Retail Donation Partner (RDP) Program FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get paired with a local store to receive donations?
You need to check the list of available stores to see who's participating in your area. If you find a retailer whose products your program can use, please call the Gifts In Kind main phone number 703-836-2121 or email us at serviceteam@giftsinkind.org . You will be put in contact with one of the members in our Relationship Management team.

After I sign up, when will I know if I have been partnered with my chosen store?
You will receive an RDP Welcome Kit that contains all of the instructions you will need to begin picking up from your store.

Do I contact the store or does the store contact me?
You need to contact the store manager as soon as you receive your “welcome packet.” Schedule a regular day and time to pick up your product donations with the manager. This is also an opportunity for you to build positive community relationships between your organization and the store.

Will the donations be delivered to me?
You will be picking up the donations. Select stores that are convenient for you to make the regularly scheduled pickups. Discuss the volume of available donations with the store manager so you will know what size vehicle to take to the pickup site.

How often do I have to make a pickup?
Discuss this with your local manager and create a mutually satisfactory schedule. Be sure the manager has an alternate contact person/phone number for your nonprofit during times that you will be on vacation, or your office is closed for a holiday. Stores generally do not have space to store donations for long periods of time. Make sure a backup person has been assigned to pick up products if you are not able.

What am I allowed to do with the products?
Product donations can be used to serve youth, the ill or the needy, or to assist in the administration of your charity’s programs. You may NOT sell in any manner (including thrift stores), barter, auction, or trade any donated products you receive. Products may not be shared with another nonprofit charity unless granted approval by Gifts in Kind International. Donations cannot be given to volunteers or staff, since items must go directly to those in need. Be sure all your organization's employees that may handle the donations are made aware of the restrictions.

Do I have to take everything the store gives me?
Yes. If you should receive broken or damaged products on a regular basis, discuss the issue with the manager of the store. If that is unsuccessful, please complete a Retail Donation Partner Program Inquiry Form and fax it to us at the number on the bottom of the form.

What types of products will I receive?
Most of your donations will be useable (example:  overstock and/or seasonal items, returned merchandise, etc.).  It is possible that you will receive limited amounts of damaged and non-useable items.

What can I do with products I don't want?
If you receive items that are not useable, you may only dispose of them or share them with another nonprofit charity serving the ill, needy or youth after obtaining written permission from Gifts In Kind International. Remember you may NOT sell the items in any manner or auction or raffle them off as prizes. Goods cannot be transferred to another nonprofit organization unless they are registered with Gifts In Kind as a Community Redistribution Provider (CRP) with exception to The Framing Hope Program.

Can I get any extra products in addition to the donations?
No. Donations will be ready for you to pick up at your scheduled time. You may only take products that are offered to you by the store manager.

Am I assured of a certain amount of products from the store?
Every store has a different inventory and a different level of success in sales. Products given to a charity will vary from store to store and month to month.

Will this store be giving to any other charity?
Your organization will be the only Gifts In Kind International nonprofit assigned to that particular store during the calendar year in which you registered. Please be advised the store may be involved in other donation programs separate from the GIKI program.

How long does my partnership remain in effect?
Your partnership will last 12 months and you will have the option of renewing with the same store when it expires.

Do I have to be a member of Gifts In Kind International to participate in the Retail Donation Partner (RDP) Program?
Yes, only nonprofits registered with Gifts In Kind are eligible to participate in the RDP Program.

What is the best way to communicate any issues with Gifts In Kind International?
Please call the Gifts In Kind main phone number 703-836-2121, email us at serviceteam@giftsinkind.org, or complete a Retail Donation Partner Program Inquiry Form and send it to us. You will be put in contact with one of the members in our Relationship Management team.  Our team has extensive experience in all of the various Gifts In Kind programs and operational facets, including ordering and shipping, order status, membership information, retail store programs, and direct donations..