For any nonprofit or charitable organization, acknowledging a gift is more than just good manners; it's a critical part of maintaining donor trust and ensuring legal compliance. A well-crafted donation receipt provides donors with the necessary documentation for tax purposes and reinforces their value to your cause. But creating these documents from scratch for every contribution can be time-consuming and prone to error, especially for busy teams and small organizations.
That's why having a reliable free donation receipt template is a game-changer. It streamlines your workflow, ensures consistency, and guarantees you include all required IRS information. This guide eliminates the guesswork by curating the 12 best resources for donation receipt templates, from automated platforms like Donorbox to simple, downloadable files from sites like TheGoodocs.
We've done the research to help you find the perfect solution for your specific needs. Each entry includes a direct link, an honest assessment of its features and limitations, and clear screenshots to show you exactly what to expect. Whether you need a simple printable form or a fully integrated system that automates acknowledgments, this list will help you find the right tool to make your process efficient, professional, and stress-free. Let's dive in.
1. Jotform
Jotform offers a powerful, all-in-one solution for organizations that want to automate their acknowledgment process from start to finish. Instead of just providing a static file, Jotform connects a free donation receipt template directly to its online form builder. This means when a donor submits their contribution through your custom Jotform, the system automatically generates a polished PDF receipt and can even email it directly to them. This end-to-end automation is its key differentiator.
The platform is ideal for users who need significant customization without any coding knowledge. The drag-and-drop PDF editor makes it simple to add your logo, adjust branding colors, and modify fields to meet specific compliance needs. While the core template and automation are free, more advanced features or a higher volume of submissions may require a paid plan.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Automation | Auto-generates PDF receipts and sends them via email upon form submission. | Perfect for online fundraising campaigns where immediate acknowledgment is crucial for donor satisfaction. |
| Customization | Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for logos, text, and layout adjustments. | A nonprofit can easily match the receipt's branding to its website and marketing materials for a consistent look. |
| Template Variety | Offers numerous receipt variations, including specific templates for churches or in-kind donations. | An organization can use different templates for its annual fund, capital campaign, and event sponsorships. |
- Pros: Excellent for creating an automated workflow; highly customizable without needing technical skills.
- Cons: Requires creating a Jotform account; advanced integrations and removing Jotform branding are premium features.
- Website: Jotform Donation Receipt Template
2. Xero US
For organizations prioritizing simplicity and compliance, Xero offers a straightforward and professional solution. Instead of a complex system, Xero provides a free donation receipt template as a clean, editable PDF. Its strength lies in its origin; coming from a leading accounting software company, the template is designed with tax-readiness and clarity in mind. The accompanying guide clearly explains essential elements and different receipt types, making it ideal for those who want a reliable, no-fuss document.
This platform is perfect for nonprofits that need a printable or easily emailable receipt without the overhead of an automated system. You simply download the file, edit the fields with your organization's and donor's details, and save. While it requires manual entry for each donation, it offers a high degree of control and a professional appearance. To download the template, you must provide your name and email address.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Editable PDF | A single, downloadable PDF file that can be edited in Adobe Acrobat or a similar program. | Great for organizations that process donations offline and need to print or manually email individual receipts. |
| Compliance Guidance | The webpage includes clear instructions on what information to include for tax purposes. | A new nonprofit treasurer can use the guidance to ensure their receipts meet IRS requirements from the start. |
| Professional Design | The template has a clean, business-like layout that inspires confidence and credibility. | A small community foundation can use this template to project a professional image to its major donors. |
- Pros: Clean, professional layout ready to send or print; clear guidance tailored for nonprofits in the US.
- Cons: Requires submitting basic contact details to download; single-template approach with limited design variety.
- Website: Xero US Donation Receipt Template
3. eForms
eForms serves as a comprehensive library for organizations needing a wide variety of copy-ready templates for different donation scenarios. Rather than focusing on automation, its strength lies in providing a diverse selection of downloadable files. This makes eForms a go-to resource if you need a specific free donation receipt template for situations like in-kind gifts, vehicle contributions, or church offerings, all available in easily editable formats like Word or PDF without needing to create an account.
The platform is ideal for users who prioritize speed and variety over complex customization. You can quickly find a template that matches your needs, download it, and fill it out using standard office software. While the templates are straightforward and professional, they have a standardized appearance and require manual editing. The site also includes helpful notes on US tax and record-keeping requirements alongside the forms.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Donation Types | Specific templates for cash, church, clothing, in-kind, vehicle, and 501(c)(3) donations. | A community thrift store can download the clothing donation receipt for donors dropping off goods. |
| Multi-Format Downloads | Provides templates in PDF, Word, and ODT formats for maximum compatibility. | A small nonprofit without design software can easily edit the Word version to add their logo and details. |
| US Tax Guidance | Includes brief notes on record-keeping to help organizations stay compliant. | A treasurer can use the guidance as a starting point for understanding IRS requirements for acknowledgments. |
- Pros: Wide variety of receipt types for different scenarios; quick, no-frills downloads without registration.
- Cons: Minimal design customization out of the box; contains on-site upsells to related legal forms.
- Website: eForms Donation Receipt Template
4. Template.net
Template.net offers a fast and straightforward approach for organizations needing a professional-looking document without complex automation. Its core strength lies in its browser-based editor, allowing you to quickly modify a free donation receipt template directly online. This platform is perfect for those who want to input donor information manually, add a logo, and immediately download the finished receipt for printing or emailing.
The user experience feels similar to a standard document editor, making it highly intuitive for anyone familiar with word processing software. You can adjust text, replace placeholder content, and export the file in various formats. While the initial template and basic editing are free, unlocking premium designs or certain export options like Word or PDF often requires a subscription. This positions Template.net as an excellent resource for one-off needs or for exploring different layouts from its extensive library.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Browser-Based Editor | Customize the template directly on the website with no software installation needed. | Ideal for a volunteer who needs to generate a single receipt quickly from any computer without design tools. |
| Brandable Fields | Easily add your organization's logo, address, and contact information. | A small nonprofit can create a branded receipt for a local fundraising event in just a few minutes. |
| Multiple Export Options | Download the final receipt in formats like JPG, PNG, or PDF (some may require a plan). | An admin can download a JPG to include in an email body or a PDF for formal record-keeping. |
- Pros: Very fast customization and download workflow; familiar document-style interface is easy to use.
- Cons: The best templates and export formats are often gated behind a paid subscription; design variety requires browsing the larger library.
- Website: Template.net Donation Receipt
5. TheGoodocs
TheGoodocs provides a straightforward, spreadsheet-based solution for organizations comfortable working within Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. Instead of a design-focused platform, it offers a free donation receipt template that is practical, ready-to-print, and optimized for data entry. Its main advantage is its familiarity and efficiency for teams that already manage their records in spreadsheets, allowing for quick edits, batch entry, and simple calculations directly within the document.
This template is ideal for users who prioritize function over form and need a no-frills method for generating multiple receipts. The layout is clean and minimalist, using standard fonts to ensure it prints perfectly without formatting issues. While the design is basic, its compatibility with widely used office software makes it an accessible and highly practical choice for backend administrative tasks. The templates are free to use, though they do require attribution.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Spreadsheet Format | Native templates for Google Sheets and Excel. | An admin can manage a list of 50 in-person event donations on one sheet, then quickly print individual receipts. |
| Print-Ready Layout | Designed with a simple, clean structure that translates well to a standard printed page. | Perfect for organizations that need to mail physical receipts or hand them to donors immediately after a contribution. |
| Familiar Interface | Works within the standard Google Sheets or Excel environment, requiring no new software. | A volunteer treasurer with basic spreadsheet skills can easily manage and issue receipts without any training. |
- Pros: Excellent for batch processing and data management; leverages familiar and accessible office tools.
- Cons: Limited design customization compared to dedicated platforms; requires attribution to TheGoodocs.
- Website: TheGoodocs Printable Donation Receipt Template
6. Givebutter
Givebutter is a comprehensive fundraising platform where the free donation receipt template is a fully integrated feature, not a standalone download. It’s designed for organizations that want turnkey receipting tied directly to transactions across campaigns and events. The platform automatically emails tax-compliant receipts for every donation or ticket purchase, eliminating the need for manual creation and ensuring donors receive instant acknowledgment.
This approach is ideal for nonprofits seeking an all-in-one system for fundraising and donor management. You can customize the branding and add personalized thank-you messages to every automated receipt, maintaining a consistent and professional brand voice. While the core functionality is part of its free-to-use platform (which relies on optional donor tips), the main consideration is that you must use Givebutter to process donations to benefit from its automated receipting.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Receipting | Instantly sends tax-compliant email receipts for donations, ticket sales, and recurring gifts. | An organization running a peer-to-peer fundraiser can ensure every participant's donors get an immediate, branded receipt. |
| Integrated System | Receipting is built directly into the fundraising platform, not a separate tool. | A nonprofit can manage an online auction, a donation form, and an event, with all receipts handled in one place. |
| Custom Branding | Allows for custom logos, colors, and personalized thank-you messages in the receipt email. | A charity can align its receipt’s look and feel with its annual appeal marketing materials for brand consistency. |
- Pros: Completely eliminates manual receipt creation; consolidates donor communication and receipting into one platform.
- Cons: Requires using the Givebutter platform for fundraising to access the feature; not a standalone template solution.
- Website: Givebutter Donation Receipts
7. Donorbox
Donorbox is a comprehensive fundraising platform where a free donation receipt template is an integrated part of its automated system. Rather than just offering a downloadable file, Donorbox automatically generates and emails a customizable receipt the moment a donation is made through its forms. Its strength lies in its robust, IRS-compliant automation and its ability to handle both individual and consolidated year-end receipts, making it a powerful tool for serious fundraising operations.
The platform is built for nonprofits that need reliable, automated acknowledgments without a heavy technical lift. You can easily insert your logo, customize the thank-you message with variables like the donor's name, and decide whether to attach a PDF copy. While Donorbox has a free-to-start plan (platform fees apply), its full power is unlocked when you use it as your primary online donation processor.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Automation | Instantly sends receipts via email with an optional PDF attachment after each donation. | Ideal for time-strapped organizations wanting to provide immediate, professional acknowledgments for every online gift. |
| Customization | Uses template variables for personalization and allows branding, custom text, and color adjustments. | A nonprofit can tailor its message to thank a first-time donor differently than a recurring supporter. |
| Year-End Receipts | Automatically generates and sends consolidated tax receipts summarizing a donor's total contributions for the year. | Perfect for simplifying tax season for both the organization and its donors, building long-term goodwill. |
- Pros: Extensive receipt customization and automation; clear documentation and a donor portal for self-service downloads.
- Cons: Automation requires adopting Donorbox for donation processing; the depth of features can require some onboarding time.
- Website: Donorbox Features
8. Cognito Forms
Cognito Forms is a strong choice for nonprofits that need to integrate donation collection and receipt generation into a single, automated workflow. Much like Jotform, it connects an online form builder to a document generation engine, allowing you to create a free donation receipt template that is automatically populated and sent when a donation is made. Its unique strength lies in its powerful conditional logic and calculation fields, which can handle complex donation scenarios.
This platform is ideal for organizations that want to build a smart form that adapts to user input while simultaneously generating compliant receipts. You can build a form that offers different donation tiers or recurring payment options and have the receipt reflect those choices perfectly. While the initial setup is more involved than downloading a static file, the long-term benefit is a streamlined, professional process that reduces administrative work. The free plan has limitations on entries and storage.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Document Generation | Auto-generates a customized PDF receipt from a document template upon form submission. | A nonprofit can automatically send a branded, IRS-compliant receipt the moment a supporter completes the online donation form. |
| Payment Integration | Seamlessly connects with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal directly within the form. | An organization running a time-sensitive fundraiser can collect funds and issue receipts from one central, manageable location. |
| Conditional Logic | The form and receipt can dynamically change based on donor input, such as donation amount or type. | If a donation exceeds a certain amount, the form can automatically request additional information needed for major gift acknowledgments. |
- Pros: Combines payment collection and automated receipting effectively; flexible document customization for branding.
- Cons: The setup process is more complex than a simple template; full automation and higher form volumes require a paid plan.
- Website: Cognito Forms Donation Form Template
9. MightyForms
MightyForms offers a streamlined approach for nonprofits wanting to connect an online donation form directly to an automated receipting system. Similar to other form builders, it lets you create a custom donation form and then uses an autoresponder to email a PDF copy of the submission as a free donation receipt template. This creates a simple, effective pipeline for acknowledging contributions without needing external tools. The focus is on a straightforward fill-and-send process.
The platform is designed for ease of use, with a drag-and-drop interface for adjusting form fields and basic design elements. While it requires a MightyForms account, its free plan is sufficient for organizations with lower submission volumes. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller nonprofits or specific campaigns that need a quick, no-fuss solution for generating and sending donation receipts automatically.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Autoresponder PDFs | Automatically emails a PDF copy of the completed form submission to the donor. | Ideal for quickly acknowledging online event registrations or small fundraising drives with immediate confirmation. |
| Drag-and-Drop Editor | A simple interface for adding, removing, or reordering form fields and light branding. | A charity can quickly add a field for "Donation in Memory Of" to its standard form without technical help. |
| Embedding Options | Provides simple embed codes to place the donation form directly onto a website or landing page. | An organization can integrate the donation and receipting process seamlessly into its main website. |
- Pros: Quick to set up an automated receipt workflow; good for organizations that need simple, direct automation.
- Cons: Requires a MightyForms account to use templates; feature depth and submission limits vary by plan.
- Website: MightyForms Donation Receipt Template
10. Adobe Express
Adobe Express provides a design-first approach for organizations that prioritize brand aesthetics on their acknowledgment documents. While it doesn't offer a purpose-built free donation receipt template, its extensive library of professional invoice and receipt designs serves as an excellent starting point. Users can leverage Adobe's powerful, user-friendly design tools to adapt any template, ensuring the final receipt is both legally compliant and visually stunning. This focus on high-quality design is its primary advantage.
The platform is ideal for nonprofits with strong brand guidelines that want to create polished, reusable templates for various campaigns. You can easily add logos, adjust fonts and colors, and insert required IRS disclosure statements. While Adobe Express is a powerful tool for designing your donation receipts, you might also be interested in exploring other options among the best free graphic design software for churches to cover all your visual needs.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Brandable Designs | Extensive control over fonts, colors, icons, and logos to match your organization's brand kit. | A charity can create a consistent set of branded documents, from event flyers to donation receipts, all within one tool. |
| Template Library | Access to thousands of professionally designed receipt and invoice templates that can be easily adapted. | A nonprofit can quickly find a modern, clean layout and modify it to include donation-specific fields and legal text. |
| Flexible Exports | Download your finished receipt as a PDF for printing or as a PNG/JPG for digital sharing. | An organization can print receipts for an in-person event or email a digital version to an online donor. |
- Pros: Strong design flexibility for professional-looking receipts; easy to reuse layouts for consistent branding.
- Cons: Not purpose-built for automated sending or form workflows; some templates and features require a paid subscription.
- Website: Adobe Express Receipt Templates
11. InvoiceFly
InvoiceFly focuses on providing a straightforward, no-frills free donation receipt template for organizations that prefer working with familiar office software. Instead of a complex platform, it offers direct downloads in multiple formats, including Word, Excel, Google Docs, and Sheets. This approach is perfect for smaller nonprofits or one-time fundraising events where manual processing is sufficient and a simple, editable file is all that’s needed.
The platform is designed for users who want to download a template and start customizing it locally on their own computer. With several style variants like "Modern" and "Basic," you can quickly find a design that fits your organization's look. The files are clean, well-structured, and contain all essential fields, making it easy to add your logo, acknowledgment text, and donation specifics without needing to learn a new tool.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Format Downloads | Provides templates for Word, Excel, Google Docs/Sheets, and PDF. | An administrator can download the Word version to easily edit and print receipts for mail-in donations. |
| Style Variants | Offers several pre-designed styles (Basic, Modern, Color) for different aesthetics. | A modern arts nonprofit can choose the "Color" template to better reflect its creative brand identity. |
| Local Editing | Templates are designed to be downloaded and edited using standard office software. | Perfect for organizations that need to store and manage their donation records offline for security or simplicity. |
- Pros: Highly flexible formats fit nearly any workflow; easy to download, adapt, and rebrand without an account.
- Cons: These are static files with no built-in automation or donor management features; template selection is smaller than larger platforms.
- Website: InvoiceFly Donation Receipt Template
12. Etsy
For organizations seeking a visually polished and professionally designed layout without the time or expense of hiring a graphic designer, Etsy is an unexpected but valuable resource. The marketplace features numerous independent creators selling inexpensive, editable donation receipt templates, often designed for popular tools like Canva. This approach is ideal for nonprofits wanting a high-quality, print-ready document that reflects a strong brand identity but lacks in-house design skills. Many templates are specifically tailored for 501(c)(3) compliance.
While not a free donation receipt template service, the one-time cost is minimal for a file you can reuse indefinitely. The primary advantage is instant access to creative, stylish layouts that stand out more than standard templates. However, these are static files; they do not connect to any automated systems for generation or delivery unless you manually integrate them with another tool.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Details | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Designer-Made Layouts | Professionally designed templates that are often editable in user-friendly platforms like Canva. | A small arts nonprofit wants a receipt that matches its creative and visually appealing brand aesthetic. |
| Instant Digital Download | Files are available for download immediately after the small purchase fee is paid. | An organization needs a high-quality receipt for a fundraising event starting tomorrow and has no time for custom design work. |
| Compliance-Ready Fields | Many sellers include specific sections for EIN, 501(c)(3) disclaimers, and other required information. | A newly formed charity can purchase a template to ensure its first receipts contain all the necessary legal language. |
- Pros: Inexpensive access to polished, professional designs; wide selection from many independent creators.
- Cons: Not truly free (requires a small one-time purchase); quality varies by seller, so checking reviews is essential.
- Website: Etsy 501(c)(3) Donation Receipt Template
12 Free Donation Receipt Templates Compared
| Service | Key features ✨ | Quality/UX ★ | Price/Value 💰 | Target 👥 | Best for 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jotform | ✨ Auto‑PDF + donor emails, drag‑drop branding, many templates | ★★★★★ | 💰 Free tier; advanced automation paid | 👥 Nonprofits & admins needing integrated forms | 🏆 End‑to‑end form → automated PDF receipts |
| Xero US | ✨ Editable PDF + step‑by‑step guidance (US tax focus) | ★★★★ | 💰 Free download (contact required) | 👥 Small nonprofits & tax‑minded users | 🏆 Clean, tax‑focused receipt + usage tips |
| eForms | ✨ Wide donation types + multi‑format (PDF/Word/ODT) | ★★★ | 💰 Free templates; on‑site upsells | 👥 Users needing many donation scenarios | 🏆 Broad library of scenario‑specific templates |
| Template.net | ✨ Browser editor, brandable fields, export options | ★★★★ | 💰 Free/paid exports (depends on plan) | 👥 Nonprofits & event admins wanting quick branding | 🏆 Fast browser‑based customization |
| TheGoodocs | ✨ Google Sheets/Excel printable templates, batch‑friendly | ★★★ | 💰 Free (attribution required) | 👥 Teams working in Sheets/Excel | 🏆 Batch entry & print‑ready spreadsheet workflows |
| Givebutter | ✨ Auto receipts with EIN/ref numbers, branding, events | ★★★★★ | 💰 Free‑to‑start (platform fees/add‑ons possible) | 👥 Fundraisers & event organizers | 🏆 Turnkey receipting tied to transactions |
| Donorbox | ✨ Instant tax receipts, template variables, year‑end PDFs | ★★★★★ | 💰 Free tier; platform fees for payment processing | 👥 Nonprofits needing donor automation & statements | 🏆 Robust automation + year‑end donor statements |
| Cognito Forms | ✨ Auto receipts via document templates + payments/workflows | ★★★★ | 💰 Free tier; advanced features paid | 👥 Orgs wanting integrated payments + receipts | 🏆 Flexible form + receipt automation |
| MightyForms | ✨ Drag‑drop forms, autoresponder with attached PDF, embed | ★★★★ | 💰 Free tier; paid plans for limits/features | 👥 Orgs needing simple auto‑PDF email flows | 🏆 Simple fill → auto‑PDF → email pipeline |
| Adobe Express | ✨ 1,000+ receipt/invoice templates, strong brand controls | ★★★★ | 💰 Free & Premium subscription | 👥 Design‑focused admins & creatives | 🏆 High‑design, brandable receipts (manual send) |
| InvoiceFly | ✨ Multi‑format downloads (Docs/Sheets/Word/Excel/PDF), tax sections | ★★★ | 💰 Free templates | 👥 Admins who edit/rebrand locally | 🏆 Flexible file formats for local editing |
| Etsy | ✨ Designer/Canva‑editable layouts, instant download | ★★★ | 💰 Low‑cost per template (one‑time purchase) | 👥 Small nonprofits wanting polished prints | 🏆 Inexpensive, styled designer templates |
From Template to Thank You: Putting Your Receipts to Work
Navigating the world of donor acknowledgment can seem complex, but as we've explored, you have a wealth of resources at your fingertips. From the highly customizable forms of Jotform and MightyForms to the simple, print-ready designs offered by eForms and TheGoodocs, the right free donation receipt template is within reach. This journey is about more than just finding a downloadable file; it's about establishing a system that builds trust, ensures legal compliance, and respects your donors' generosity.
The tools we've covered cater to a spectrum of organizational needs. Whether you're a small nonprofit handling a handful of monthly donations or a growing organization managing multiple fundraising campaigns, the perfect solution exists. Your choice ultimately hinges on balancing your technical comfort, budget, and operational scale.
Key Takeaways and Actionable Next Steps
To make a confident decision, reflect on the core insights from this guide. Your primary goal is to move from a reactive, manual process to a streamlined, professional system.
Here’s a simplified decision-making framework to guide your next steps:
- For Quick, One-Off Needs: If you occasionally need a physical receipt for an in-person cash or check donation, a simple PDF or Word template from resources like eForms, TheGoodocs, or Template.net is your most efficient option. Download, fill, and print.
- For Integrated Online Fundraising: If you collect donations through a platform, using the built-in receipting tools from Givebutter or Donorbox is a no-brainer. This automates the process, reduces administrative work, and keeps all your data in one place.
- For Maximum Customization and Data Collection: When you need more than a basic receipt, tools like Jotform, Cognito Forms, and MightyForms shine. They allow you to build custom donation forms that automatically generate and email detailed receipts, capturing valuable donor information along the way.
- For Professional Design and Branding: If your brand's visual identity is a top priority, Adobe Express gives you unparalleled creative control to design beautiful, on-brand receipts that make a lasting impression on your supporters.
Implementing Your Chosen Solution
Once you select a template or tool, the work isn't over. The final, most crucial step is implementation. Remember to meticulously review the IRS checklist provided earlier in this article. Ensure every required element, from your organization's name and EIN to a clear non-profit status disclaimer, is present on your final receipt.
Take the time to establish a clear workflow. Who is responsible for sending receipts? How quickly will they be sent after a donation is made? Documenting this process ensures consistency and professionalism, which in turn fosters donor loyalty. A well-crafted receipt is more than a legal document; it's a critical touchpoint that validates a donor's contribution and reinforces their connection to your cause. By investing a little effort now, you create a system that strengthens relationships and encourages future support.
Tired of juggling clunky templates and complex platforms? ReceiptGen offers the perfect balance, empowering you to create, customize, and send professional donation receipts in minutes. Move beyond the limitations of a static free donation receipt template and discover a tool built for speed and compliance by visiting ReceiptGen today.