Donation Receipts: What Your Booster Club Needs to Know

Getting donation receipts right is essential for your 501(c)(3) booster club. Not only do they help your donors claim tax deductions, but they also keep your organization compliant with IRS requirements and demonstrate your professionalism.

Why Donation Receipts Matter

Donation receipts serve multiple important purposes:

• Ensure IRS compliance and avoid potential penalties
• Provide donors with documentation needed for tax deductions
• Build trust with your supporters
• Create an opportunity to express gratitude
• Help track your fundraising efforts

Essential Elements for IRS-Compliant Receipts

Your donation receipts need these key components:

1. Organization Information
   
   • Your booster club's full legal name
   • Complete address
   • Tax identification number (EIN)
   • Statement confirming 501(c)(3) status
2. Donor Information
   
   • Donor's full name
   • Donor's address
   • Contact information
3. Donation Details
   
   • Date of contribution
   • Amount of cash donation
   • Description of non-cash items (without assigning values)
4. Required Statements
   
   • Declaration about goods/services: either "No goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution" OR a description and estimated value of what was provided
   • For stock donations: include ticker symbol, number of shares, and date
   • For in-kind donations: description only (valuation is the donor's responsibility)
5. Authorization
   
   • Signature of organization representative
   • Contact information for questions

View a booster club donation receipt template here.

Important Reminders

Remember that the IRS requires written acknowledgment for donations of $250 or more. Failing to provide proper receipts can result in penalties and might cause your donors' deductions to be disallowed.

For larger donations, especially those involving property valued over $5,000, additional documentation requirements apply.

A well-designed receipt is more than paperwork—it's an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with donors and showcase the impact of their support on your programs.

‍