In-kind donations for effective cycling advocacy

[Jay Lonner]

Over the years I have amassed a sizable stash of really nice components that I no longer need - Paul brakes and levers, Nitto stems and handlebars, XTR M900 wheelset, SON dynohub, etc. It's all valuable on the open market, but Riv's BRP has got me thinking about how best to donate it for maximal benefit. My fear is that if I just dropped it all off at my local bike co-op the best stuff will be skimmed by the staff. I've thought of reaching out to Riv directly to see if they could repurpose it for the BRP, but that potentially creates issues they'd rather avoid (liability, not wanting to become a used parts dumping ground, etc.). So I thought I'd poll the nice folks here for some ideas on how to Marie Kondo my parts bin while serving the interests of social justice. It may be that the best move will be to take a page from Peter Singer and sell the stuff outright and then donate the proceeds - in that case stay tuned, since I'll probably list it all here first.

Jay Lonner

Bellingham, WA

[Benjamin L. Kelley]

Always a tricky thing.  The bike charity co-op in NYC that I dropped parts off at before moving back to KC, they would go through more desirable parts and sell online or in their retail location with funds going to the operation. So maybe just looking for the right co-op that does that sort of thing is an answer, or put that stipulation on your donation?

I've also seen people who will sell items at market value or maybe below and denote that proceeds are going to charity, kinda like a bake sale.     I'm personally fond of that approach and will be doing with some odd and ends later in the year.

You could also offer up on a forum and state that the buyer can donate the dollar amount of their item to a list of charities and provide proof, then you can provide them the item.  I use a software product that the owner calls charityware, where you can only obtain a license for the product by providing a receipt to a charity of your choice.  I've also seen raffles done recently like this.

--ben in KC.

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[Ben Mihovk]

I hate thinking the worst about anyone, but I can totally see really nice components not making it to the people who the co-op is designed to serve. If you donate the components and feel good that you gave someone the opportunity to use them appropriately, is that good enough? Is there a way for co-ops to be held accountable for how they use donated parts? 

I think if it were me, I'd likely sell off the components, go to the Riv website, and kick as much as I can into Riv's RBF. 

-Ben

[Sam Perez]

I agree selling the parts then donating the proceeds to a organization of choice. 

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[Collin A]

Is the goal to supply under-served populations with tools and equipment they would otherwise not be able to afford, or to have a more broad impact on society's treatment of certain populations? I'm not trying to get philosophical, just that the difference between the two will impact whether it's better to fund Riv's BRP or something like the ACLU. 

Regardless, selling the parts and donating the funds is the easiest and most effective way to go I think. You could always ask Riv if they want the old parts I guess?

Good Luck,

Collin in Sacramento

[ascpgh]

Lot's of hesitation on donating high end parts to bike co-ops for the concern of staff skimming. Ask what they do with such donations when you're about to move your stash. One of the coolest things I've come across is a co-op that uses such donations to propel their work with in-need and under served cycling communities by selling those premier donated parts on eBay to fund things they need most. A resold SON generator hub could fund a pile of Alivio RDs or cable and housing sets. I have been looking at eBay listings for bike parts seeking the co-op offerings for this reason. 

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh 

[Jonathan Stafford]

Hey Jay,

If your local bike advocacy group has a way for you to get involved that means a lot to them - that's the in-kind gift that most bicycle advocacy orgs appreciate most. Trust me, I work for one and if I had to choose the monetary donation from parts you sold or having you phone bank for yearend appeal, or getting a petition signed to increase roadway safety in underserved areas...I'll take your time over your money all day! 

As it relates to Riv's BRP pricing, maybe you could find your local Riv dealer and make them the offer you thought to make Riv. Being intentional about who you're willing to sell/donate your parts to is a lot easier at the local level. Plus, you may already have a good relationship with the shop and have a chance to meet some folks you otherwise may not have. 

I'm just happy you're thinking deeply about how to be involved. If you decide to sell here, I'll support your efforts by paying what you ask w/o negotiation. But that's just me. Best of luck!