For this 107(e)3 charity, there’s an upside to down sales

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. —If there’s a silver lining to this year’s soft holiday selling season, it’s that excess inventory will in fact put a smile on many faces—not least of whose will be Mike Veitenhans’, senior vp for corporate development at World Vision. Like many U.S.-based NGOs, World Vision looks at a tough year and sees opportunity. Specifically, Veitenhans sees the opportunity to turn unsold product into a windfall for impoverished children everywhere, from the Bronx to Botswana.

Working in close association with retailers and manufacturers, the organization channels inventory (whether unsold, overrun, irregular or misprinted) into the hands of those in need. At the heart of the program is the sense of fulfillment that comes with helping others. But it certainly doesn’t hurt that donations to World Vision fall under section 170(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows qualifying companies to take a deduction of up to twice the cost of donated inventory.

“We are grateful for our corporate partners who have a direct impact on our mission to serve children and alleviate poverty,” Veitenhans said.