What Kinds Of In-kind Donations Are Most Helpful?

Real help isn’t always a check—it’s a laptop that works at 2 a.m., a mentor who answers the hard questions, or a company that shares its expertise when it matters most. We dig into the practical, high-impact ways noncash giving propels students into college and keeps them on track through graduation.

We share why diversifying support is essential for lean nonprofit teams and how pro bono services—from legal and accounting to event production—stretch limited budgets. You’ll hear how volunteers and mentors create momentum for students, including programs that engage fathers alongside their sons to strengthen the path to college completion. We get specific about tangible needs: dorm essentials that can cost thousands before day one, refurbished laptops that close the access gap, and subscriptions to study platforms that turn short trials into a full year of learning. These aren’t nice-to-haves; they’re the tools that keep students enrolled, confident, and ready for the next step.

We also unpack the “give or get” approach for individuals and businesses. If you can give, do. If you can’t, open doors to your employer, your network, or your customers. Companies can sponsor software seats, donate devices, offer staff time for mentoring, and amplify scholarship deadlines so more students apply. Safeguards like background checks and training keep mentoring safe and effective, while simple monthly check-ins catch problems early. The through line is clear: when people contribute skills, time, goods, and relationships, students get the support they need without straining nonprofit budgets.

Ready to help beyond the dollar? Subscribe for more stories, share this episode with a colleague, and tell us what skill, item, or connection you can offer today. Your time, your network, and that extra laptop can change a life—starting now.

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