The National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAEIR) is a program that helps schools receive free supplies.

Galesburg, Illinois-based NAEIR, dedicates energy and resources to soliciting donations of valuable, new merchandise from American corporations and redistributing that merchandise to members, which include schools, churches, and other nonprofit organizations. 

Companies donate merchandise to NAEIR to support nonprofit and charitable organizations, take advantage of tax deductions and clear out warehouse space. Schools and nonprofit organizations pay a small membership fee and nominal shipping and handling charges to participate in NAEIR’s program, but the merchandise itself is free. NAEIR handles sorting, processing, cataloging, and redistribution of the merchandise. They publish five, 200-page catalogs per year through which members can browse and request free merchandise.  

Organizations that become NAEIR members must agree to use the merchandise received through NAEIR in accordance with IRC section 170(e)(3), which states that the merchandise must be used for the care of the ill, needy, or minors and cannot be bartered, traded, or sold. The merchandise can be given directly to the qualifying individuals served by an organization or used in the administration of the organization.

NAEIR members are averaging more than $18,000 worth of free products per year for their organizations. In addition to the catalog allocations, as attractive merchandise becomes available, members receive 70 Special Offers annually. NAEIR also offers a variety of other special promotions, including participation in a “Grab Bag,” where members can visit their distribution center and gather materials on site.

For more information, call 1-800-562-0955 or visit www.naeir.org.