In-Kind and Un-Kind Donations
The term “in-kind” has specific meaning in the world of relief and development. In-kind donations are part of a standing agreement between a company and a charitable organization to send specific materials based on a confirmed need. In-kind donations:
- Are specifically requested by a charitable organization working on-site
- Are available in sufficient quantity to serve affected populations
- Are easily integrated into existing relief and development programs
- Are monitored for effectiveness.
Donors who amass collections of canned food, bottled water, used clothing, toys, books, shoes and other household items frequently refer to these collections as "in-kind donations." But unless they meet all of the above criteria, they are not in-kind.
For relief workers, local merchants and host-country personnel, unsolicited collections of materials like those listed are more "un-kind." They occlude space needed to stage and distribute life-saving relief supplies, divert relief workers’ time and may be culturally, nutritionally and environmentally unhelpful to survivors.
Cash donations can be used immediately by relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed - which is always the kindest donation.
Active Incidents
| Horn of Africa: Drought |
||
 |
Reports |
|
| Donations Information |
More Information |
|
| Other Incidents |
|
Have You Seen the Cash Man ?
