Frequently Asked Questions

Who We Are

What does your organization do?

Kids In Need Foundation believes every child in America deserves equal opportunity and access to a quality education. As a national nonprofit, Kids In Need Foundation focuses on creating equity in education by providing school supplies and learning tools to under-resourced teachers and students nationwide with a focus on schools with a student enrollment of 70 percent or more participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

Last year we support 5 million students and 205,000 teachers in underserved schools with the supplies they need.

What is your mission? 

By partnering with teachers and students in under-resourced schools, we provide the support needed for teachers to teach and learners to learn.

What are your programs?

Kids In Need Foundation operates four key programs to mobilize efforts to ensure all students have equal opportunity and access to a quality education:

  • National Network of Resource Centers:  Connects more than 40 partner organizations across the country to help distribute much-needed school supplies to local under-resourced teachers and students in schools with a high percentage of students participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
  • Supply A Teacher: Provides teachers in underserved schools with a semester's worth of essential school supplies for their class of students.
  • Supply A Student:  Provides a backpack filled with school supplies to a student in need. While individuals can provide support for students, this program inspires groups and companies to come together to host backpack builds, fundraise to adopt an underserved school, or provide company match programs.
  • Second Responder®: Provides supplies to teachers and students affected by natural disasters. KINF works with local authorities, schools, and sponsors to help students return to their routines with the tools they need to continue their education.
How do you distribute your products?

Product and school supplies are distributed through Kids In Need Foundation's National Network of Resource Centers and foundational programs, as well as through partnerships with school districts.

What type of partners do you work with to execute your mission?

We partner with generous brands, companies, and individuals who understand the need to give back and ensure all students have the supplies they need to learn. Check out our presenting sponsor page to see previous and this year's partners.

Partnering & Donations

How can my organization partner with Kids In Need Foundation to donate backpacks and supplies?

There are many ways an organization can get involved and partner with Kids In Need Foundation. Click here for more information.

How can my company donate to KINF?

Your organization can donate to Kids In Need Foundation by:

  • Donating product, gifts-in-kind, or cash
  • Hosting a cause marketing campaign
  • Sponsoring a backpack build through our Supply A Student program
  • Hosting a school supply drive
  • Volunteering at a resource center

Learn about the numerous ways to get involved here.

How can my organization donate surplus product?

We could not do what we do every day without generous partners who keep our shelves fully stocked with core supplies. Donations of inventory or surplus supplies may be eligible for tax relief, and we are happy to discuss discontinued product, excess inventory, and product donation partnerships. Be sure to fill out our product donation form. If you are interested in donating smaller quantities, in boxes up to 50 lbs, free shipping may be available thanks to our partnership with Zappos for Good.

How do I donate financially to KINF?

You can donate easily and securely on our website, or you can mail a check to us at 2719 Patton Road, Roseville, MN 55113.

Can I donate printing, shipping, or other in-kind service donations to your organization?

Absolutely, we would love to talk more about what you are willing to contribute. Contact us to learn more or send us an email at info@kinf.org.

Do you support recognized 501(c)(3) charities in the USA?

Kids In Need Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we partner with members of the National Network of Resource Centers and with schools and school districts to distribute supplies.

Volunteering

How can I volunteer with KINF?

All of our resource centers nationwide operate with the help of dedicated volunteers eager to make an impact. Learn more about volunteering here or by contacting your nearest resource center.

Can you help us start a club at my middle or high school that holds school supply drives?

We encourage you to sign up for our Kids Helping Kids ambassadorship program! Middle and high-school students who are passionate about equity in education are encouraged to join us. Individuals or groups of students can sign up and support our mission by hosting a supply drive or fundraiser! Find out more information here.

How can we connect on social media?

We love hearing from you! Spread our mission with your network by posting photos of you volunteering, shopping, or using your school supplies in the classroom. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and check out our hashtags #ItsMoreThanJustABackpack