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Make a One-Time Donation

Goal: Make a single gift to your affiliate quickly and confidently — by card, ACH, or by saving a payment method for future giving.

Where to start​

You have a few entry points:

  • The affiliate's website donate button
  • A direct link shared in an email or on social
  • A campaign-specific link (e.g., for the holiday match)
  • A peer-to-peer fundraiser's personal page

All of them lead to a similar form.

Filling out the form​

You'll be asked for:

  • Amount — choose a preset or enter a custom amount
  • Recurring (optional) — turn this on if you want this to be the start of a monthly or annual gift instead of a one-time gift
  • Tribute (optional) — make this gift in honor of, or in memory of, someone
  • Designation — usually pre-filled if you came from a campaign or event link; otherwise, choose where the money should go
  • Your information — name, email, address (for receipt)
  • Payment — credit/debit card or ACH (where supported)

Some affiliates offer the option to cover processing fees so the full amount goes to the program. If you opt in, you'll see a slightly higher charge on your statement.

Anonymity​

If you'd rather your name not appear on public donor lists or honor rolls, check the anonymous box. Your name is still kept on file for your tax receipt, but it won't appear in public materials.

After you submit​

  • You'll see a confirmation page within seconds
  • A receipt PDF arrives in your email shortly
  • The affiliate has the gift recorded immediately

Your receipt​

The receipt includes:

  • The affiliate's name, address, and 501(c)(3) status
  • The amount you gave
  • The date
  • A receipt number for your records
  • IRS-required statement that no goods or services were provided in return (or a reduced deductible amount if you received goods/services like a gala ticket)

Keep the receipt — most filers can attach it to their tax return as substantiation for the deduction.

What if something didn't go through​

If your card declines:

  • Try again — it's often a momentary issue
  • Try a different card
  • Contact the affiliate's office; they can take a card by phone or accept a check

If you submitted but didn't get a receipt within 24 hours:

  • Check spam / junk folder
  • Email the affiliate to confirm the gift was recorded
  • Worst case, it didn't go through and you can try again

Adding a memorial / tribute​

Toggle "tribute" on the form to record a gift in honor or in memory of someone. Provide the honoree's name and (optionally) the family's email if you'd like them notified.

Note: For now, tribute notifications happen manually — your affiliate's staff handles family outreach personally rather than automatically. Mention if you'd like a specific message conveyed.

Stock or non-cash donations​

For appreciated stock, vehicles, or in-kind gifts:

  • Online forms generally don't handle these
  • Email or call the affiliate's development office directly
  • They'll guide you through the right process and provide the appropriate acknowledgment letter

Updating your information​

If your name, email, or address changes, log into your donor account at /donor/profile to update. The affiliate will use the updated info on future receipts and communications.