Sourcing Corporate Clothing Donations for Your Nonprofit

Clothing donations represent a vital resource for many nonprofits, providing essential support to individuals and communities in need. Such gifts (a particularly popular type of in-kind donation) help organizations fulfill their missions by addressing basic needs and promoting dignity among recipients.

Understanding how to source these donations effectively can significantly enhance a nonprofit’s capacity to serve its community. And that’s what we’ll cover here!

The Value of Clothing Donations for Nonprofits

Clothing donations hold a unique and impactful place within the nonprofit sector. They directly address critical needs such as warmth, professional attire for job seekers, and everyday wear for vulnerable populations. This type of in-kind support helps nonprofits allocate more of their financial resources toward program development and service delivery rather than purchasing essential items.

Beyond immediate practical benefits, clothing donations contribute strategically to sustainability efforts by reducing waste and promoting reuse. Companies that donate excess inventory or gently used apparel help divert textiles from landfills, aligning with environmental responsibility goals. This creates a win-win scenario where nonprofits gain valuable resources while businesses enhance their corporate social responsibility (CSR) profiles.

Not to mention, corporate clothing donations can build an organization’s capacity by enabling nonprofits to expand their reach and services without incurring additional costs. The ability to offer clothing support often attracts more clients and donors, amplifying the nonprofit’s overall impact in the community.

Use Case: Supporting Homeless Shelters

Consider a nonprofit shelter that partners with a local apparel company to receive seasonal clothing donations. These donations allow the shelter to provide clients with weather-appropriate garments, improving health and comfort during harsh conditions. The partnership also raises awareness about homelessness in the community, encouraging further support and engagement.

Use Case: Workforce Development Programs

Another example involves a nonprofit focused on job training that secures professional clothing donations from corporate donors. By outfitting participants with suitable attire, the nonprofit enhances their confidence and professionalism, directly contributing to higher employment rates and long-term success.

Why Companies Are a Great Source of Clothing Donations

Businesses are often excellent sources of clothing donations due to their inventory cycles, CSR initiatives, and desire to engage employees and communities. Many companies have excess or seasonal inventory that they prefer to donate rather than discard, making clothing donations a practical and impactful way to give back.

​Corporate social responsibility programs frequently include in-kind donations as a key component, allowing companies to demonstrate their commitment to social and environmental causes. Donating clothing aligns well with these goals, providing tangible benefits to communities while enhancing the company’s public image.

Employee engagement is another motivating factor for businesses. Organizing clothing drives or partnering with nonprofits for donation events can boost morale and foster a sense of purpose among staff. These activities also create opportunities for brand visibility and positive community relations.

How to Get Clothing Donations From Businesses

Securing clothing donations from companies requires a strategic approach that aligns the nonprofit’s needs with the business’s goals and capacities. Here’s how it generally works:

Step #1: Identifying potential businesses.

The first step is identifying businesses whose products or services naturally complement the nonprofit’s mission and clientele. If you’re looking for corporate clothing donations, clothes manufacturers or retailers would be some of your best prospects! Plus, Double the Donation offers a database of corporate giving opportunities, including in-kind donations, making it easy to uncover companies with existing programs.

Step #2: Leveraging connections & initiating outreach.

Nonprofits can leverage existing relationships with local businesses or industry partners to initiate donation conversations. When such connections are not available, cold outreach through personalized emails, phone calls, or networking events can open doors. Applying to formal corporate giving programs or grant opportunities is another effective avenue.

When reaching out, nonprofits should clearly articulate their need for clothing donations, explaining the types and quantities of clothing needed, how the items will be used, and the impact they will have on the community. Providing specific examples and data helps demonstrate the value of the donation and builds credibility.

Step #3: Positioning it as a win for the company.

It is also important to highlight how the donation aligns with the company’s CSR or community engagement objectives. Showing this alignment increases the likelihood of a positive response and fosters a sense of partnership rather than a one-sided request.

Step #4: Strengthening relationships over time.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with corporate donors is essential for ongoing support. Follow up promptly and professionally, and express gratitude regardless of the outcome. Publicly acknowledging donations through social media, newsletters, or events shows appreciation and encourages continued involvement. Offering recognition opportunities and keeping donors informed about the impact of their contributions helps sustain engagement over time.

Remember: regular communication, invitations to events, and sharing success stories help keep corporate donors connected to the nonprofit’s mission. The more connected a corporate donor is to your cause, the more likely they’ll continue supporting your organization in the long run.

5 Companies Providing Clothing Donations

Several companies have established programs to donate clothing to nonprofits, supporting various causes and communities. These partnerships not only provide essential resources but also strengthen the companies’ commitment to social responsibility.

Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is known for its commitment to social responsibility, frequently donating unsold clothing to nonprofits. Their donations support various causes, including disaster relief and community development programs.

Patagonia

Patagonia is a leader in environmental sustainability and social responsibility. They donate clothing to nonprofits that align with their mission, focusing on environmental conservation and social justice initiatives.

Nike

Nike often donates apparel and footwear to nonprofits, particularly those promoting sports and physical activity among youth. Their donations help equip young athletes and support community sports programs.

Hanes

Hanes has a long-standing tradition of donating clothing to those in need. Their contributions include basic apparel items, which are distributed to shelters and community organizations nationwide.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo’s “All-Product Recycling Initiative” collects gently used clothing from customers and donates the received items to refugees and disaster victims worldwide, supporting global humanitarian efforts.

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Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Clothing donations offer nonprofits a powerful way to meet essential needs, reduce costs, and enhance program impact. By partnering with businesses, nonprofits can access valuable resources that support their missions while helping companies fulfill their CSR goals and strengthen community ties.

Nonprofits are encouraged to begin identifying potential corporate partners, crafting clear and compelling outreach messages, and nurturing relationships that lead to sustainable in-kind support. With thoughtful strategy and consistent stewardship, clothing donations from businesses can become a cornerstone of nonprofit resource development and community impact.

Unlock More Support with the Right Tools

Finding the right in-kind sponsors can be challenging, but Double the Donation makes the process easier. Interested? Our platform provides you with access to the most comprehensive corporate giving database, empowering you to quickly identify companies offering in-kind donations, grants, and other valuable resources.

Whether you’re organizing a gala, community event, or school initiative, Double the Donation helps you source the in-kind support you need so you can focus on what matters: delivering meaningful impact.

Source more in-kind donations with the right tools. Request a demo of Double the Donation today!