An important community-building tool, United Way Ottawa’s Gifts in-Kind (GIK) program matches identified needs for goods and services at community organizations with individuals and corporations that are able to help.
The Gifts in-Kind program responds to the role that product philanthropy and volunteerism plays in companies’ giving programs, regardless of their size. Receiving items through this program enables community organizations to work more effectively and efficiently and to focus on providing improved services that directly benefit their clients. (Our program is not meant to replace financial contributions from donors but to enhance a company’s giving program.)
Benefits to community organizations
- Redirect your budgets away from financing goods to directly funding programs and services for your clients.
- Take advantage of our corporate connections and ultimately build relationships.
- Membership is free for eligible non-profit organizations.
Benefits to individual and corporate donors
- Increase your visibility in the community.
- Take advantage of United Way’s community connections.
- Help donor workplaces expand their support for the community through a product philanthropy program.
- Save time and expense involved in disposing of surplus equipment and inventory.
- GIK donations are non-financial charitable contributions and may be eligible for a tax receipt. (Please consult the CRA website for more information on charitable giving.)
- Play a powerful role in community-building by helping to supply the resources that are needed to build an effective charitable sector.
What types of items are donated to GIK?
- new clothing
- household appliances
- furniture suitable for home and office use
- office supplies and equipment
- recreational and sports equipment
- tickets to sports games or concerts
- unused or sealed personal/hygiene supplies
(We do not accept used cars, cell phones, used clothing, or children’s toys)
United Way does not place a value on gifts or provide tax receipts for GIK donations. A request for a tax receipt can be made to the recipient organization. (Please consult the CRA website for more information on charitable giving.)
Eligibility of recipient organizations
- Community charitable organizations must be registered in Ottawa or be sponsored by a registered charity.
- Registered community organizations must sign a Terms of Agreement protecting both United Way Ottawa and the donor from any potential liability from a donation brokered through the GIK program.
- Recipient organizations must demonstrate the need for the requested item by providing us with the following information: why the item is needed, what impact the item will have on your community organization and which clients or what program will benefit from the item.
- As not all requests can be honoured, community organizations are placed on a waiting list for similar items.
Please contact
Meghann Darroch
Manager, Capacity Building | Gestionnaire, Augmentation de la capacité
T 613-683-8021 F 613-228-6730
if you have any questions and/or are interested in becoming a member of the Gifts in-Kind program.
Testimonials from community organizations
Attending a Toronto Symphony Orchestra event was an outstanding opportunity for our clients who would otherwise never be able to afford such a special treat. Thank you to United Way’s Gift in-Kind program for bringing this delightful opportunity to our community. – Good Day Workshop
I would like to extend my thanks for the tickets to the Ottawa Senators’ Skills Competition in February. The Boys and Girls Club members and their families who attended had a wonderful time. Some of the children and youth who walk through our doors face big life challenges and have lived through difficult times. United Way’s Gift in-Kind program is another way we can work together to brighten their lives. – Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa
Our families were very happy to receive the new clothing from Costco Wholesale. Thanks again to United Way Ottawa’s Gift in-Kind program for helping to make a difference in their lives. – Overbrook-Forbes Community Resource Centre
On behalf our staff, we would like to thank IBM and United Way’s Gift in-Kind program for enabling the gift of a computer. The computer will support both the Building Bridges program and our homework club. Thanks again. – Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre
Testimonials from corporations that have donated
“The National Arts Centre is strongly committed to being a leader and innovator in each of the performing arts fields in which it works: classical music, English theatre, French theatre, dance, variety and community programming. It is at the forefront of youth and educational activities.
It is a special honour for the NAC to participate in the GIK program. Through GIK, we can help people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so enjoy the performing arts — to experience the joy symphony or the drama of a play. We know this can inspire them and help them to forget for just a few hours the troubles that they face daily. This helps them find the courage and the will to make a difference in their lives.” – National Arts Centre
“The Ottawa Senators Foundation uses the unique resources of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of children and youth in the National Capital Region. Our mission is to leverage and provide both financial and in-kind support to registered charitable organizations whose programs focus on improving the quality of life for children and youth.
We know that sports are an important element in bringing people together in our community. Through United Way’s Gifts in-Kind program we are able to bring sports to youth and their families in our community who may not often have the opportunity to go and enjoy what other people sometimes take for granted.” – Ottawa Senators Foundation
“Costco Wholesale is committed to supporting charitable activities in the communities where it operates. United Way has been designated as our primary charity as its scope is wide and serves many different service organizations. As well, we support children's initiatives, specifically in the areas of health, welfare and education, and those that target families in need.
United Way’s GIK program provides us with a direct channel to the people who can benefit most from our support. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer clothing and household items to community organizations who serve families in need. Congratulations on getting the online database up and running.” – Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
“Bell is deeply committed to the success of Canadian communities. We connect them and are connected to them through our employees, retirees and the customers we serve. We invest in them through a community investment program that is focused on healthy children and youth.
United Way’s Gift in-Kind program helps us to direct our gifts to children and youth who will benefit the most. The smiling faces and excitement of the children who get to meet local celebrities and participate in sports and entertainment events because of what they receive through the GIK program is reason enough for us to continue to participate in this program. We know through the GIK program, that United Way will ensure that our contributions and gifts go to where they’ll make the greatest impact.” – Bell
