often fill gaps that cash donations cannot cover directly.
Where Homeless Shelters Should Look for In-Kind Support
Identifying potential sources of in-kind donations requires strategic research and relationship-building. Homeless shelters should focus on companies and organizations whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives align with their mission and whose products or services meet shelter needs.
Local businesses engaged in community impact efforts are often eager to support shelters through donations or volunteerism. Additionally, partnerships with retailers, manufacturers, and service providers relevant to shelter operations can yield valuable in-kind gifts. Here are a few key examples:
Walmart
Walmart frequently donates clothing, food, and household essentials through its community giving programs. Their broad product range and national presence make them a strong partner for shelters seeking diverse in-kind support. Not to mention, Walmart’s commitment to fighting hunger and supporting families aligns well with homeless shelter missions.
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble offers donations of toiletries and cleaning products, including trusted brands like Tide, Dawn, and Pampers. Their focus on health and hygiene complements shelter needs, helping residents maintain dignity and wellness.
Dove
Dove specializes in personal care products, including soap, lotion, shampoo, and more. Their product donations support hygiene programs and promote self-confidence among shelter residents, particularly women and children.
IKEA
IKEA is known for donating furniture and bedding items that help shelters create comfortable living spaces. Their affordable, functional designs make them an ideal partner for furnishing shelters and enhancing the resident quality of life.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond provides household goods, bedding, and cleaning supplies. Their in-kind donations help shelters maintain clean, safe environments and equip residents with essential home items as they transition to stable housing.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods often donates fresh and organic food items, supporting shelters’ efforts to provide nutritious meals. Their emphasis on healthy eating aligns with programs focused on resident wellness and recovery.
Ecolab
Ecolab supplies cleaning and sanitation products, helping shelters uphold rigorous hygiene standards. Their expertise in health and safety makes them a valuable partner for maintaining clean facilities.
How Homeless Shelters Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask
Making a successful in-kind donation request requires a thoughtful, strategic approach. Building long-term relationships with corporate donors involves aligning the shelter’s needs with the company’s goals and making it easy for them to say yes.
Personalize Your Outreach
Research each company’s values and tailor your message to highlight shared goals. Mention any previous collaborations or relevant community initiatives to help build rapport.
Be Specific About Needs
Provide a clear list of desired items or services, explaining how each will support residents or operations. Specificity helps donors understand exactly how they can help.
Highlight Mutual Benefits
Communicate how the donation will enhance the company’s reputation, engage employees, or fulfill CSR objectives. Emphasize the positive community impact their support enables.
Offer Flexible Giving Options
Allow donors to choose from various ways to contribute, accommodating their resources and preferences. Flexibility increases the likelihood of securing support.
Make It Easy to Give
Provide all necessary details upfront, including contact information, delivery instructions, and timelines. Simplifying logistics encourages prompt and hassle-free donations.
Tools and Resources to Help Homeless Shelters Get Started
Using dedicated tools can significantly streamline the process of identifying and securing in-kind donations. Many companies have formal donation programs with application processes, but these opportunities are often scattered across websites and difficult to track manually.
Tools designed for nonprofit professionals help uncover company giving programs that align with a shelter’s mission, saving time and effort. They may even provide direct links to application forms, eligibility criteria, and contact information, enabling more efficient outreach and follow-up.
Double the Donation’s Corporate Giving Program Database
Double the Donation offers a top-tier solution for homeless shelters seeking in-kind donations. Their extensive and searchable database includes thousands of corporate giving programs, covering in-kind gifts, grants, and employee-directed workplace giving opportunities.
By leveraging this resource, nonprofit professionals can quickly identify companies with relevant donation programs, access application details, and manage their outreach efficiently. This data-driven approach empowers shelters to build meaningful partnerships and maximize the impact of in-kind support.
Wrapping Up & Additional Resources
Securing in-kind donations is a powerful strategy for homeless shelters to enhance their programs and better serve residents. By identifying specific needs, researching aligned corporate partners, and using strategic outreach methods, shelters can build sustainable support networks that reduce costs and increase impact.
Meanwhile, leveraging tools like Double the Donation’s corporate giving database further streamlines this process, helping organizations uncover opportunities and manage relationships efficiently. Taking these first steps empowers shelters to maximize the value of in-kind gifts and strengthen their mission-driven work.
Unlock More Support with Double the Donation
Corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations are critical to the success of nonprofit events and programs—but sourcing the right partners can be overwhelming. Luckily, Double the Donation streamlines the entire process, helping your team find, secure, and manage corporate support with ease. With our industry-leading corporate giving database, you can quickly identify companies that offer financial sponsorships, in-kind donations, and corporate grants—giving you a data-driven edge in building meaningful partnerships.
Raise more with corporate grants and in-kind gifts; request a demo today!















