How do I add a donation?

How do I add a donation?

Summary: Click Add Donation from your dashboard or from any donation list, choose your donation type, fill in the required fields, and save. Charity Record tracks items, cash, mileage, stock, vehicles, art, and digital assets.

Adding a donation

  1. Click Add Donation from your dashboard or from a specific donation type list (Items, Cash, etc.)
  2. Choose the donation type (items, cash, mileage, stock, vehicles, art, or digital assets)
  3. Select the charity (or add the name of a new one inline)
  4. Fill in the required fields for that donation type
  5. Click Save Donation

And that's it: your donation is saved to your records (your Charity Records, if you will)! For item donations, drafts auto-save as you type.

What you'll need by donation type

Each form has inline help and you can always reopen a donation to edit details later. Here’s what to expect the first time through:

Items (clothing, household goods, furniture):

  • Date donated and charity
  • Item names, quantities, and condition (defaults to “Good” – adjust if needed)
  • Fair market value (use the built-in FMV guide or enter your own comparable price)

Cash:

  • Date donated (or switch to recurring and enter frequency)
  • Amount and optional notes/receipt status
  • You can edit recurring totals later if the schedule changes

Mileage:

  • Date of trip (or number of trips per year if recurring)
  • Miles driven and other transportation costs you paid out of pocket
  • Description of the charitable work

Stock & securities:

  • Date donated and how you acquired the shares (purchased, gift, etc.)
  • Ticker or description, number of shares, and whether it’s publicly traded
  • Cost basis and fair market value method (average of high/low, closing price, appraisal)
  • Add appraisal details later if needed

Vehicles:

  • Date donated, charity, vehicle year/make/model, and VIN
  • Odometer reading, condition, and how you determined FMV (sale price or guide)
  • Form 1098-C details once the charity sends it – save now, then update when it arrives if it hasn't yet

Art & collectibles:

  • Date donated and date acquired (or mark “Various” for collections)
  • Detailed description, cost basis, physical condition, and FMV method
  • Appraisal and photo checkboxes so you remember to keep supporting documents

Digital assets (cryptocurrency):

  • Date donated, asset name/symbol, and quantity
  • Cost basis, fair market value on donation date, and the exchange/source you used
  • Toggle “Various” if you acquired units over time and update the appraisal field later if required

Tips

Don't know your charity's details? Add the name of the charity inline while recording your donation – you can loop back and add the rest of the details after your donation is saved.

Need help with Fair Market Value? See our FMV guide for valuation guidance by donation type.

Want to tweak something later? Open the donation from its list anytime to edit amounts, add appraisal info, or update details or notes.

Keeping track of thresholds? Your dashboard shows year-to-date totals. You'll generally need Form 8283 once non-cash donations exceed $500, and similar items over $5,000 (even in aggregate to different charities) typically require an appraisal.

Charity Record is a donation tracking tool, not a tax advisor. Keep receipts from charities and consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

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