What Is An In-Kind Donation?

In-kind donations, also known as gifts in kind, are non-cash donations like goods and services. In kind gifts are just as valuable to Children’s Health ℠ as monetary donations. In-kind donations needed are toys, crafts, supplies and special items for celebration and activities that distract children from procedures and more. Contributions large and small continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients and families. 

What Does In-Kind Donation Mean? 

In-kind donations are non-monetary contributions, meaning goods or services offered for free or at less than the usual amount. Likewise, when a person or entity pays for services on Children’s Health’s behalf, the payment is an in-kind contribution.  

In-Kind Goods

In-kind goods are tangible items. Basically, they are physical gifts that aren’t money. Examples of in-kind goods/donations needed are toys, crafts and board games. We use these activities to distract children from procedures and more. Learn more about the types of donation items Children’s Medical Center Foundation accepts.

Why Are In-Kind Donations Important to Nonprofits? 

In-kind donations help us access goods and services that directly impact our patients and families, and they free up our resources to be directed toward our services and programs. In-kind contributions can also be used for fundraising such as raffle prizes, silent auctions, swag bags and fundraising incentives.  

In-kind donations are valuable because:  

• In-kind donations allow people to donate to us even when it’s challenging to give money (e.g., donating toys, crafts and board games)
• Donors can see the immediate impact of their donations 
• In-kind donations can typically be used immediately 
• In-kind donations free up funds to use for our programs and services 

What to Consider Before Making an In-Kind Donation? 

There are some considerations to make before making an in-kind donation: 

• Read our donations and distribution policy. You want your in-kind donation to be useful. 
  • For the safety of our patients, all items must be in new, unused, in its original packaging and latex free. Please do not gift-wrap donated items. Some in-kind gifts have additional guidelines and will be included in each section if necessary. 
• Check out our Amazon wish lists to see the items needed. Ordered in-kinds gifts will ship directly to the campus of your choice or view our printable list of items needed. 
  • Dallas campus 
  • Plano campus 
• Before buying a gift card, make sure there isn’t any expiration date 
• For all in-kind donations, please review our donation and distribution policy. If you don’t see the items you wish to donate on any of the lists, let us know by contacting Gift Planning at giftplanning@childrens.com. 

Frequently Asked Questions About In-Kind Donations

• Are in-kind donations tax deductible?

  Generally, yes. A donor may deduct an in-kind donation as a charitable gift.  

• Are there items that legally can’t be accepted as gifts in kind?

  There are some in-kind donations that we simply cannot easily use or dispose of safely. Also, some in-kind donations may run counter to our values and mission. 

  • Gifts of real property 
  • Gifts of motor vehicles or boats 

• Are gift cards considered in-kind donations?

  Yes. In-kind donations can be gift cards that are redeemable for goods or services.