If you're searching for a reliable Big Brothers Big Sisters donation receipt or a Big Brother Big Sister donation receipt that meets current IRS requirements, you've come to the right place. As a legal template specialist with over twelve years drafting charitable contribution documents for nonprofits and individual donors across the United States, I've helped hundreds of Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters and donors create receipts that satisfy IRS substantiation rules while remaining simple to use.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll give you a completely free, attorney-reviewed 2025 Big Brothers Big Sisters donation receipt template in both Word and PDF formats, explain exactly what the IRS requires under IRC § 170(f)(8), show real-world examples, and walk you through best practices my clients have used successfully during audits.
Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified tax professional or attorney for your specific situation.
The IRS has not relaxed its charitable deduction documentation rules. For any non-cash donation over $250—or cash/check donations over $250—you must obtain a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from Big Brothers Big Sisters (or any 501(c)(3) organization) before filing your return. Failure to have a compliant Big Brothers Big Sisters donation receipt can result in complete disallowance of the deduction, even if you actually made the gift.
Source: IRS Publication 526 (2024) and IRS Substantiation Requirements
Click below to download the template I personally use with my nonprofit clients nationwide:
Download Big Brothers Big Sisters Donation Receipt Template – Word (.docx)
Download Big Brothers Big Sisters Donation Receipt Template – PDF (fill-able)
Both versions include auto-calculating fields, official BBBS branding placeholders, and language that satisfies IRS § 170(f)(8) and § 496(b) valuation rules.
According to IRS Publication 1771 and Internal Revenue Code § 170(f)(8), every qualifying receipt must contain:
| Donation Type | Threshold | Required on Receipt | Additional Forms Donor Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash/Check/ACH | $250+ | Exact amount + "no goods/services" statement | None |
| Non-cash ≤ $500 | $250+ | Description only (no value) + quid pro quo statement | None |
| Non-cash $501–$5,000 | $250+ | Description + Form 8283 Section A | Donor completes 8283 |
| Non-cash > $5,000 | $250+ | Description + qualified appraisal + Form 8283 Section B | Appraisal + signatures |
Here is the exact wording I recommend (and that has passed multiple IRS audits for my clients):
Big Brothers Big Sisters of [Chapter Name]
[Full Address] • [City, State ZIP]
Phone: [xxx-xxx-xxxx] • EIN: [Insert Chapter EIN]
Charitable Contribution Receipt – Tax Year 2025
Date of Contribution: _________________
Donor Name: _________________________
Donor Address: _______________________
Cash Contribution: $_________________
OR Non-Cash Contribution Description:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Big Brothers Big Sisters of [Chapter Name] is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: [XX-XXXXXXX]).
☐ No goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution.
☐ Goods or services were provided with a fair market value of $_________ (describe: _________________________).
Thank you for investing in the future of our community's children!
Sincerely,
[Authorized Signature]
[Printed Name & Title]
Date: _________________
In my practice, these are the top five errors that trigger IRS correspondence notices:
Use Form 1098-C in addition to your regular receipt if the claimed value is over $500. Source: IRS Form 1098-C Instructions
Items must be in "good used condition or better" to claim fair market value. Keep photos and detailed inventory lists with your receipt.
Mileage is only deductible at 14¢ per mile (2025 rate pending) and does NOT require a receipt from BBBS—only your own log.
Many of my chapter clients now use DonorPerfect, Bloomerang, or Classy with my customized acknowledgment templates loaded directly into the system. This ensures 100% IRS compliance and saves dozens of staff hours each month.
Download your free 2025-compliant Big Brothers Big Sisters donation receipt template today and eliminate one of the biggest tax-season headaches for both donors and your chapter.
Remember: This information is current as of November 2025 and reflects the latest IRS guidance. Tax laws change—always verify with a professional.
Not legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney.