What Is An In-Kind Donation?

In-kind donations, also known as gifts in kind, are non-cash donations like toys, books, and games. In-kind gifts are another way to make life better for children at Children’s Health℠. In-kind donations needed are used as special items for celebration and activities that distract children from procedures, that normalize the hospital experience and more. Contributions large and small continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients and families.

For example, if a donor provides a large number of art supplies, Children’s Health can use them to support creative therapy programs, helping children express themselves and find comfort during their hospital stay. Contributions large and small continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients and families.

What are 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.

Types of In-Kind Donations

• Light-up musical toys
• Teethers and rattles for sensory development
• Popular board games
• Batteries of all sizes for powering toys and devices
• Crayons, markers, and individual art kits for self-expression
• Travel-sized toiletries (body wash, shampoo, deodorant) for families in need

Benefits of In-Kind Donations

In-kind donations make a meaningful difference not only for the patients and families at Children’s Health but also for the generous individuals and organizations who give. These contributions help provide comfort and joy to children while allowing hospital resources to be allocated to vital programs and services. In the following sections, we’ll explore the impact of in-kind donations on both recipients and donors, highlighting how they make a difference in the lives of many.

How In-Kind Donations Benefit Nonprofits

In-kind donations help nonprofits like Children’s Health access items that directly impact the communities we serve. These in-kind donations help us go above and beyond for or patients and free up our resources to be directed toward our services and programs.

Benefits of In-Kind Donations for Donors

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 the donations and distribution policy of our non-profit organization, Children’s Medical Center Foundation. This helps donors know what items we can and cannot accept.
  • For example, for the safety of our patients, all items must be in new, unused, in its original packaging and latex free.
• Check out the many Children’s Medical Center Foundation Amazon wish lists to see the current needed items.
  • At Children’s Medical Center, in-kind gifts ordered through Amazon will ship directly to the campus and program of your choice.
  • The Foundation also updates lists for each campus of our most-needed items on a quarterly basis:
    • Dallas campus 
    • Plano campus 

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 gift cards considered in-kind donations?

  Yes, in-kind donations can be gift cards; however, there are certain guidelines on how and when gift cards can be accepted and distributed for use.

Give In-Kind to Children’s Medical Center Foundation

Visit our gift-in-kind page to see more details about our program or schedule your in-kind donation at our Dallas or Plano campus.