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Donation Agreement
I need a donation agreement for a commercial property valued at $500,000, with transfer completion within 60 days, including a clause for donor recognition and a 10-year usage restriction for educational purposes.
What is a Donation Agreement?
A Donation Agreement is a legal contract that makes charitable giving clear and official. It spells out exactly what a donor is giving - money, property, artwork, or other assets - and what the receiving organization promises to do with the gift. This written agreement protects both sides and helps avoid misunderstandings about the donation's terms.
These agreements are especially important for tax purposes and compliance with IRS regulations. They typically include key details like the donation's value, any conditions attached to the gift, the timing of the transfer, and how the recipient organization plans to use or recognize the contribution. Many nonprofits, educational institutions, and charitable foundations rely on these agreements to document major gifts properly.
When should you use a Donation Agreement?
Use a Donation Agreement when accepting significant charitable gifts, especially those worth more than $5,000 or involving specific donor requirements. This document becomes essential for major property donations, endowment contributions, and gifts that come with conditions about how they must be used or recognized.
The agreement proves particularly valuable when dealing with complex donations like real estate, artwork, or business interests. It protects both parties by documenting tax deductions, preventing future disputes about the gift's purpose, and ensuring compliance with IRS requirements. Many organizations also rely on these agreements when donors request naming rights or want to establish scholarship funds with specific criteria.
What are the different types of Donation Agreement?
- Donor Agreement Contract: The standard form used for straightforward monetary donations, outlining basic terms and tax documentation requirements.
- Conditional Donation Agreement: Used when donors place specific requirements on how their gift must be used, like funding particular programs or maintaining naming rights.
- Equipment Donation Agreement: Specifically designed for in-kind donations of physical assets, addressing maintenance responsibilities, warranties, and liability concerns.
Who should typically use a Donation Agreement?
- Charitable Organizations: Nonprofits, educational institutions, and foundations who receive donations and must document gift terms and compliance requirements.
- Individual Donors: People making substantial charitable contributions who need clear documentation for tax purposes and to ensure their giving intentions are honored.
- Corporate Donors: Businesses making charitable contributions that require formal documentation for tax purposes and corporate governance.
- Legal Counsel: Attorneys who draft and review these agreements to protect both parties' interests and ensure IRS compliance.
- Financial Advisors: Professionals who help structure donations to maximize tax benefits and achieve clients' philanthropic goals.
How do you write a Donation Agreement?
- Donor Details: Gather complete contact information and tax ID numbers for both donor and recipient organization.
- Gift Description: Document exact details of what's being donated, including fair market value and any professional appraisals.
- Use Requirements: List any conditions or restrictions the donor places on how the gift must be used.
- Timeline: Specify when the donation will be transferred and any payment schedules for pledged amounts.
- Recognition Terms: Detail how the donor will be acknowledged, including naming rights or public recognition.
- Tax Documentation: Prepare necessary IRS forms and acknowledgment letters for tax deduction purposes.
What should be included in a Donation Agreement?
- Identification Details: Full legal names and addresses of both donor and recipient organization, including tax ID numbers.
- Gift Description: Clear description of the donated property or funds, including precise value and any attached conditions.
- Transfer Terms: Specific timing and method of transferring the donation, including any installment arrangements.
- Purpose Statement: Intended use of the donation and any restrictions on how funds or property may be used.
- Tax Provisions: Language confirming the tax-deductible nature of the gift and required IRS compliance statements.
- Governing Law: State law that governs the agreement and venue for resolving disputes.
- Signature Block: Dated signatures of authorized representatives from both parties.
What's the difference between a Donation Agreement and an Asset Purchase Agreement?
A Donation Agreement is often confused with an Asset Purchase Agreement, but they serve distinctly different purposes in transferring property. Let's explore their key differences:
- Purpose and Intent: Donation Agreements transfer assets without expecting payment or direct benefit, while Asset Purchase Agreements involve selling property for fair market value.
- Tax Treatment: Donation Agreements generate charitable tax deductions for the donor; Asset Purchase Agreements trigger capital gains or losses for tax purposes.
- Legal Requirements: Donation Agreements need specific IRS documentation for charitable giving, while Asset Purchase Agreements focus on warranties, representations, and payment terms.
- Typical Use Cases: Donation Agreements support charitable giving to nonprofits and educational institutions; Asset Purchase Agreements facilitate business transactions between commercial entities.
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