Useful bits and bobs come to you through CPA firm e-mails sometimes. Here’s an article from Clifton Larson Allen called “Donor Acknowledgement Letters: A Guide For Charitable Organizations.” Sounds good! In tiny nonprofits such as CKB assists, a bookkeeper might very well find herself asked about these letters—or asked to write one. According to CLA, a donor acknowledgement letter must include:

• Organization’s full legal name
• Date of donation
• Amount of cash/check donation
• In the case of a noncash donation, the charity should also provide a description (but not value) of the donated item(s)

A donation acknowledgement also needs one of the following:

• Statement that no goods/services were provided in exchange for the donation and that the only benefit to donor was an intangible benefit, or
• Description and estimated value of goods/services provided in exchange for the donation, and the net resulting deductible amount.

Read the full post.