In a model that could help charitable groups nationwide, San Francisco's Purchasing Services Agency offers area nonprofits the chance to get volume discounts on office supplies, computer equipment and services such as insurance coverage, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The pilot program is directed by Jerry Shapiro, who ran a successful auto parts business in New York for 33 years before moving to the Bay Area and more philanthropic causes, the Chronicle reports.

The service works by charging eligible nonprofits a monthly membership fee. In return, member groups save an average of 10 to 20 percent on purchases, because Shapiro's agency negotiates bulk orders with vendors.

Purchasing Services Agency estimates its members have saved at least $100,000 since it began last March. As membership grows, more savings are possible, the Chronicle reports.

The purchasing service is being supported with $80,000 in grants from the local United Way and a number of foundations, but should be self-supporting in the next few months, the Chronicle reports.

Bay Area groups also can benefit from the following organizations, which provide discounted furnishings and supplies to local nonprofits:

• Philanthropy by Design, 1355 Market St., Suite 425, San Francisco, CA 94103; (415) 552-1772. This group charges nonprofits a fee for access to its supply of used office furniture and other items.
• Design Response, 126 Harrison Ave., Campbell, CA 95008; (408) 871-0861. This group recycles furniture and other items.
• Resource Area for Teachers, 638 West California Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086; (408) 524-9780. RAFT collects and distributes office supplies, furniture and equipment to schools and community groups.
• Magik Inc., 1605 63rd St., Emeryville, CA 94608; (510) 658-4760. Nonprofit groups pay an annual membership fee to get listed in its database and get matched with donated office supplies, equipment and furniture.
• San Francisco Directory of Recycling Services, 1145 Market St., Suite 401, San Francisco, CA 94103; (415) 554-3400. This guide lists more than 100 businesses and nonprofit agencies that buy or accept reusable and recyclable items.

Full text of the article is currently found at:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/
archive/1999/01/13/BU12590.DTL