Build your office with free furniture and equipment.
Non-profit organizations aid community development. The difference between a traditional for-profit business and a non-profit enterprise is that the former is principally concerned with making money. A non-profit organization is created to solely serve a community need. Finding free office equipment for a non-profit organization is often critical to getting the enterprise going. Follow a few simple steps to broaden your horizons and opportunities to access office equipment at no cost.
Instructions
1. Contact your city or county administration office. Inquire with a clerk or representative about scheduled office furniture and/or equipment drives. Find out dates, times and locations of these activities. Ask about quantity limits, if you need to provide your own transportation to move or haul materials. Arrive to the donation drive early and bring a non-profit partner or two to help you load as much free equipment as possible.
2. File for a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by visiting the IRS website. Type in "Tax Information for Charities & Other Non-Profits" in the text box at the top of the page. Click on the "Search" tab. Follow links and instructions to complete the application process.
3. Place an advertisement with your local newspaper or radio station. State the mission and purpose of the non-profit and emphasize your need for donated office equipment. Clarify what equipment you most need and when and where to bring donations. Schedule an interview -- in conjunction with your advertisement -- announcing the opening of your non-profit and office equipment needs. Mention your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, which allows donors to write off contributions during their upcoming tax filing.
4. Contact a charity committed to giving away free and donated furniture. Contact Help1Up (National Furniture Bank) or Freecycle, for example, and inquire about their free furniture giveaway programs and associations with like-minded grassroots organizations. Research online listings on Craigslist, or other classified ad forums, and search for free office equipment offerings.
Tags: office equipment, free furniture, free office, furniture equipment, non-profit organization