In November 2025, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend and colleague, Alex Price of Mission Impact Strategies, for a thoughtful conversation about a topic that continues to gain momentum in the corporate philanthropy space: the power of in-kind giving.
Our discussion centered on a simple but often overlooked truth—philanthropy is not limited to cash contributions. In-kind donations, when approached strategically, can be a powerful way to enhance an existing corporate philanthropy program or serve as an accessible entry point for companies that may not yet have a significant cash budget dedicated to giving.
With nearly two decades in philanthropy, I’ve seen firsthand how organizations sometimes underestimate the value of their non-monetary assets. Products, professional services, equipment, meeting space, technology, and employee expertise all hold tremendous potential to strengthen nonprofit partners and address real community needs. When these contributions are aligned with a company’s core competencies and business objectives, they create shared value—supporting the community while reinforcing the company’s brand, culture, and mission.
For companies new to philanthropy, in-kind giving can be an especially meaningful starting point. It introduces the workforce to community engagement in a tangible way, fosters employee pride, and builds a culture of service without requiring a large financial commitment. Over time, these efforts often evolve into more comprehensive strategies that integrate volunteerism, sponsorships, and grantmaking.
Alex and I also explored how important it is to structure in-kind programs thoughtfully. Like any philanthropic investment, they should be guided by clear goals, strong nonprofit partnerships, and measurable outcomes. When done well, in-kind donations move beyond one-time transactions and become part of a cohesive, impact-driven strategy.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have this conversation with Alex—someone who shares a deep commitment to helping organizations lead with purpose. Together, we continue to champion philanthropy that is strategic, authentic, and rooted in meaningful community impact.
Because when companies leverage what they already have in service of the communities where they live and work, everyone benefits.
You can watch the whole interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSx8hyiKcpc
