Gifts-in-Kind Gifts-in-kind are non-cash donations of materials or long-lived assets that support and serve the mission of Northern Illinois University. Such gifts may include like equipment, software, printed materials, or works of art. Gifts-in-kind are a valued way of supporting the university and are tax deductible according to IRS regulations. If you would like to learn more about giving a gift-in-kind to NIU, contact Alberta Solfisburg, Director of Development Operations and Campaign Initiatives at 815-753-7339, or e-mail asolfie@niu.edu.