According to 121Giving, many times nonprofits have trouble getting the physical items they need, whether it is pencils, backpacks or cleaning supplies. Nonprofits relay on in-kind donations or purchasing the items directly from retailers, but usually the items purchased at the store don’t carry a significant discount, which can eat into the nonprofits operating budget.

The 121Giving site offers nonprofits a way to get the supplies they need at prices they can afford. What 121Giving does is connect donors, retailers and nonprofits. The site enlists retailers to provide items to the nonprofits at discounted prices. 

Donors like 121Giving because they can ensure that the nonprofit they are supporting is getting exactly the items it needs. 

It is free for registered nonprofits to join the 121Giving platform. The site does take steps to ensure that all nonprofits are registered nonprofits, before they are allowed to use the platform.  In addition, when you make your first purchase through the site, they will verify that that it is an authorized purchase. 

After you register with the site, it works just like any other retail commerce site.  The site is broken down into categories and contains listings for everything from medical supplies to building products. 

Once your organization is a registered member, not only can you shop, but also you can use the sites crowd-funding platform to share your list of needed items with your social media followers. Another way to ensure your organization gets exactly what it needs. Plus, your donor come away happy knowing that they gave you items that you will use in your day-to-day mission.