In-Kind Contribution Valuation Guide 2025
Many funders allow in-kind match funding—if you can evidence the value. This guide shows you how to classify, price, and document non-cash support so budgets and reports withstand scrutiny.
TL;DR
- Classify in-kind items (volunteer hours, goods, pro bono) and apply consistent valuation rates.
- Use authoritative data like the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings for wage benchmarks.
- Store evidence in your evidence bank and reference valuations in Crafty budgets.
Why valuing in-kind support matters
Funders like the National Lottery Community Fund and Arts Council England routinely ask for match funding breakdowns. Underestimating in-kind contributions means you leave value untapped; overestimating without evidence risks clawback. A disciplined approach supports transparency and strengthens your case.
Valuation methods and benchmarks
| Contribution type | Valuation method | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteer time | Average hourly wage for role | ONS ASHE 2024 | Document task descriptions |
| Professional pro bono | Firm’s commercial rate or market comparator | Provider letter or industry rate cards | Secure signed confirmation |
| Donated goods | Fair market value | Retail price or supplier quote | Account for depreciation if used |
| Subsidised venue | Commercial hire rate minus fee paid | Venue pricing sheet | Note time periods covered |
Evidence requirements
Funders may audit in-kind contributions. Capture:
- Signed volunteer time sheets or rota exports.
- Letters from pro bono providers confirming market value and hours donated.
- Receipts or valuations for donated goods and equipment.
- Lease agreements or pricing schedules for subsidised venues.
- Board minutes approving valuation methodology.
Integrate valuations into Crafty workflows
Add in-kind lines to your budget scenarios, and link evidence documents in the change register. Upload valuation notes to Crafty so AI-generated narratives cite accurate match funding figures.
Next steps and templates
Download the valuation workbook, evidence checklist, and board paper template. Store them in Crafty to reuse for each grant.
Action plan
- Audit current in-kind contributions and classify them using the table above.
- Agree valuation rates with finance and trustees; document them in policy.
- Sync valuations with Crafty budgets and evidence folders before your next submission.
Key takeaways
- Apply consistent, auditable methods to value in-kind support.
- Use authoritative data sources and document assumptions clearly.
- Integrate valuations into Crafty so narrative, budget, and evidence stay aligned.
Summary and next steps
Properly valued in-kind contributions strengthen match funding, improve transparency, and keep audits painless. Build the process once and reuse it across every grant portfolio.
- Adopt the valuation policy and share it with delivery partners.
- Refresh benchmarks annually to reflect wage and price shifts.
- Ensure every Crafty bid references the evidence stored in your valuation log.