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In-Kind Donations

December 9, 2025

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NAMIWalks �Team Introductions

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NAMIWalks 10 Minute Training

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Agenda

What is an In-Kind Partner?
Why In-Kind Partners are Valuable
Common In-Kind Donations
Creative Ways to Use In-Kind Support
Where to Ask for In-Kind Donations
Tips and Tricks
Q&A

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What is an In-Kind Partner?

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What is an In-Kind Partner?

An in-kind partner provides goods, services, or expertise instead of—or in addition to—financial contributions. They help offset event costs, add value to the participant experience, and can count toward sponsorship levels when appropriate.

Key Points to Remember:

In-Kind donations are not freebies” since the contribution is budget relieving and should be recognized
In-Kind partners often become monetary sponsors
Many companies prefer in-kind opportunities because it offers high visibility with minimal budget impact

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Why In-Kind Partners are Valuable

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Why In-Kind Partners are Valuable

Why Focus on In-Kind Partners:

Reduces event expenses, keeping more revenue mission focused
Elevates the walk-day experience with fun, hospitality, and community connection
Opens doors to new corporate and community relationships
Helps first-year or smaller walks build credibility and value quickly
Encourages employee engagement from partners whose staff volunteer on-site

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Common

In-Kind Donations

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Common In-Kind Donations

Event Infrastructure:

Tents, tables, and chairs
Audio/visual equipment
Stage
Generators
Signage and print needs
Walk route cones and barricades

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Common In-Kind Donations

Food and Beverage:

Coffee and pastries

happy coffee

Bottled water or sports drinks
Fruit, snacks, and granola bars
Food trucks

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Common In-Kind Donations

Health and Wellness Services:

Stretching or warm-up instructors
First aid station
Yoga, meditation, or breathing sessions
Mental health resource tables

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Common In-Kind Donations

Entertainment:

Local bands
DJs
Dance teams
Mascots
Kidzone activities (face painting, balloon artists, etc.)

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Common In-Kind Donations

Volunteer and Staff Support:

Gloves
Safety Vests
Breakfast
Thank you items

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Creative Ways to Use In-Kind Support

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Creative Ways to Use In-Kind Support

Experience Based Opportunities:

Therapy dog groups offering meet and greet zones
Mindfulness booths hosted by local yoga studios or wellness centers
Story recording booths where participants can record why they walk
Chalk the walk art stations sponsored by craft stores or art groups

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Creative Ways to Use In-Kind Support

Professional Services:

Photographers and videographers donating time or creating highlight reels
Local marketing agencies providing local promotions
Social media micro-influencers offering shoutouts
Massage therapists offering quick services

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Creative Ways to Use In-Kind Support

Corporate Employee Engagement:

Companies sending volunteer teams
Tech companies providing iPads for registration or charging stations for participants
Fitness centers donations free passes as fundraising engagement

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Creative Ways to Use In-Kind Support

Unexpected Goods:

Plant nurseries donating flowers for the stage
Sports teams offering signed items for fundraising incentives
Printing partners offering banners at no cost for publicity
Local college departments - photography, performing arts, marking, etc. - offering services as part of their coursework

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Creative Ways to Use In-Kind Support

Community Building Elements:

“Calm Corner” or “Recharge Zone” sponsored by a mental health provider
Art therapy activities
Community mural wall with sponsor branding
Pet hydration station sponsored by a pet store or vet clinic

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Where to Ask for

In-Kind Donations

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