How Daler-Rowney Donations Are Making a Real Difference Through In Kind Direct

At Daler-Rowney, we believe creativity should be open to everyone. Whether it’s a child discovering the joy of painting, an adult building confidence through craft, or a community group providing a safe space for creative expression, art has the power to inspire and connect. That’s why our partnership with In Kind Direct is so important to us.

As we move through 2026, we’re proud to see the tangible impact our donations are having across the UK. With the help of In Kind Direct, our materials are reaching the people and organisations that benefit most.

Founded in 1996 by HM King Charles III, In Kind Direct works to ensure essential, high-quality products reach communities that need them. By partnering with brands and manufacturers, they redirect surplus goods – including art materials, toys, and toiletries – to thousands of charities, youth clubs, schools, and community groups.

Instead of going to waste, these products are given new purpose, supporting over 9,000 charitable organisations across the UK. We are proud that Daler-Rowney materials are among the most requested and appreciated items in their network.

In 2025, our donations enabled creativity to flourish where it was needed most. Through our partnership with In Kind Direct, 82 charitable organisations across the UK received high-quality Daler-Rowney materials, helping people of all ages take part in creative activities they might otherwise have missed.

These contributions generated an estimated £22,986 in savings for charities, allowing organisations to invest more into essential services – ranging from youth support and family welfare to community programmes, disability services, and local warm hubs. Our materials didn’t just supply paints and brushes – they helped expand what each organisation could offer.

From community centres and youth groups to health services and arts projects, our products supported people to connect, learn, and express themselves. Creativity became a tool for wellbeing, confidence, and community.

Just one month into 2026, the impact continues. Our January donations reached 78 charitable organisations, with 92% already distributed to frontline groups.

Combined with 2025, our contributions have now reached:

• 137 unique charitable organisations
• £28,959 savings for the charitable sector

This isn’t simply about materials – it’s about giving organisations the tools to do more, reach more people, and foster more opportunities for creativity and connection.

Our donations touch many areas of community life. Some of the organisations benefiting most include:

• 25 Community groups and projects
• 19 Child and youth support organisations
• 13 Family welfare services
• 6 Disability support organisations
• 3 Older people’s support groups
• 3 Health and medical services
  …and many more, including emergency relief, sports programmes, heritage groups, counselling, and skills development initiatives.

Art has a unique ability to support wellbeing, learning, and social connection – and these partnerships show it every day.

The real impact is best seen in the experiences of those using the materials:

Seaside Community Hub
“The young people loved the amazing high-quality products and made some awesome creations… The canvases were especially enjoyed. These will continue to be used weekly in our after-school clubs and new adult craft sessions.”

Southern Holderness Resource Centre
“Beneficiaries ranged from age 5 to 87… The resources expanded access to inclusive learning and creative expression across our community.”

Caxton House Community Centre
“We really like being able to have these things free, and we know it helps Mum a lot.”

T D Seminary
“We’re confident the materials will have a meaningful impact – helping participants express themselves creatively and build confidence.”

1st East Rainbow Unit – Paisley
“The girls have loved all the craft items… Parents said the packs have been amazing for the school holidays.”

Giving Day
“Your kindness shines like the summer sun… In Kind Direct, you’ve helped create summers truly grand.”

These stories reflect exactly why partnerships like this matter.

“To everyone at Daler-Rowney, thank you. Your commitment and generosity are helping transform lives through creativity, connection, and community support. Here’s to another year of making art accessible and bringing colour into the lives of those who need it most.”

For more information about In Kind Direct, visit their website: https://www.inkinddirect.org/