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Nonprofit Private Contribution

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NONPROFIT PRIVATE CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This Nonprofit Private Contribution Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into as of (Effective Date) by and between the following parties:

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Contributor Name: is a natural person or entity willing to make a private monetary or in-kind contribution to the Nonprofit identified below; and

WHEREAS, Nonprofit Name: is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization organized to carry out charitable activities and desires to accept the Contribution on the terms set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to memorialize the terms, use restrictions, reporting, and other conditions governing the Contribution.

PARTIES AND CONTACT INFORMATION

SCOPE OF CONTRIBUTION

The Contributor hereby agrees to provide a contribution to the Nonprofit to be used as described below. The specific activities, deliverables, and permitted uses of the Contribution shall be set forth in the Scope of Contribution field. The Nonprofit shall apply the Contribution only for the permitted uses and shall not divert funds to other purposes except as expressly permitted by this Agreement.

PAYMENT TERMS

Contribution Amount: $ . The Contributor shall make payment in accordance with the payment schedule set forth below.

Payment Due Date: . Late payments shall incur the late fee set forth below.

All payments shall be made without setoff or deduction. The Nonprofit may suspend performance or decline to expend funds if payments are not made when due, and the Contributor shall remain liable for amounts due under this Agreement until paid in full.

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement shall commence on and, unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement, shall terminate on .

Either Party may terminate this Agreement for material breach by the other Party that remains uncured after the Notice Period specified above. Upon termination, the Nonprofit shall, within a commercially reasonable time, provide an accounting of unexpended funds and either return such funds to the Contributor or reassign them consistent with donor restrictions and applicable law.

CONFIDENTIALITY

For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" means nonpublic information disclosed in writing or orally that is identified as confidential at the time of disclosure. Each Party shall keep Confidential Information confidential and shall not disclose it to third parties except to its employees, agents, or professional advisors who have a need to know and who are bound by confidentiality obligations. Confidential Information does not include information that is or becomes public through no breach of this Agreement or is required to be disclosed by law, provided the disclosing Party gives prior notice where legally permitted.

TAX ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND REPRESENTATIONS

The Nonprofit represents that it is organized for charitable purposes. The Contributor acknowledges and agrees that the Nonprofit may provide a written acknowledgment for tax reporting that conforms to applicable law. The Parties acknowledge that tax deductibility of contributions depends on the Contributor's tax status and the nature of the Contribution; the Nonprofit does not guarantee tax deductibility.

Contributor acknowledges that the Nonprofit will provide goods or services in exchange for the Contribution.

The Contributor represents that at the time of execution the Contributor has full authority to make the Contribution, that the Contribution is not subject to liens or encumbrances, and that any restrictions on the use of funds have been disclosed in writing in the Designated Purpose field below.

GOVERNING LAW; DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to conflicts-of-law principles. The Parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith negotiation prior to initiating litigation. If litigation is necessary, the Parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in the governing jurisdiction.

MISCELLANEOUS

Entire Agreement: This Agreement, including any exhibits and written attachments signed by the Parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the Contribution and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements. Any amendment or modification to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties.

Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver by either Party of any breach shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.

Counterparts and Electronic Signatures: This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

CERTIFICATIONS

By signing below, the Contributor certifies that the information provided herein is true and accurate, that the Contributor has the authority to make the Contribution, and that any designated purpose or restriction is lawful and enforceable. The Nonprofit certifies that it will apply the Contribution in accordance with this Agreement and applicable law, and that it will provide the Contributor with such acknowledgments or reports as are described in this Agreement.

Contributor Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Nonprofit Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Nonprofit Private Contribution document is and when it’s used

A Nonprofit Private Contribution records a donor’s voluntary gift to a nonprofit organization and the terms that govern that gift. It typically sets out donor identity, contribution amount or description of noncash assets, any donor-imposed restrictions or designation, delivery and payment terms, and signature blocks for the donor and an authorized representative of the nonprofit. Organizations use this document to document donor intent, support nonprofit accounting and audit trails, and provide written acknowledgment that meets IRS documentation practices for charitable contribution substantiation.

Why a clear, documented contribution matters for nonprofits and donors

A written contribution agreement clarifies donor intent, supports tax substantiation, and reduces later disputes. It creates a record for accounting, internal approvals, and stewardship of restricted gifts.

Why a clear, documented contribution matters for nonprofits and donors

Who fills out and signs a Nonprofit Private Contribution

Typical participants include the donor, the nonprofit’s development officer or CFO, and, when applicable, legal counsel or a notary public.

  • Individual donors — provide identity, signature, and any gift restrictions in writing.
  • Nonprofit finance or development staff — verify donor intent and prepare acknowledgment.
  • Legal counsel or institutional signatories — review restrictive language and signing authority.

Clear role delineation helps ensure valid authorization, accurate tax acknowledgments, and enforceable terms when gifts are restricted or conditional.

Step-by-step: completing the contribution form

Follow these sequential steps to create a complete, auditable contribution record.

  • 01
    1. Identify parties: Enter donor legal name and nonprofit legal name exactly as registered.
  • 02
    2. Describe the gift: Specify cash amount or detailed description of noncash property donated.
  • 03
    3. State restrictions: Declare any designation, use restrictions, or contingencies in plain terms.
  • 04
    4. Sign and date: Provide donor signature, nonprofit authorized signature, and dates.

Digital workflow settings to route and record the contribution

Configure basic workflow elements so the document routes, signs, and archives correctly.

Field Configuration
Signing Order Donor → Nonprofit signer → Legal reviewer
Authentication Email link or SMS code for donor verification
Audit Trail Enable timestamp, IP, and action log capture
Storage Save final PDF to donor record and secure archive

Technical considerations for e-signing and archival

Ensure your platform supports secure e-signatures, audit trails, and the integrations you use for donor records.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: CRM and cloud storage connectivity
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger methods

Choose a platform that preserves an unalterable final copy, captures signer attribution, and stores a searchable audit trail alongside donor records.

Typical e-submission flow for a contribution agreement

A standard digital flow minimizes manual steps while creating a defensible record.

  • Prepare document: Draft agreement and place required fields for signatures and dates.
  • Send to donor: Deliver by secure email link or guest signing URL.
  • Donor signs: Donor authenticates and completes signature fields.
  • Archive and notify: Store signed PDF; notify finance and development staff.

Core elements every professional contribution agreement should include

Ensure the agreement contains clear, enforceable terms that protect donor intent and the nonprofit’s fiduciary responsibilities.

Donor identification

Full legal name, contact, and tax identifier when required; this ties the gift to donor records and supports IRS documentation.

Gift description

Clear statement of cash amount or detailed description of property, including valuation method for noncash gifts and any delivery timing.

Designation language

If restricted, include explicit instructions on permitted use, conditions for release, and reporting expectations to honor donor intent.

Tax acknowledgment

Include a statement ofreceipt or acknowledgment suitable for the donor’s tax records; avoid valuation statements for noncash gifts unless performed by qualified appraisal.

Conditions & contingencies

Note any expectations (e.g., matching conditions, installments, or revocability) and steps if conditions are unmet.

Signatures & dates

Authorized nonprofit representative must sign and date; include witness or notary fields if required by donor or state rule.

Security and legal compliance points to confirm

Encryption: AES-256 at rest
Transport security: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Audit trail: Timestamped action log
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II
ESIGN/UETA: Electronic signature legal framework
HIPAA (if needed): BAA required for PHI

Key risks and legal consequences of errors

Tax disallowance: Potential denial of donor deduction
Breach of intent: Legal dispute over restricted gifts
Unenforceable terms: Ambiguous conditions can be invalidated
Privacy breach: Improper handling of donor SSN/EIN
I-9-like penalties: Recordkeeping violations may incur fines
Notarization omission: Missing notarization where required

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Leaving donor restrictions vague or open to interpretation, which creates enforcement and accounting issues later.
  • Failing to record the effective date or using inconsistent dates across the agreement and donor acknowledgment.
  • Not matching signer names to legal entity records or donor IDs, which complicates tax substantiation and donor recognition.
  • Omitting required documentation for noncash gifts, such as qualified appraisals or receipts, when IRS rules require them.

eSignature pricing and capability snapshot for contribution agreements

Comparison of common provider starting prices and select capabilities. signNow is shown first per vendor ordering requirements.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Nonprofit Private Contribution documents

Answers to common questions about validity, signatures, and recordkeeping for contribution agreements.


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