13. What is the Retail Donation Partner Program?


1. What is a Gifts In Kind® program?
Gifts In Kind® programs are managed by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, nonprofit organizations registered with Revenue Canada or recognized Indian Reservations that provide a vital source of product resources for other qualified nonprofits in their local community. Gifts In Kind® programs are often managed by United Ways, volunteer centers, food banks and, in some cases, qualified faith-based organizations. In areas where no Gifts In Kind® program exists, then registered charities are encouraged to join Gifts In Kind International individually, as a direct service provider.


2. What products are available?
Products often contributed through Gifts In Kind Canada to registered charities include, but are not limited to; personal care items, software, arts and craft materials, cosmetics, toys, building supplies, office products, and other items critically needed by the charitable sector.


3. What is an administration fee and how is it determined?
Gift In Kind International, a nonprofit organization, sets the administration fee to cover the cost of shipping, handling, warehousing and request processing of the donated goods. This fee is in no way related to the value of the donation. On an average, over the course of the year, the administration fee is less than 3 percent of the value of all contributions.

Currently, our administrative fees (unless noted otherwise) are $60 per carton and $650 per pallet when we ship the products to you. However, you can save additional resources by picking up the products from our distribution centre in Mississauga, Ontario.

Administrative fees are $30 per carton and $200 per pallet when you pick them up. Administrative fees are listed (and should be submitted) in Canadian dollars.


4. Are administrative fees listed in Canadian or U.S. dollars?
Administrative fees are listed (and should be submitted) in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.


5. We have our own transportation. Can we arrange to pick up products instead of having them shipped to us?
Yes, and we encourage nonprofits to pick up the products at our Mississauga distribution centre whenever possible to save on shipping costs. You can get a map and directions to our distribution centre on our home page.


6. What methods of payment do you accept?
Gifts In Kind International accepts Mastercard, Visa, AmericanExpress and Novus Card. Credit card orders may be placed by fax. Personal or organization cheques should be mailed with the request. We do not accept purchase orders. Payment must accompany the request.


7. I am interested in an item, but need more specific information. What should I do?
Call Gifts In Kind Canada at (703) 836-2121 and ask to speak with Rick Jackson.


8. I notice you have items listed in pallet and larger quantities. Our nonprofit is small and cannot use that much product. Can we request smaller quantities?
In most cases, we offer items in carton configurations too. Check the Product Listing for a list of products available in smaller quantities.


9. What is a pallet?
A pallet is a 4' X 4' X 4' container of product. Usually a forklift or similar piece of equipment is needed to move a pallet. Pallets are often shrink-wrapped; products on the pallet, in many cases, cannot be sorted prior to shipment as it would be cost prohibitive.


10. Are there any restrictions to the use of the products?
Yes. Donations must be used by the recipient organization to operate its offices or to be used to provide community services as noted in the organization's mission. Donations cannot be used for fundraisers, raffles, or auctions; given to volunteers or staff members, or sold in retail stores, on websites, in flea markets or in any other manner. Products cannot be shipped outside of Canada. Organizations using donated products for purposes other than those intended will be removed immediately from the program and legal action may be taken.


11. Where can I find information about your Special Pricing Programs?
Gifts In Kind Canada has negotiated special pricing for services needed by nonprofits. Through this program, you can receive discounts on software, office supplies, broadcast e-mails, and more. Get the details about special pricing on products and services.


12. I work for a nonprofit and would like to visit your distribution centre. How can I schedule a visit?
Nonprofits registered with Revenue Canada and are interested in joining Gifts In Kind Canada can call our distribution centre at (905) 565-1009 to schedule a visit.


13. What is the Retail Donation Partner Program?
The Retail Donation Partner (RDP) Program enables nonprofits to pick up donations from participating retailers in their local area. Generally a nonprofit signs up to partner with local store(s) for the calendar year (January through December). Partnerships must be renewed each year to keep the relationships with the stores. In some circumstances, retailers may not participate in the full-year program, but instead have a one-time pick up.