Gift in Kinds - Recognized As Giving Society Member?

Kate Becker

We have an annual giving society that includes annual cumulative cash gifts of $1,000 or more. We recently started receiving large gift in kind donations (value above and beyond $1,000). Most of these GIK donors have not made cash donations. 



In the past we have been very strict about the guidelines for our annual giving society, but because of this high value Gift in Kinds, our team has started to question if we should include GIK donations that are valued over $1,000 as a part of this giving society. (We want to steward/cultivate these large GIK donors to become cash donors.)



What are you practices for acknowledging Gift in Kinds? 



What guidelines do you use for your annual giving society?



Any feedback/comments would be appreciated. 



Thanks!

Jen Claudy

We don't currently have this problem, but if we did and it were up to me, I would include them.  I feel like an in-kind donor is just as valuable as a cash donor, in most cases.  If someone donates something in-kind that is not of use to the organization, we generally decline the gift (and suggest another organization that would have more use for the item/service).

JoAnn Strommen

Our annual list is just cash gifts.  Because of the type of fund our annual list recognizes there really isn't much for GIK opportunities. 



For our capital campaign donor recognition, we do include GIK donors.  We've had campaigns where they were just included with appropriate level and one I believe where they had a separate section of listing. 



If including/excluding, be prepared to provide a way to accurately appraise their gift.  Is it above or below your mark?  Who decides value?  Are you using fair market values?  Including only gifts that would be tax-deductible?  Services, etc?  Just some things to think through at the onset.

Jen Claudy

I should say that we list GIK donors in a separate list in our Annual Report Donor Lists, without amounts mentioned.  My initial reply was concerning a giving society (which my current org doesn't really have at the present time).

William Winkler

The purpose of a giving society is to cultivate and steward donors, keep them loyal to the organization, and encourage them to give more in the future. So, I would be more inclusive when determining who should be invited. That donor who started with a gik, might like the benefits of your giving society and choose to give a $1,000 cash gift next year to continue to be included.



Eddye