Can other individuals donors pay against yet another individuals pledge?

Georgia Rennie

Hi Posters, I'm hoping for some general fundraising information and then some guidance on data entry for the following situation. Donor A pledges $1000 She comes in with checks from Donor B, Donor C and cash and indicates that all should be applied to her pledge. All the checks are made out to the organization. Can this be done? These are non-spousal/family relationships. There is no notation or paperwork that indicates that Donor B and C want this done (but Donor A did hand deliver them with the cash. I have never seen this done before and wonder if it is kosher to do? And, if it is, do we just enter the gift and apply to the pledge. I wouldn't think a soft credit would apply in this situation but maybe so? Your collective expertise is greatly appreciated. Georgia Rennie PPSFL

JoAnn Strommen

Georgia Rennie:
Hi Posters, I'm hoping for some general fundraising information and then some guidance on data entry for the following situation. Donor A pledges $1000 She comes in with checks from Donor B, Donor C and cash and indicates that all should be applied to her pledge. All the checks are made out to the organization. Can this be done? These are non-spousal/family relationships. There is no notation or paperwork that indicates that Donor B and C want this done (but Donor A did hand deliver them with the cash. I have never seen this done before and wonder if it is kosher to do? And, if it is, do we just enter the gift and apply to the pledge. I wouldn't think a soft credit would apply in this situation but maybe so? Your collective expertise is greatly appreciated. Georgia Rennie PPSFL

Yes, if no known relationship between Donor A, B & C it is a bit odd.  But do have occurrences of someone paying towards another's pledge.

In this case we would receipt Donors B & C.  When entering the gift, choose option to apply it to pledge and then select pledge from Donor A.  We would not have any reason to do a soft-credit from what you described.

If you're really not comfortable with it, you could contact Donor B &/or C and just say you're checking for clarification if the gift is from them or payment to Donor A's pledge. 

Nicole S

JoAnn Strommen:

Yes, if no known relationship between Donor A, B & C it is a bit odd.  But do have occurrences of someone paying towards another's pledge.

In this case we would receipt Donors B & C.  When entering the gift, choose option to apply it to pledge and then select pledge from Donor A.  We would not have any reason to do a soft-credit from what you described.

If you're really not comfortable with it, you could contact Donor B &/or C and just say you're checking for clarification if the gift is from them or payment to Donor A's pledge. 

 I second JoAnn