# Quick Start
Everything you need to understand, activate, and manage your Chariot account with confidence.
At Chariot, we’re redefining how nonprofits receive Donor Advised Fund (DAF) donations — making it faster, easier, and more secure than ever before. This Help Center is your go-to resource for understanding the tools, policies, and processes that power DAFpay, Chariot Deposit Accounts\* and your organization's dashboard experience.
Whether you're just getting started or managing day-to-day operations, you’ll find everything you need right here.
{% hint style="info" %}
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or need additional support, reach out to our team anytime at .
{% endhint %}
# Getting Started
{% hint style="warning" %}
💡 [Claim your account](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup) to receive donations quickly, securely, and with full visibility.
{% endhint %}
### ✨ Claim Your Chariot Account
Claiming your Chariot account is the first step to unlocking faster, more secure, and lower-cost donations for your nonprofit
With an active Chariot account, your organization can:
* **Receive** [DAFpay](/dafpay/editor) **gifts directly from the DAF provider** — no delays, passthroughs, or processing hold-ups
* **Receive real-time electronic payments from Chariot’s** [Default Sources](https://givechariot.com/disbursements)**. See** [Disbursements](/disbursements/for-grantmakers)
* **Access your donation data** in one secure dashboard
* **Avoid unnecessary fees** and manual processing
***
### ❓What happens if I don’t claim my account?
If your account isn’t claimed:
* [DAFpay](/dafpay/editor) **gifts will be sent by check via the** [DAFpay Network](/dafpay/dafpay-network) after a 60-day holding period\
(with a fee of 10% or $25 — whichever is less)
* [Disbursements](/disbursements/for-grantmakers) **gifts will also be mailed by check** after a holding period (typically 7 days)
* You won’t have access to the Chariot dashboard for real-time gift tracking, reporting, and donation data
> 💡 [Claim your account](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup) to receive donations quickly, securely, and with full visibility.
***
### 🛎️ Why did Chariot contact me?
If you received an email or check from Chariot or the DAFpay Network, it likely means your organization has received a donation or is eligible to begin receiving donations through Chariot. Here’s what each message means and what to do next:
💰 I got an email that a DAFpay grant was initiated to my organization
This means a donor used [DAFpay](/dafpay/editor) on one of your [Fundraising Platforms](/dafpay/fundraising-platforms) to initiate a grant to your organization.
[**Claim your Chariot account**](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup) to receive this payment directly in your dashboard, along with its associated grant details.
Going forward, all DAFpay donations will be sent **directly from the DAF provider**—with **no delays, passthroughs, or processing hold-ups**. See [Using Chariot](/getting-started/using-chariot)
🏦 I got an email that we received a grant from a DAF provider that partners with Chariot
This means one of Chariot’s grantmaker partners has initiated a grant to your organization. See [For Nonprofits](/disbursements/for-nonprofits).
[**Claim your Chariot account**](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup) to receive this grant — and all future grants from our partners — **electronically, in real time**.
📬 I received a check in the mail from the DAFpay Network
If you received a check from the **DAFpay Network**, it means a [DAFpay](/dafpay/editor) donation was sent to your organization, held for **60 days,** and then sent via check because you hadn’t yet claimed your Chariot account.
[**Claim your Chariot account**](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup) to receive all future DAFpay donations faster, with fewer fees, and directly from the DAF provider.
After you claim your account, all future DAFpay donations will be sent **directly from the DAF provider**—with **no delays, passthroughs, or processing hold-ups**.
:question:**What to do:**
1. [**Claim your Chariot account**](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup)
2. Cash the check through your usual process
3. Log in to your Chariot dashboard and go to the **Donations** tab
4. Filter by Tracking ID, External ID or donor identifying information to locate the corresponding donation
{% hint style="warning" %}
Some DAF providers do not send DAFpay Tracking IDs. **If the Tracking ID and DAFpay note are not available,** first check for an **External Grant ID**. If you cannot find one, use the **donor’s fund name, gift amount, and other grant details** to match the inbound gift to the correct DAFpay donation line item.
{% endhint %}
📫 I received a check in the mail from a DAF that partners with Chariot
If you received a check from one of Chariot’s grantmaker partners, it means the grant was sent by check **after a 7-day holding period** because your Chariot account was not claimed. See [For Nonprofits](/disbursements/for-nonprofits)
[**Claim your Chariot account**](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup) to receive all future grants from our partners **securely, electronically, and without processing delays.**
📩 I got an email that DAFpay was activated for my organization
This means a [Fundraising Platforms](/dafpay/fundraising-platforms) used by your organization has partnered with [DAFpay](/dafpay/editor) by Chariot to enable Donor Advised Fund (DAF) donations directly on your donation forms.
[**Claim your Chariot account**](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup) to receive DAFpay donations faster, with fewer fees, directly from the DAF provider.
Once you claim your Chariot account, all DAFpay donations will be sent **directly from the DAF provider**—with **no delays, passthroughs, or processing hold-ups**. See [Using Chariot](/getting-started/using-chariot)
# Onboarding Guide
Join the tens of thousands of nonprofits already using Chariot to receive Donor Advised Fund and workplace giving payments faster and more securely.
### \[1] Create your account
* Navigate to [dashboard.givechariot.com/signup](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup)
* Enter your **work email** and create a **secure password**
* Select your **organization (**See [Organization Eligibility](/onboarding/compliance-verification/organization-eligibility))
***
### \[2] Compliance Verification
To comply with federal regulations, a control person must verify their identity to claim an account.
{% hint style="info" %}
A control person is an individual with significant responsibility to control, manage, or direct your nonprofit organization or financial operations. If this is you, you probably have a title like Executive Director, VP of Finance, CEO, or CFO.
{% endhint %}
#### **Verification Steps**
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Control Person Details**
* Full Legal Name
* Date of Birth
* Residential Address
* Legal Status (United States)
* Social Security Number
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Expected Usage**
Answer questions about your expected use of Chariot's platform. These ranges help us tune fraud protection and comply with FinCEN rules. Estimates are fine.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Review & Confirm**
Please make sure that the verification data you entered is accurate and up to date
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
Frequently Asked Questions
See [Account FAQs](/onboarding/account-faqs#why-is-it-necessary-to-provide-the-control-persons-personal-information)
Security Standards
All personal details are securely handled by Chariot’s third-party identity management partner using Secure Data Enclaves and industry-leading encryption.
***
### \[3] Account Review
Once you’ve submitted your information, you’ll return redirected back to the dashboard while you wait for approval.
If we’re unable to automatically verify your information, you will be notified via email with a request for [Supplementary Documentation](/onboarding/compliance-verification/supplementary-documentation). Please keep an eye on your inbox to avoid delays in account activation.
# Unlisted Organizations
If your nonprofit doesn’t appear during the **Nonprofit / EIN selection process**, it means your organization is not yet included in Chariot’s verified database of DAF-eligible organizations.
### Getting Listed
If no results are returned when searching:
1. Click **“Onboard Manually”**
2. Enter your organization’s legal name, EIN, and address
3. Submit your request
Once submitted, your organization will be added to our system in a **pending state**, and you’ll be prompted to begin Chariot’s **compliance verification process**.
Claim your account
***
### Additional Verification
As part of compliance verification, we may ask a few additional questions about your tax-exempt status, including:
* Are you a religious organization, new organization, or other tax-exempt entity?
* If you are a Religious Organization, you’ll also be asked if you are an independent religiosu organization or if you fall under a Group Exemption Ruling?
***
### Next Steps
After you submit your verification:
* Our team conducts due diligence and reviews your information
* Once approved, your organization is added to Chariot’s verified database
* You become **DAF-eligible**, enabling faster and more secure grant payments
# Compliance Verification
### 📄 What Are Chariot Deposit Accounts?
Chariot Deposit Accounts are Demand Deposit Accounts (DDAs) provided through our bank partner, Column N.A., Member FDIC.
### 🔐 How Chariot Ensures Secure, Compliant Account Setup
Because of this bank partnership, Chariot is held to stringent compliance requirements. Our compliance program is bank-grade, which necessitates many layers of diligence and security checks during the onboarding process (e.g., providing sensitive information on your organization and its control people). We work hard to limit these requests to only what is absolutely necessary to remain fully compliant with our banking partner and all applicable regulatory requirements. We also partner with industry leaders in security and identity management to protect your information at every turn.
### 👤 Control Person Requirements
You will need a Control Person's information (i.e., Full Legal Name, Date of Birth, Residential Address, Legal Status in the U.S. and Social Security Number) to complete the Chariot Deposit Account creation process.
A Control Person is an individual with significant responsibility to control, manage or direct your nonprofit organization or financial operations (e.g., C-Suite, VP of Finance, etc.). They may be listed on your IRS Form 990 or have signatory authority.
See [Account FAQs](/onboarding/account-faqs#why-is-it-necessary-to-provide-the-control-persons-personal-information)
### ✅ KYC and KYB Verification Process
Chariot runs extensive KYC and KYB checks on your organization before your account set up can be finalized. This diligence can typically be done automatically, but if any issues or mismatches are identified, we may have to request additional documentation. You will be alerted if anything more is required.
{% hint style="info" %}
KYC (Know Your Customer) means we verify the identity of the person setting up the account. KYB (Know Your Business) means we verify the organization receiving donations.
{% endhint %}
# Supplementary Documentation
Understand the documents Chariot may request to verify your organization during setup.
{% hint style="info" %}
To learn more about Chariot's Verification practices, visit [**Why Chariot Verification Is So Thorough?**](https://help.givechariot.com/onboarding/compliance-verification/verification-and-fraud-prevention)
{% endhint %}
Chariot is committed to providing a secure and reliable onboarding process for our organizations. A critical part of this process is ensuring that funds are directed to the correct nonprofit.
* In most cases, when public records, IRS data, and submitted information align, **no additional documentation is required**.
* If discrepancies arise or certain details are not publicly available, Chariot may request **supplementary documentation** to confirm organizational identity and authorized representation. These measures are mandated by our banking partner and are designed to protect nonprofits against fraud
***
### 🔒 Protection of Information
All verification data is stored exclusively by Chariot’s identity verification provider, **Footprint**, and never on Chariot’s servers. Footprint utilizes **secure enclave technology**, which isolates sensitive data at the hardware level (memory, CPU, and network isolation).
* Even in the event of a breach, data within secure enclaves remains inaccessible.
* This method is considerably more secure than traditional cloud storage.
* Further details regarding Footprint’s approach can be found [here](https://onefootprint.com/blog/inside-the-enclave-part-2).
***
### 📂 Commonly Requested Documentation
Outlined below are the primary categories of documents that may be requested during the compliance review process. This list is representative but not exhaustive.
#### 1) 🪪 Government-Issued ID + Selfie
* **Description:** A valid government-issued photo identification, accompanied by a live-capture selfie. The name on the ID must match the individual’s identity.
* **Purpose:** Confirms that the individual acting on behalf of the organization is genuine and prevents identity fraud or impersonation.
***
#### 2) 🏠 Proof of Residential Address
* **Description:** An official document that includes both the individual’s name and residential address.
* **Examples:** Recent bank or credit-card statement, utility bill, phone or internet bill, lease, vehicle registration, or voter registration.
* **Purpose:** Provides confirmation of the individual’s residence and identity when public data is incomplete or inconsistent.
***
#### 3) 👤 Officer Verification (Control Person)
* **Description:** Documentation verifying that the onboarded individual is a **control person** with authority to act for the nonprofit (e.g., Executive Director, CFO, VP Finance).
* **Examples:**
* Inclusion on the organization’s official website or in an official press release
* Documentation demonstrating signing authority
* Articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a board resolution
* **Purpose:** Ensures that the individual setting up financial tools has the appropriate authority, as required by compliance standards.
***
#### 4) 📝 IRS Documentation (CP-575, 4168C, or 147C)
{% hint style="danger" %}
Please **do not submit an IRS Determination Letter,** which typically begins with the phrase "We're pleased to tell you we determined you're exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3)." These letters **will not be accepted** in place of the CP-575, 4168C, or 147C.
{% endhint %}
* **Description:** IRS-issued documentation verifying the organization’s **EIN** or **tax-exempt status**. One of the following must be provided:
* **EIN Issuance Letter (CP-575):** Provided when an EIN is first assigned
* **Letter of Affirmation (4168C):** Confirms tax-exempt recognition
* **EIN Verification Letter (147C):** Confirms the entity’s IRS-recorded details
**Purpose:** Validates the organization’s EIN and confirms nonprofit eligibility.
**How to obtain:**
* **CP-575** or **147C —** Call the **IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 877-829-5500** (Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time) to request a replacement.
* **4168C —** Call the **IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933** (Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time) to request a copy.
***
### ✅ **Summary**
While most nonprofits will complete onboarding without needing additional documents, Chariot may request further information when required to confirm nonprofit identity, verify control persons, and meet banking compliance requirements. These measures are designed to ensure funds are safeguarded and delivered securely.
# Verification & Fraud Prevention
Why Chariot’s Verification Process Is So Thorough?
### 🚨 The Rising Threat of Payment Fraud
Over the last few years, [check fraud](https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250127) and [ACH fraud](https://oaima.org/aws/OSAP/pt/sd/news_article/584997/_blank/layout_details/false) have surged, doubling every two years — and the pace is accelerating. Advances in AI have made it easier for bad actors to forge checks, fake identities, and intercept banking details.
Our Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and Payer partners have seen these risks firsthand and are pushing for higher security standards to protect themselves and the nonprofits they support. See [this LinkedIn post](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mitch-stein_philanthropy-nonprofit-grants-activity-7361728388534861824-9Ipo?utm_source=share\&utm_medium=member_desktop\&rcm=ACoAAA4DFwIBhW95GhVyeHzuhEUzbjpHGpUUmS8) for seven common problematic practices in payments.
***
### 💳 Why DAF Fraud Is Especially Common
Fraud in DAF giving can be more prevalent than in other payment types because:
* **Gifts arrive without notice** — Nonprofits often aren’t expecting the gift, making it easier for fraudsters to intercept or redirect funds.
* **Donors may not expect immediate acknowledgment** — Many donors have already given to their DAF account months or years earlier, so they’re not waiting for confirmation, reducing detection.
* **Interception can go unnoticed** — If a DAF check or ACH is stolen or altered, there’s often no automatic alert or bounced payment to flag the problem.
This combination of low visibility and delayed detection makes strong fraud prevention critical.
***
### 🏦 A One-Time Process for Long-Term Protection
Chariot’s verification process is a **one-time setup** that aligns with U.S. banking regulations — specifically the **Customer Identification Program (CIP)** and **Customer Due Diligence (CDD)** rules ([law text here](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-107publ56/pdf/PLAW-107publ56.pdf), [CIP overview here](https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/blog/overview-customer-identification-program-cip/)).
Verification ensures:
* Your account is tied to a legitimate, verified nonprofit
* Unauthorized withdrawals and fraudulent transactions are prevented
* You meet the same compliance standards as banks and major financial institutions
Once verified, your Chariot account uses **non-debitable account and routing numbers** — these cannot be used to pull money from your account, making them safer than sharing standard bank details or voided checks.
***
### 🔒 How We Protect Your Information
Your verification data is stored **only** by our identity verification provider, Footprint — not on Chariot’s servers. Footprint uses **secure enclave** technology to isolate sensitive data from the rest of the system with memory, CPU, and network isolation.
* **Even if hacked**, your data remains inaccessible
* This is far more secure than traditional cloud storage
Read more about Footprint’s approach [here](https://onefootprint.com/blog/inside-the-enclave-part-2).
***
### ✅ Summary
Chariot’s verification process:
* Meets the highest U.S. banking compliance standards
* Stops modern fraud tactics before they reach your organization
* Protects your data with industry-leading secure enclaves
* Is a **one-time setup** for ongoing protection
Fraud prevention isn’t just compliance — in the DAF space, it’s essential. Chariot’s approach sets a new standard for security and trust between donors, nonprofits, and Payers.
# Chariot Deposit Accounts\*
What is a Chariot Deposit Account?
{% hint style="warning" %}
\*Chariot is a financial technology company, not a bank. Chariot Deposit Accounts are a Demand Deposit Account provided by Column N.A. Member FDIC. FDIC deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured depository institution. While Chariot is not an FDIC-insured depository institution, deposits in Chariot Deposit Accounts are eligible for FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor, for each insurance capacity in which the account is held.
{% endhint %}
The Chariot Deposit Account makes it possible to collect, align and manage all of the information related to incoming grants in one dedicated portal. Chariot’s system is designed to receive grants from Payment Sources (e.g., grantmakers) along with all associated data needed to track and acknowledge those gifts. These grants are then aggregated into one central repository that is built specifically to optimize nonprofit gift processing workflows.
A subset of Payment Sources—called [Default Sources](https://givechariot.com/disbursements)—are automatically linked to Chariot. Gifts from these Sources are pre-integrated with Chariot’s systems and include full data and payment visibility.
The Chariot Deposit Account allows your organization to receive gifts from Chariot's grantmaker partners, who use our product to make rapid, secure payments to grant recipients. In instances where both the grantmaker and the receipient nonprofit each have a Chariot Deposit Account, it optimizes the speed, safety, and cost of funds movement for everyone.
### :question:Is a Chariot Deposit Account like a Stripe or PayPal Account?
Chariot Deposit Accounts are *different* from other payment accounts your organization might use, like PayPal or Stripe. For eligible nonprofits, Chariot provides a DDA that is legally owned by your organization and has its own account and routing number. This is a critical feature that makes it possible to receive funds into your Chariot Deposit Account from Payment Sources that require funds to be sent to a bank account legally owned by your organization.
### :question:Do We Have to Use a Chariot Deposit Account?
Chariot’s system requires funds be sent to a Chariot Deposit Account in order to properly reconcile your donation data and inbound payments. Our system is built around the specifications of Chariot Deposit Accounts, which are administered by our bank partner, Column N.A., Member FDIC. Therefore, you cannot “bring your own” bank account. However, you can add an External Financial Account (EFA) to periodically transfer funds out of your Chariot Deposit Account. See [Money Movement](/account-management/money-movement).
# Organization Eligibility
Ensuring every organization on Chariot is verified and in good-standing
Nonprofit compliance is a top priority at Chariot. To protect donors, nonprofits, and disbursement partners, we verify that every organization using our products is a legitimate, eligible 501(c)(3) public charity. Below is an overview of the compliance steps we take to ensure your organization can receive gifts through Chariot.
### 🗂 IRS Listings Required for Eligibility
To receive a donation via Chariot, your organization must be listed in both of the following:
* [**IRS Business Master File**](https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-business-master-file-extract-eo-bmf) **(IRS BMF)**
* [**IRS Publication 78**](https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search-bulk-data-downloads#pub78) **(Pub 78)**
These are official IRS directories of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
***
### 🏛 IRS Foundation Code Check
Chariot verifies your nonprofit’s foundation code from the IRS BMF. Certain foundation codes may be ineligible for Chariot's product offerings.
{% hint style="info" %}
As [outlined by the IRS](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/donor_advised_explanation_073108.pdf) (see pages 16–17 of their guidance), **private non-operating foundation codes are not eligible** for donor-advised fund (DAF) giving.
Major DAF sponsors—including organizations like the **National Philanthropic Trust**—also have internal [policies](https://www.nptrust.org/what-is-a-donor-advised-fund/grantmaking-rules/) that restrict grants to entities classified as private non-operating foundations.
{% endhint %}
***
### 📚 IRS Pub 78 Verification
Chariot confirms that your organization appears in Pub 78, the IRS’s searchable database of qualified charities. However, some organizations may be eligible even if not listed, including:
* **Churches and Religious Organizations** – Not required to register or file Form 990s
* **Governmental Units** – Public schools, cities, or municipalities often qualify but are not listed
* **Subordinate Organizations** – Groups under a group exemption may not have individual listings
* **Newly Approved 501(c)(3)s** – May not appear due to Pub 78's monthly update schedule
* **Recently Reinstated Nonprofits** – May experience a delay in relisting after reinstatement
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or need additional support, reach out to our team anytime at .
***
### 🚨 OFAC Watchlist Screening
We screen all nonprofits against the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s [**OFAC watchlist**](https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/) to ensure no affiliation with sanctioned individuals or entities.
***
### 🔍 Additional Screening and Diligence
Chariot may also request supporting documents or perform further onboarding checks as needed to confirm legitimacy and ensure regulatory compliance. See [Supplementary Documentation](/onboarding/compliance-verification/supplementary-documentation).
***
### 🔄 Ongoing Monitoring
Chariot continuously monitors IRS databases and federal watchlists. If your status changes, our compliance team is notified and may reach out to resolve any issues.
***
### 📬 Questions?
If you have questions about your eligibility or need to update your records, please email our compliance team at and include your **organization name** and **EIN** in the subject line.
# Trust & Safety
Trust is at the core of everything we do on Chariot. Donors, nonprofits, DAFs and other partners rely on Chariot’s technology to facilitate seamless giving and payments experiences, while keeping their most sensitive information protected.
Security
Our systems ensure that only authorized users can take authorized actions, with end-to-end encryption protecting all data and transactions.
# Security
Chariot is designed with security at its core to protect your organization, your data, and your funds.
Our systems ensure that only authorized users can take authorized actions, with end-to-end encryption protecting all data and transactions.
### Secure By Design
Chariot is built to minimize risk at every level of interaction and access.
**Interaction**\
Chariot’s technology only interacts with the data required to complete a task. For example, DAFpay only accesses the fields needed to submit a grant request.
**Accessx**\
Chariot follows the **principle of least privilege**, meaning access is restricted by default and only granted when necessary. This applies to both customers and internal systems.
All users are required to use **multi-factor authentication (MFA)** to access the Chariot dashboard. Chariot staff are also required to use MFA across all internal tools.
***
### Built With The Best
Chariot leverages modern infrastructure and security standards to ensure performance, reliability, and protection.
**Modern infrastructure**\
Chariot is hosted on [AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/) cloud infrastructure in the United States, benefiting from industry-leading security, scalability, and uptime.
**Encryption**\
Data that passes through Chariot’s systems is encrypted in transit using industry-standard protocols, including **TLS and AES-256**.
**Monitoring**\
Chariot’s infrastructure is continuously monitored using advanced detection systems, with a 24/7 on-call team responding to alerts.
**Expert advisory**\
[Oneleet](https://www.oneleet.com/), a leading cyber-security advisory firm, performs system monitoring and hosts our [Public Trust Center](https://trust.givechariot.com/) for maximum transparency.
{% hint style="info" %}
Review [Broken mention](broken://pages/w5LbXLSVL4Xzf6l4MzWx)
{% endhint %}
***
### External Reviews
Chariot undergoes regular independent review to validate security and compliance.
**Third-party audits and testing**\
Chariot is **SOC 2 Type II compliant** and undergoes regular penetration testing. Documentation is available upon request via our [Trust Center.](https://trust.givechariot.com/)
**InfoSec customer Ddligence**\
Chariot has completed rigorous security and vendor reviews with major healthcare systems, universities, and large multinational organizations.
**Bank partner program**\
Chariot is a financial technology company, not a bank. We are a program of **Column N.A., Member FDIC**, which ensures that we adhere to strict security standards with ongoing monitoring and review.
{% hint style="info" %}
Review our [security documentation](https://trust.givechariot.com/) to learn more.
{% endhint %}
# Data Privacy
Chariot is designed to limit the data it interacts with, uses, and stores, reducing exposure to sensitive information.
### Data Storage
Chariot’s systems are built to store only what is necessary, and only for as long as needed.
With DAFpay, for example. Chariot’s system stores items that a donor user submits to be shared with the receiving nonprofit and does not store sensitive details such as username, password, account balance & donation history.
***
### Transparency & Disclosure
Chariot is committed to clear and transparent data practices.All users are prompted to review and accept the appropriate policies before interacting with the platform, including:
* [Terms of Service](https://www.givechariot.com/legal-donors) \[DAFpay Donors]
* [Terms of Service](https://www.givechariot.com/legal-nonprofit) \[Nonprofits On Chariot]
* Terms of Service \[DAF Providers On Chariot] [\[Request\]](https://www.givechariot.com/contact)
* [Privacy Policy](https://www.givechariot.com/privacy)
Before getting on Chariot, you should review these documents in full. All users are prompted to review and accept the appropriate policies before interacting with the platform, including.
{% hint style="info" %}
More detailed internal procedural documents related to data handling are available upon request for potential partners performing diligence.
{% endhint %}
***
### Data Flows
Chariot’s technology is proprietary and sensitive — therefore, we limit public descriptions of the platform’s backend functionality. Request additional details at
# Compliance
As a facilitator of DAF giving and grant payments at scale, Chariot maintains a compliance program designed to meet a high standard of security and regulatory oversight.
Our compliance program focuses on three core areas: **identity verification, gift eligibility, and transaction monitoring**. These processes are managed by our internal compliance team in partnership with trusted external providers.
Sending grant payments to nonprofits carries real risk. It is increasingly easy to falsify documents, impersonate individuals, or misdirect funds.
To address this, Chariot applies multiple layers of verification to ensure that the **right person, with the right authority, at the right organization** is able to receive funds safely.
***
### Identity Verification
**EIN Eligibility**
We conduct a compliance review on an organization’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) to determine whether they have an eligible “Nonprofit Code” and are in “Good Standing” with the IRS.
**Internal Databases**
We have developed a proprietary internal database for organizational eligibility, which includes six different primary data sources that are all updated on a daily or weekly basis:
* IRS Business master File
* IRS 990 Filings
* IRS Publication 78
* OFAC Sanctions
**Additional Documentation**
If an organization does not pass the initial screen, we request additional documentation to evaluate eligibility under common exceptions - such as religious organizations.
***
### Gift Eligibility
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have strict rules around when and how donations can be made. Chariot applies multiple layers of controls to ensure that grant recommendations submitted through DAFpay are compliant.
**Organization Eligibility**\
DAFpay is only available to organizations with an EIN that meets DAF eligibility requirements.
**Legal Obligations**\
Our Terms of Service require donors, nonprofits, and fundraising platforms to use DAFpay only for permissible grant activity.
**Quality Assurance**\
Before activation, our team reviews DAFpay implementations to ensure they are used appropriately and not tied to impermissible events.
**Ongoing Monitoring**\
We periodically review DAFpay usage to ensure continued compliance over time.
**DAF Account Requirements**\
DAFpay respects provider-level requirements such as minimum gift amounts, available balances, and user permissions.
**Gift Initiation Transparency**\
Chariot provides DAF partners with additional context on DAFpay donations—such as the webpage where the gift was initiated—to support their due diligence.
{% hint style="info" %}
Chariot does not control a DAF provider’s review and approval process. While our systems support compliance, each provider has final authority over whether a grant is approved based on its own eligibility requirements.
{% endhint %}
***
### Transaction Monitoring
Chariot maintains robust transaction monitoring procedures to ensure oversight of financial activity associated with Chariot Deposit Accounts. We continuously track and analyze transactions for key risk indicators, including:
* Abnormal user behavior
* Potential layering or structuring activity
* Unusual movement of funds
* Large or high-volume transfers
These controls help us identify and address potentially suspicious activity in a timely manner.
{% hint style="info" %}
Transaction monitoring refers to money movement into and out of Chariot Deposit Accounts. It does not apply to DAFpay grant requests, which are governed separately under our Gift Eligibility procedures described above.
{% endhint %}
***
### Key Partners
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
#### FS Vector
We utilize FS Vector, the top fintech compliance firm, as compliance counsel. Our engagement has included developing our internal Compliance Program from the ground up, developing all policies and protocols, and ongoing support.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Column N.A.
[Column N.A.](https://column.com/) is a nationally chartered bank with an annualized transaction volume exceeding $1 trillion. Other program managers include companies like [Brex](https://www.brex.com/), [Mercury](https://mercury.com/), [Wise](https://wise.com/), and [Bilt.](https://www.biltrewards.com/) Column was built by developers from the ground-up, making it the leading developer bank to power modern, performant experiences.\
\
Other key details on Column include:
* Column maintains a liquid balance sheet to support payments, with over 100% of the Bank’s deposit base available in cash or other immediately available sources of funding.
* Column is more than 2x the “well-capitalized” regulatory threshold.
* Column generates profits from various income streams, resulting in more stable earnings profile across various rate environments.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
# Account FAQs
🏦 How will claiming my Chariot Deposit Account improve the way I receive DAF gifts?
A Chariot Deposit Account allows your organization to receive DAF grants in a faster, easier, and more secure way. You’ll receive both **funds and donation data** from Chariot's grantmaker partners in the same place—no more delays or guesswork matching bank transfers with donor details.
This reduces reconciliation time for your finance and development teams, freeing them up to focus on your mission.
Chariot's grantmaker partnerships enable us to offer **instant electronic payments**. The [network of partners](https://givechariot.com/disbursements) is growing rapidly.
It’s completely **free** to claim your CDA, receive electronic grants, and make **unlimited transfers** to your external financial account.
📬 Can we continue using Chariot without a CDA?
Depending on how your organization accesses DAFpay (i.e., whether via a fundraising platform integration or via a standalone DAFpay component) you may or may not be able to continue using DAFpay without a CDA. In instances where it is possible, organizations that have not claimed their CDA will receive both DAFpay gifts and grantmaker partner gifts via **paper check** to their IRS-listed address. These checks may have longer processing times.
If you have questions about whether your fundraising platform supports use of DAFpay **without** a CDA, feel free to reach out to us directly at .In cases where a CDA isn’t mandatory, it is **highly recommended.** It enables fast, secure, trackable disbursements—and is legally owned by your nonprofit.
👤 Who can serve as my organization’s Control Person?
A **Control Person** is an individual with significant responsibility to control, manage or direct your nonprofit organization or financial operations (e.g., C-Suite, VP of Finance, etc.). They may be listed on your IRS Form 990 or have signatory authority.
This person must complete **Compliance Verification** and will become your **Chariot Account Owner**—the only person authorized to link an external bank account.
To invite a new user to serve as Control Person, add them as an **Administrator** and have them complete verification.
See [Team Management](/account-management/team-management)
🔐 Why is it necessary to provide the Control Person’s personal information?
To comply with federal regulations, we must collect identifying details (like SSNs) for your Control Person. This data is securely encrypted and managed with the highest security standards.
[Learn more on our Security Page](https://www.givechariot.com/security)
[Visit our Trust Center](https://trust.givechariot.com/)
Chariot Deposit Accounts are offered in partnership with our bank partner, Column N.A. In accordance with federal law—including Section 326 of the US PATRIOT Act—all US banks are required to implement a Customer Identification Program (CIP) to help prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorist activity.
We collect personal information—such as Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)—solely to verify the identity of the Control Person. **This information is used solely for identity verification and is never shared or used for any other purpose (e.g., a credit check).**
Verification is conducted through our secure partner, [Footprint](https://onefootprint.com/), and all data is stored using **encrypted, isolated environments** that meet the highest industry standards.
[Read the full law](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-107publ56/pdf/PLAW-107publ56.pdf).
[Overview of CIP requirements](https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/blog/overview-customer-identification-program-cip/).
🔄 How does setting up a CDA change my current Chariot account and services?
Setting up a CDA **does not change how you use Chariot or DAFpay**. It simply enables your organization to meet updated compliance requirements and unlock **electronic disbursements** from our supported [grantmaker partners](https://www.givechariot.com/disbursements).
Gifts from other grantmakers—such as Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab—will still be delivered the same way as before. See [Using Chariot](/getting-started/using-chariot).
📄 What documentation might I need for Additional Compliance Verification?
If additional verification is required, Chariot may request one of the following **IRS-issued documents**:
* EIN Issuance Letter (**CP-575**)
* Letter of Affirmation (**4168C**)
* EIN Verification Letter (**147C**)
See [Supplementary Documentation](/onboarding/compliance-verification/supplementary-documentation).
💰 Where do the funds sent to my organization's CDA go?
Funds from participating grantmaker partners are deposited into your organization’s **Chariot Deposit Account**—a real bank account legally owned by your nonprofit and hosted by Column N.A., Member FDIC.\
\
From there, the **Account Owner** (i.e. the Control Person) can **link an external financial account** and Admins can transfer funds out as needed. See [Money Movement](/account-management/money-movement).
⏱ How quickly is money disbursed to our CDA?
Funds are electronically deposited into your CDA **as soon as the grantmaker approves the gift**. Authorized account users can then transfer the funds to your nonprofit’s linked external account at their convenience—ensuring fast, secure, and trackable disbursements.
📍 Where can I go to complete Compliance Verification?
Simply log into your Chariot dashboard and click the **red banner** at the top of the screen to begin Compliance Verification.
Still have questions? Email us at — we're happy to help.
🧑💼 What is the difference between the Owner and Admin on my Chariot account?
The main difference between an **Owner** and an **Admin** is that **only the Owner can add or remove the External Financial Account (EFA)** linked to your Chariot Deposit Account.
Both Owners and Admins can:
* Transfer funds
* Invite and manage users
* Access and manage fundraising and donation data
See [Team Management](/account-management/team-management)
🔄 Can we transfer ownership of our Chariot account to someone else?
Yes, you can transfer ownership to another user—either someone who already has access to your Chariot account or a brand new user.
To do this, the **current Owner** can log into their Chariot dashboard, navigate to the **Team** page, and select **“Transfer Ownership.”** You’ll be prompted to enter the **email address** of the person you want to designate as the new Owner.
Ownership will be transferred once the new user:
1. Accepts the invitation, and
2. Completes **Compliance Verification** as a Control Person.
🌐 How do I allow website domains in my browser?
If you're experiencing errors like “issues loading the page” while completing compliance verification with Chariot, your browser’s security settings might be blocking essential services. To fix this, you may need to allow specific website domains related to our identity verification partner.
***
#### ✅ Domains to Allow
Make sure the following sites are allowed in your browser:
* `https://id.onefootprint.com`
* `https://id2.onefootprint.com`
These are used during the identity verification process and must be granted access to pop-ups, cookies, JavaScript, microphone, and camera.
***
#### 🍎 Safari Instructions
**Allow All Content for a Specific Website**
1. Open Safari and navigate to `https://id.onefootprint.com`
2. Click **Safari** in the top menu bar → **Settings** (or press `Cmd + ,`)
3. Select the **Websites** tab
4. In the sidebar, find and select:
* **Pop-up Windows** → Set to **Allow**
* **Camera** and **Microphone** → Set to **Ask** or **Allow**
5. Repeat for `https://id2.onefootprint.com`
6. Close the window — your settings are saved automatically
***
#### 🌐 Google Chrome Instructions
**Allow Pop-ups and Redirects**
1. Click the three-dot menu `⋮` in the top right
2. Go to **Settings** → **Privacy and security**
3. Select **Site Settings**
4. Click **Pop-ups and redirects**
5. Under **Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects**, click **Add**
* Add: `https://id.onefootprint.com`
* Add: `https://id2.onefootprint.com`
**Allow Cookies and JavaScript**
1. Return to **Site Settings**
2. Click **Cookies and other site data**
3. Click **Add** under **Sites that can always use cookies**:
* Add: `https://id.onefootprint.com`
* Add: `https://id2.onefootprint.com`
4. Click **JavaScript** and repeat the steps above to allow the same two domains
**Allow Microphone and Camera**
Still in **Site Settings**:
* Click **Camera** → Add both domains
* Click **Microphone** → Add both domains
***
#### 🛠️ Still Having Trouble?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still having issues:
* Clear your browser cache and cookies
* Try using an **incognito/private browsing window**
* Disable browser extensions temporarily
* Check if antivirus software is blocking access
If problems persist, reach out to our team at — we’re happy to help!
🏛 What types of organizations are eligible to open a Chariot Deposit Account (CDA)?
Chariot currently supports **501(c)(3) public charities** for Chariot Deposit Accounts and related services like DAFpay and Disbursements.
At this time, we do **not onboard private non-operating foundations**, in line with common donor advised fund (DAF) restrictions. See [Usage Guidelines](/dafpay/usage-guidelines)
Not sure if you're eligible? Reach out to and we’ll review your organization's status.
⛪ Our organization is a place of worship but not listed in the IRS database as a 501(c)(3). Are we still eligible for DAFpay through Chariot?
Yes! Religious institutions such as churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship **can still be eligible**, even if they are **not listed** in the IRS Exempt Organizations database.
Organizations that meet the requirements of [IRC Section 501(c)(3)](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf) are automatically considered tax-exempt and **not required to apply for formal IRS recognition**.
Chariot offers an **alternative verification process** for these institutions, which includes:
* Submission of EIN documentation
* Articles of incorporation or bylaws
* Evaluation against the [14-point IRS criteria](https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/churches-religious-organizations/definition-of-church) for religious organizations
If your organization meets the criteria, you can open a Chariot Deposit Account and receive DAFpay gifts electronically like any other eligible nonprofit.
For more information or to begin the verification process, contact .
🧾 What is the difference between donations and deposits?
### **💡 Donations = Data**
A donation in your Chariot dashboard represents a gift record — it contains donor details, donation amount, fund designation, and more. These entries may originate from Payment Sources in your Chariot account, or from DAFpay.
* Some donations are linked to deposits, meaning Chariot also received and is holding the funds.
* Others may reflect gifts received outside of Chariot.
***
### **💸 Deposits = Money Movement**
A deposit is an actual transfer of funds into your Chariot Deposit Account, made by a Payment Source connected to your account.
* Deposits appear when the funds themselves arrive — not just the data.
* Each deposit can contain one or more associated donations, linked automatically for easy reconciliation.
***
### 🔄 **How They Work Together**
* When a Payment Source sends funds via Chariot, the deposit and corresponding donation(s) are automatically tied together in your dashboard.
* If a gift was initiated via DAFpay from a Payment Source *not* connected to your Chariot Deposit Account, the donation will appear — but no deposit will be shown, because Chariot didn’t receive the funds.
* You can use Tracking IDs to match manually received funds to donations and mark them as "Received."
### 🧑💻 Need Help?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or need additional support, reach out to our team anytime at .
# Key Concepts
### What Is Chariot?
Chariot is a modern financial platform for nonprofits — a system that brings together traditionally offline donation payments and donor data in one place.
When you claim your account, you create a **Chariot Deposit Account\***
* A bank account in your nonprofit’s name
* Used to receive donations electronically
* Purpose-built for the nonprofit sector
Once claimed, [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#chariots-grantmaking-partners) can electronically send funds directly into your account.
***
### Nightmare Of Donation Management
There are dozens of platforms (payment sources) that send money to nonprofits — DAFs, Workplace Giving Programs, Employee Matching Platforms, Crowdfunding Tools, and more.
Unfortunately, each of these payment sources has its own method of payment, access portal, and data format which leads to nonprofit overhead, security risk, delayed funds, and manual reconciliation.
At Chariot, our goal is to unify these [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources) into a single system.
***
### Delivery Of Funds
Whether funds and data land in your Chariot account depends on the connection status of your payment sources:
* **Connected Sources** [**\[Link\]**](/getting-started/payment-sources#connected-sources) **-** Both funds and donation data are delivered electronically into your Chariot account. Each donation line item is linked to a deposit, which represents the actual payment.
* **Unconnected Sources -** Funds for these donations will **not** be delivered into your Chariot account. Instead, they will be sent outside of Chariot, typically by check.
{% hint style="info" %}
If your organization uses [DAFpay](/dafpay/editor), you may see donation data in your Chariot dashboard from unconnected payment sources which means funds will arrive outside of your Chariot account. See [Using Chariot](/getting-started/using-chariot#received-outside-of-chariot)
{% endhint %}
***
### Donations & Deposits
The two core concepts in Chariot are **donations (data)** and **deposits (money)**, which together show what was given and how it was paid out.
When funds from [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#connected-sources) are delivered into your Chariot account, they appear as a deposit line item. Every gift line item associated with a deposit appears as a donation, which includes donor information and other details.
A single deposit can include multiple donations. For example, a payment from a provider like Fidelity Charitable may arrive as one $10,000.00 deposit, but be associated with many individual donations:
* One deposit → many donations
* Each donation → belongs to one deposit
{% hint style="info" %}
In some cases, you may see donation data *without* a deposit. This typically only happens when a gift is initiated through DAFpay from an unconnected payment source.
{% endhint %}
At a high level, deposits represent what you would see on a bank statement while donations represent the individual gifts behind that payment.
Each deposit has a **Deposit ID**, which is shared across all associated donations. You can use this to:
* Match donations to a specific payment (deposit)
* Align records between your CRM and Accounting System
* Reconcile activity at month-end
***
### Donation Payment Statuses
Every donation has a **payment status** that tells you where the funds are at any given time.
* **Received In Chariot** — Money landed in your Chariot account
* **Incoming To Chariot** — Money is expecting to arrive in your Chariot account
* **Received Outside Chariot** — Money arrived outside Chariot (e.g. check)
* **Incoming Outside Chariot** — Money is expected to arrive outside Chariot
Payment status is primarily determined by whether the payment source associated with a given donation is **connected** to your Chariot account.
# Using Chariot
Once your Chariot account is set up, it becomes the place where you track incoming donations, understand where funds are, and manage how that data flows into your external systems.
### Accessing Data
As gifts are sent to your organization, funds from [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#connected-sources) will arrive in your Chariot account as **deposits**.
* Each deposit includes one or more **donations**, which represent the individual gifts behind that payment.
* Each donation includes a **payment status**, which tells you where the money is.
***
### Exporting Data
As donations come in, your team can review and export donation data for use in your CRM or Accounting systems.
You can export donation data from:
* **Deposits Page** → To download the subset of donations tied to a specific payment
* **Donations Page** → To download all received donations across multiple deposits
When exporting, you can choose (1) all available fields or (2) a custom selection of columns, to format your data for your specific systems.
{% hint style="info" %}
When recording donations to your CRM, make sure to include the **Deposit ID** to link donation records to the corresponding deposit (payment) in Chariot.
{% endhint %}
***
### Reconciling Funds
Your Chariot Deposit Account is an **FDIC-insured bank account\* in your organization’s name**, and all funds received in this account are legally yours. Unlike payment processors such as PayPal or Stripe, Chariot is a receiving account where funds are deposited directly in your organization’s name.
Every payment from a connected payment source arrives as a **deposit**. These deposits should be recorded as line items in your accounting system and used for reconciliation, using the **Deposit ID** to match donation data to payments.
When you transfer funds from Chariot to your [external financial account](/account-management/money-movement), this is considered an **internal transfer**. Your outbound transfers often combine multiple deposits into a single amount.
Because of this, we **strongly recommend reconciling funds against your Chariot Deposit Account**, not your external bank account. Your Chariot account is designed to show deposits already tied to donation line items, giving you a clean and structured view for reconciliation.
{% hint style="danger" %}
If you try to reconcile using your external bank account, you will only see lump sum transfers from Chariot that do not map cleanly to individual deposits. This undoes the reconciliation structure Chariot provides and creates unnecessary manual work.\
\
All transfers from your Chariot Deposit Account to your linked External Financial Account will appear as "ACH DEPOSIT {{NONPROFIT NAME}} - CHARIOT".
{% endhint %}
***
### Received Outside Of Chariot
If a donation has a payment status of **`Received Outside Chariot`** or **`Incoming Outside Chariot`**, the funds will **not** be deposited into your Chariot account.
{% hint style="info" %}
Only applicable for DAFpay gifts that were initiated from DAF providers that are not yet a Connected Payment Source on your account.
{% endhint %}
Use the available details—such as the **DAFpay tracking ID, external ID, and other donation information**—to identify the payment outside of Chariot. Once confirmed, locate the corresponding donation in Chariot and mark it as **'Received Outside Chariot'** to keep your records accurate.
If you frequently receive donations outside of Chariot from a payment source, we strongly encourage you to connect it so future payments can be delivered electronically into your Chariot account.
{% hint style="warning" %}
Some DAF providers do not send DAFpay Tracking IDs. **If the Tracking ID and DAFpay note are not available,** first check for an **External Grant ID**. If you cannot find one, use the **donor’s fund name, gift amount, and other grant details** to match the inbound gift to the correct DAFpay donation line item.
{% endhint %}
# Payment Sources
Payment sources are the platforms (i.e., DAFs, Workplace Giving Providers, Crowdfunding Programs) that send donations nonprofit organizations.
***
### Connected Sources
As described above, payment sources represent the platforms that send funds and data to nonprofits. When a payment source is connected to Chariot, both **funds and donation data** will arrive directly into your Chariot account.
There are two types of Connected Sources:
1. **Grantmaking Partners -** Automatically connected to your Chariot account *upon* onboarding
2. **Additional Sources -** Manually connected to your Chariot account *after* onboarding
When a connected payment source sends a gift to your organization:
* Funds are deposited into your Chariot account
* Donation data is included automatically
* Payments arrive faster and are easier to reconcile
***
#### Type 1: Chariot's Disbursement Partners
Chariot works with a growing network of Disbursement Partners to electronically deliver hundreds of millions of dollars to nonprofits. This subset of [#connected-sources](#connected-sources "mention") are automatically connected to your Chariot account upon onboarding. See [Disbursements FAQs](/getting-started/disbursements-faqs).
{% hint style="warning" %}
Received an email from [**hello@joinchariot.com**](mailto:hello@joinchariot.com)? It's likely because your organization has received a gift through one of Chariot's grantmaking disbursement partners. The email contains instructions to claim your account and access gift details.
{% endhint %}
***
#### Type 2: Managed Sources
Chariot also supports managed payment sources (for payments from non-disbursement partners) so you bring more of your donation activity into one place.
Connecting managed sources allows:
* More funds to be delivered electronically
* Fewer checks and manual processes
* Automatic mapping between donation data and payments
{% hint style="info" %}
Only available with a paid plan. See
{% endhint %}
Fidelity Charitable
PayPal Grant Payments
Ren (Pinkaloo)
Benevity
YourCause
CyberGrants
Jewish Communal Fund
Pledger Charitable
The Donors Fund
OJC Fund
***
#### Type 3: Custom Sources
{% hint style="info" %}
Only available with a paid plan. See
{% endhint %}
See [Custom Payment Sources](/gift-processing/custom-payment-sources)
# Donation Fields
### Donor Information
| Column | Example | Description |
| -------------------- | ----------------- | ----------- |
| Donor Fund Name | Doe Giving Fund | -- |
| Donor Full Name | Jane Doe | -- |
| Donor First Name | Jane | -- |
| Donor Last Name | Doe | -- |
| Donor Email | | -- |
| Donor Phone | +1 555-555-5555 | -- |
| Donor Address Line 1 | 123 Sesame Street | -- |
| Donor Address Line 2 | Unit 28B | -- |
| Donor Address City | New York | -- |
| Donor Address State | NY | -- |
| Donor Address Zip | 12345 | -- |
***
### Donation Details
| Column | Example | Definition |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Donation ID | **`donation_73b9o338q4o2b`** | Unique donation identifier from Chariot. |
| External ID | **`243567342`** | Unique donation identifier from the DAF provider. |
| Created On | August 17, 2025 | Date at which the donation record was created in Chariot's system. |
| Payment Status | **`Received In Chariot`** | See [Key Concepts](/getting-started/key-concepts#donation-payment-statuses) |
| DAF Organization | National Philanthropic Trust | Name of the Donor Advised Fund provider |
| DAF Program | JP Morgan Charitable | \[If applicable] Sub-organization operating under the umbrella DAF organization |
| Company | Google Inc. |
Company that provided the workplace / matching gift.
Only relevant for workplace / matching gifts.
|
| Gross Amount | $150.00 | Gross Amount = Gift Amount + Match Amount |
| Individual Gift Amount | $75.00 | Portion of the donation funded directly by the donor. |
| Corporate Match Amount | $75.00 |
Portion of the donation funded directly by the company (i.e., workplace giving or employer match).
Only relevant for workplace / matching gifts.
|
| Platform Fees | $3.10 | Fees charged by the donation platform or third-party processor. Does not include DAFpay fees. |
| Net Amount | $146.90 | Total amount received by your organization, excluding fees. |
| Currency | USD | -- |
| Purpose | Where needed most | -- |
| Note | Great work Susy! | -- |
| Additional Details | Reference Number: 27363 | Structured information about the donation that may vary by Connected Source. |
***
### Deposit Information
| Column | Example | Definition |
| ------------------ | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Connected Source | Groundswell |
Provider that deposited funds into your Chariot account.
This field may be blank for DAFpay donations from unconnected payment sources.
|
| Deposit ID | deposit\_bx7enj83sri1l32u32 | Unique deposit identifier from Chariot. See [Key Concepts](/getting-started/key-concepts#donations-and-deposits). |
| Deposit Settled At | January 19, 2026 | Date at which the funds for the donation were received in your Chariot account |
| Deposit Type | ACH or Account Transfer | Method by which funds were deposited into your Chariot account. |
***
### Offline Payment Information
*Only relevant for donations where funds were received outside of your Chariot Account*
Column
Example
Definition
Offline Payment Check Number
#81729631
--
Offline Payment Date
January 17, 2026 4:19 PM
--
***
### DAFpay Details
*Only applicable for gifts initiated via DAFpay*
| Column | Example | Definition |
| ------------------ | -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| DAFpay Tracking ID | 83VE1BID2Y | Unique identifier of the DAFpay donation, used for reconciliation purposes. |
| DAFpay Form | Givebutter | Fundraising platform or donation form where the DAFpay gift was initiated. |
| DAFpay Frequency | One-Time or Monthly | -- |
| DAFpay Type | Integrated or Unintegrated | See [Compatible Providers](/dafpay/compatible-providers) |
| DAFpay URL | | Webpage where DAFpay donation was initiated |
| DAFpay Metadata | formId: 9623328 | Additional DAFpay donation information shared specifically by the fundraising platform |
# Advanced Features
# Donation Information
{% hint style="danger" %}
This page no longer exists. Please navigate to [Donation Fields](/getting-started/donation-fields).
{% endhint %}
# Funds Delivery Times
Your organization may receive gifts from two sources: [DAFpay](/dafpay/editor) and [Disbursements](/disbursements/for-grantmakers). The delivery method and timing of these gifts depend on your organization’s account status and whether you’ve completed Chariot Deposit Account (CDA) verification.
Below is a breakdown of when to expect your first gifts based on your setup:
### ✅ If Your Chariot Account Is Claimed
**DAFpay Gifts** are delivered according to the DAF provider’s timeline—typically within 1–2 weeks after initiation, though it may vary depending on the provider's internal processing time. See DAFpay [Flow of Funds](/dafpay/flow-of-funds)
**Grantmaker partner gifts** will be sent electronically within minutes of approval and funds release. See [For Nonprofits](/disbursements/for-nonprofits)
***
### 🚫 If Your Chariot Account Is Not Claimed
**DAFpay Gifts** will be held by the DAFpay Network for 60 days. If the account remains unclaimed, a check will be mailed to your IRS-registered address after that period. See DAFpay [Flow of Funds](/dafpay/flow-of-funds)
**Grantmaker partner gifts** will be sent by check after 7 days of gift initiation if the account is still unclaimed.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip:** To receive all gifts electronically and without delay, we recommend completing your Chariot Deposit Account setup as soon as possible.
{% endhint %}
If you have any questions about your first gifts or CDA status, feel free to contact us at .
# Disbursements FAQs
Chariot works with a growing network of [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#type-1-chariots-disbursement-partners) to electronically deliver hundreds of millions of dollars to nonprofits. This subset of [#connected-sources](#connected-sources "mention") are automatically connected to your Chariot account upon onboarding.
Is Chariot secure?
Yes. Chariot’s system for receiving grants is significantly more secure than traditional methods such as checks or even ACH. Its “in-network” transfers are instantaneous and do not expose account or routing numbers. Tens of thousands of donors, nonprofits, and DAFs rely on Chariot’s technology to facilitate seamless giving and payment experiences while keeping their most sensitive information protected. Learn more [**here**](https://www.givechariot.com/trust-and-safety).
Is it free to receive disbursements through Chariot?
Yes. There is no cost to receive Disbursements on Chariot or transfer funds to an external financial account.
*Fees may apply to other actions taken in your Chariot account. See the full fee schedule* [***here.***](https://www.givechariot.com/legal-daa)
Who from our organization needs to claim our Chariot Deposit Account?
Chariot requires a Control Person from your organization to verify their information and activate your account.
What is a Control Person?
A[ **Control Person**](https://help.givechariot.com/account-faqs#who-can-serve-as-my-organizations-control-person) is an individual with significant responsibility to control, manage, or direct your nonprofit organization or financial operations (e.g., C-Suite, VP of Finance, etc.). They may, *but are not required to*, appear on your IRS Form 990 or have formal signatory authority.
What information needs to be shared to claim our Chariot Account?
Here is an [**onboarding guide**](https://help.givechariot.com/onboarding/onboarding-guide) outlining the required information.
Why am I required to provide this information during account claiming?
Chariot Deposit Accounts are offered in partnership with Column N.A., a nationally chartered bank. Federal regulations, including Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act, require all U.S. banks to verify the identity of individuals opening financial accounts. Chariot collects personal information, such as a Social Security Number (SSN), exclusively for identity verification. This information is never used for credit checks or shared for any other purpose.
Can other people from our organization access our Chariot account?
Yes, after the account is activated, additional users, such as admin, finance, or development, can be invited with customized roles. You can see the various permissions [**here**](https://help.givechariot.com/my-account/team-management).
What if I don't want to claim our account?
If the account is not claimed, your organization will continue receiving DAF grants via mailed checks. These will usually come with \~2-3 week delays.
What other benefits come with a Chariot account?
In addition to payments and data from Disbursement providers, Chariot is the company that powers [**DAFpay**](https://www.givechariot.com/dafpay-nonprofits), the only Donor Advised Fund (DAF) payment option that lives directly on nonprofit donation forms. You can access DAFpay for no upfront cost via one of their [**fundraising platform integrations**](https://help.givechariot.com/dafpay/editor/fundraising-platforms) or via a [**direct subscription with Chariot**](https://help.givechariot.com/dafpay/editor/dafpay-components). Nonprofits on Chariot transform how their donors give – and how their teams receive – DAF gifts. You will also have the ability to receive electronic payments from a growing list of other DAF providers. You can reach out to them at [**contact@givechariot.com**](mailto:contact@givechariot.com).
# Overview
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Paid Plan Required:** Some Gift Processing features are only available to organizations on Chariot Growth and Enterprise plans
{% endhint %}
Chariot’s Gift Processing platform is built to help nonprofits save time processing traditionally offline gifts from donor-advised fund providers, workplace giving platforms, matching gift programs, and other third-party payment sources.
Chariot centralizes both payment and donation data into one unified operational workflow. At its core, Chariot combines two systems:
1. A **financial account** where third-party funds are received
2. A **data layer** that standardizes, codes, and ties donation records to inbound deposits
{% hint style="info" %}
New to Chariot? Start with [Key Concepts](/getting-started/key-concepts) and [Using Chariot](/getting-started/using-chariot).
{% endhint %}
{% embed url="" %}
### Before Chariot
Before Chariot, offline gifts arrived through disconnected channels. Donation data (a CSV from, a portal export, or a mailed grant letter) would arrive separately from the payment itself (an ACH lump sum or paper check deposited into your bank account).
Gift processing teams were left manually matching donor data to inbound funds across spreadsheets, emails, PDFs, portals, and bank activity. See [Key Concepts](/getting-started/key-concepts#nightmare-of-donation-management).
### With Chariot
Payments and donor data arrive in one place — automatically matched and standardized. This allows nonprofits to process gifts more efficiently, reduce manual reconciliation work, and move donation data into CRMs and accounting systems faster.
Instead of manually collecting and reconciling information, your team reviews, approves, and routes gifts through one centralized workflow.
### Daily Workflow
1. Gifts are sent to your Chariot Deposit Account from [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#connected-sources)
2. [Key Concepts](/getting-started/key-concepts#donations-and-deposits) are automatically created within Chariot
3. Gift entry teams review donations and AI-applied coding, then sync data into the CRM
4. Accounting teams [reconcile](/getting-started/using-chariot#reconciling-funds) deposits against donation line items and book revenue
5. Funds are transferred from Chariot to your linked [external bank account](/account-management/money-movement)
{% hint style="info" %}
Every donation includes a **Deposit ID** that links it back to its corresponding deposit. Passing the Deposit ID into your CRM helps your organization trace donation records back to the underlying financial deposit during reconciliation workflows.
{% endhint %}
### Key Features
# Custom Tables
Because Chariot standardizes donation data across all third-party payment sources, your team can build operational workflows on top of a consistent dataset.
Views, filters, and properties help your organization organize gift processing workflows, segment donations, coordinate across teams, and create custom operational processes inside Chariot.
Together, these tools allow your team to turn Chariot into a workflow system tailored to your organization’s needs.
***
### Column Settings
Chariot tables are fully customizable, similar to a spreadsheet or Excel-style workflow. You can manage columns either directly from the table itself or through the **Edit columns** menu.
Using column settings, your team can:
* Show or hide columns
* Reorder columns
* Freeze columns in place
Columns can be rearranged by dragging headers left or right directly within the table.
Right-clicking a column header also gives quick access to settings like hiding or freezing columns.
These settings make it easy for each team to customize Chariot around their preferred operational workflow.
***
### Filters
Filters allow your team to dynamically narrow and organize donation data.
Because all donations in Chariot share the same standardized structure, you can filter across nearly every field in the system — including payment source, designation, gift amount, settlement date, workflow status, and custom properties.
Chariot supports advanced filtering logic, sorting, and multi-condition workflows, making it easy to build operational queues, review gifts efficiently, and identify exceptions without relying on spreadsheets.
{% embed url="" %}
***
### Views
Views are saved combinations of filters, sorting, and column settings that help teams organize around shared workflows.
Instead of rebuilding the same setup every day, your team can create reusable views like “Ready for CRM,” “Needs Approval,” or “For Major Gifts Team” to streamline daily operations and keep everyone working from the same workflow.
#### Creating View
1. Click **+ View** from the Donations or Deposits page and enter a descriptive title
2. Add filters — simple or advanced — to narrow the data shown within that view
3. Click **Edit columns** to control which columns are visible and their order
4. Click any column header and select **Freeze column** to pin it in place
5. Drag column headers left or right to rearrange them
***
### Properties
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Paid Plan Required:** This Gift Processing feature is only available to organizations on Chariot Growth and Enterprise plans
{% endhint %}
Properties are custom fields your organization can add to donation and deposit records.
They allow your team to track internal workflow information like assignments, review status, approvals, notes, or custom tags directly inside Chariot. Properties work across filters, views, and policies, making it easy to build workflows tailored to your organization’s process.
Chariot currently supports five property types:
* **Text** — Store plain text information like internal notes, comments, or workflow details
* **Select** — Create customizable picklists with predefined workflow or categorization values
* **Checkbox** — Track simple true/false states like reviewed, approved, or completed
* **Date** — Select and store dates using a calendar picker
* **Person** — Assign donations or deposits to Chariot users on your account
* **Reference** — Reference values from a donation’s associated deposit record
#### Adding Properties
1. Click Add property
2. Select a property type
3. Enter a property name
4. The property will immediately appear as a new column in your table
#### Managing Select Properties
Select properties support advanced configuration options to help teams standardize workflows.
When managing select values, your organization can:
* Create new values
* Set default values for newly arriving line items
* Change value colors
* Add descriptions to values
{% hint style="info" %}
Descriptions appear when users hover over a select value, making it easier to document internal workflow rules and operational guidance directly inside Chariot.
{% endhint %}
***
### Bulk Actions
Bulk Actions allow your team to update and operate on many donations at once directly from your table views.
To use Bulk Actions, select donations using the checkboxes on the left side of the table. You can select up to 100 records directly, or click **Select all** to operate on larger result sets.
Once selected, your team can perform actions like updating Properties, exporting donations, or running Enrichment.
# Gift Entry Teams
### What Changes?
With Chariot, gift processing becomes less about hunting for data across spreadsheets, emails, checks, and payer portals — and more about reviewing, approving, and routing gifts with confidence.
Payments and donation data from all [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#connected-sources) land directly in your Chariot Deposit Account already matched, standardized, and formatted for processing.
Instead of manually collecting files and reconciling ACH deposits by hand, your team works from one centralized operational workflow.
***
### Your Daily Workflow
As gifts arrive, donation records automatically appear in Chariot alongside their associated deposits
1. **Review Incoming Donations:** Navigate to your [customized](/gift-processing/custom-tables) Donations table to review newly settled donations and organize work around your team’s workflow using
2. **Review & Apply Coding:** Review coding automatically applied by your [Policies](/gift-processing/policies) (i.e., Constituent IDs, Campaign Codes) then make any manual adjustments
3. **Export Donations To Your CRM:** Export donation data into your CRM using [Export Templates](/gift-processing/export-templates) configured for your organization’s import format.
4. **Mark Donations As Complete:** Once exported and processed, update custom workflow statuses to mark donations as completed and keep your operational queues organized.
{% hint style="info" %}
Always include the **Deposit Settled At** date and **Deposit ID** when entering donation records into your CRM. These fields allow your organization to trace every donation back to its associated deposit, making reconciliation and audit workflows significantly easier for accounting and finance teams. See [Key Concepts](/getting-started/key-concepts#donations-and-deposits).
{% endhint %}
***
### Time Saving Features
# Accounting & Finance Teams
### What Changes?
Before Chariot, ACH payments and checks from third-party payers typically landed directly in your organization’s primary operating account.
With Chariot, [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#connected-sources) now deposit funds into your **Chariot Deposit Account** — a dedicated FDIC-insured bank account in your organization’s legal name.
Because all deposits from connected payment sources now flow into your Chariot Deposit Account first, outbound transfers from Chariot to your primary operating account are not tied to specific deposits or payment sources.
Instead, outbound transfers represent internal treasury movements between accounts owned by your organization. Learn more about [moving funds](https://help.givechariot.com/account-management/money-movement#making-an-outbound-transfer).
#### Mental Model
Your Chariot Deposit Account is an FDIC-insured bank account — **not another payer portal.** Once funds land in Chariot, they are legally your organization’s funds.
Accounting and reconciliation should happen against deposits inside Chariot, while transfers to your operating account can occur independently based on your team's needs. See [Using Chariot](/getting-started/using-chariot#reconciling-funds).
***
### Your Daily Workflow
Chariot recommends treating your Chariot Deposit Account as a financial asset on your chart of accounts.
Under this approach, reconciliation happens directly against deposits as they settle in Chariot, reducing manual matching work and making reconciliation significantly easier to manage at scale.
1. **Add Chariot To Your Chart Of Accounts:** In your accounting software (Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, Oracle, etc.), add your Chariot Deposit Account alongside your organization’s other bank accounts.
2. **Post Journal Entries As Deposits Settle:** Include the `Deposit ID` on each journal so it can be matched back during reconciliation. Many organizations generate these journals automatically through their CRM integration; others post them manually. If you post manually, you can add a custom property to your Deposits page to track which deposits have already been posted.
3. **Outbound Funds Transfer:** Transfer funds to your external financial account at any time using Move Funds from the Overview page. Once settled, transfers can be recorded as an internal transfer between two bank accounts.
{% hint style="danger" %}
Outbound transfers from your Chariot Deposit Account may combine multiple deposits into a single lump sum and are not tied to any individual deposit or payment source.
{% endhint %}
4. **Reconcile Against Chariot:** At month-end or your preferred cadence, download your Chariot bank statement from the Ledger page (available as PDF, BAI2, or CSV) and match it against your ERP entries using `Deposit ID`.
***
### Key Things to Know
AnFDIC Insured Bank Account
The Chariot Deposit Account is a Demand Deposit Account provided by Column N.A., Member FDIC. Deposits are eligible for FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor.
Flexible Outbound Transfers
Funds can then be transferred to your operating account at whatever cadence works best for your team.
Lump Sum Outbound Transfers
When funds are transferred from your Chariot Deposit Account to your linked External Financial Account, they appear as a single lump-sum ACH transfer.
Your external financial account statement will not show individual payer, donation, or deposit breakdowns — that reconciliation detail lives inside Chariot.
Transfers from Chariot will appear on your external financial account statement as "ACH DEPOSIT {{NONPROFIT NAME}} - CHARIOT".
Deposits Reflect Net Payments
Deposit amounts reflect funds received net of any payer fees. Gross amount, fee amount, and net amount are all available at the donation level through exports and reporting workflows.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Using a different accounting workflow?** Some organizations prefer a [Passthrough Accounting](/gift-processing/passthrough-accounting) approach depending on their internal accounting policies and treasury operations.
{% endhint %}
# Passthrough Accounting
### Why does Chariot recommend Asset Accounting?
Chariot recommends treating your Chariot Deposit Account as a financial asset on your chart of accounts. Under this approach, reconciliation happens directly against deposits as they settle in Chariot, reducing manual matching work and making reconciliation significantly easier to manage at scale. See [Accounting & Finance Teams](/gift-processing/accounting-and-finance-teams).
***
### Passthrough Accounting Challenges
Passthrough Accounting treats Chariot as a clearing account rather than as a bank account on your chart of accounts. Under this approach, revenue is typically recorded when funds arrive in the organization’s primary operating account rather than when deposits settle in Chariot.
While this workflow is possible, Chariot generally does not recommend it because it introduces additional operational complexity and increases the risk of reconciliation errors over time.
The primary challenge is that outbound transfers from Chariot are not tied to specific deposits.
For example, multiple inbound deposits may later be combined into a single outbound transfer, and your operating bank statement will not show which deposits make up that transfer.
As a result, organizations using PassThrough Accounting must maintain their own mapping between:
* Deposits inside Chariot
* Outbound transfers
As payment volume grows, this workflow becomes significantly harder to manage and reconcile accurately.
***
### How It Works
1. **Match Deposit Increments:** Move funds out of Chariot in the exact amounts they were received so each outbound transfer maps cleanly to a specific deposit or group of deposits.
2. **Tag Deposits Before Transferring Funds:** Before initiating a transfer, tag the deposits associated with an internal reconciliation reference (i.e., transfer date, Batch ID). This creates a traceable relationship between Chariot deposits and outbound operating account transfers.
3. **Surface Identifier On Donations:** Many organizations use the Relation Property so the deposit reconciliation identifier appears directly on associated donation records.
# Policies
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Paid Plan Required:** This Gift Processing feature is only available to organizations on Chariot Growth and Enterprise plans
{% endhint %}
Donation Policies allow your organization to automate repetitive gift processing workflows inside Chariot. Instead of manually coding every incoming donation, Policies can automatically apply:
* Constituents
* Campaigns
* Funds
* Appeals
* Sources
* Assignments
* Workflow Statuses
* Custom Properties
{% embed url="" %}
As your organization processes more gifts across more payment sources, Policies help standardize operations, reduce manual review work, and keep donation data consistently formatted for downstream systems like your CRM and ERP.
***
### Step 1: Create A New Policy
Go to Policies → New Policy
{% hint style="info" %}
Policies start as Drafts, allowing your team to safely prepare and test changes before publishing them live. Only one Policy can be Active at a time. Your Active Policy automatically runs on all newly arriving donations.
{% endhint %}
***
### Step 2: Describe Your Workflow
Use the Policy editor to describe (in plain language) the operational logic you want Chariot to apply.
* “If @purpose contains scholarship, set @fund to SCHOLAR”
* “If Payment Source is Benevity, set @gift\_type to Workplace Giving”
* “If amount is greater than $10,000, set @review\_status to Needs Review”
Policies work best when instructions are specific and clearly define:
* The condition or trigger
* The action to apply
* Avoid broad instructions like "code gifts appropriately"
Use `@` to reference donation fields, deposit fields, and custom Properties directly inside your instructions. The Reference Panel shows all available fields your Policy can reference.
***
### Step 3: Add Custom Properties
Policies can automatically update custom Properties. If you want a Policy to update a new Property:
* Create the Property from the Donations page
* The Property will appear in the Reference Panel
* You can reference and update it inside your Policy logic
***
### Step 4: Upload Reference Files
Policies can reference uploaded files during processing. This is useful for workflows like:
* Constituent matching
* Internal code mapping
* Campaign lookups
* Keyword matching against large datasets
For example:
> “Using CRM\_Constituents.csv, match incoming donors by name, address, or city. If there is a match, set Constituent ID using the Constituent ID column.”
***
### Step 5: Connect Your CRM
If your organization uses Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge NXT, reach out to Chariot to learn about direct CRM integrations. Instead of uploading reference files manually, Chariot’s Policy engine can securely pull context directly from your CRM to support. See [CRM Policy Context](/gift-processing/crm-policy-context)
{% hint style="info" %}
These integrations are read-only and used exclusively to improve Policy-based coding and enrichment workflows. Chariot does not write or sync data back into your CRM through these integrations.
{% endhint %}
***
### Step 6: Publish Your Policy
Once your rules are ready, publish the Policy to make it active for all new incoming donations.
***
### Step 7: Test Using Enrichment
After publishing, you can select historical donations and run Enrichment to test how the Policy behaves on existing records.
While your Active Policy automatically runs on new incoming donations, Enrichment is used when you want to retroactively apply new logic, update historical records, or backfill workflow data.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Manual Values Are Protected:** Enrichment does not overwrite values entered manually by your team.\
However, Enrichment may replace values that were previously applied by another Policy run. This helps organizations safely update automated workflows without losing manual review work.
{% endhint %}
***
### Step 8: Reviewing Policy Results
Every donation in Chariot includes an Activity Log that shows how Policies interacted with the record over time. The Activity Log helps teams:
* Understand why coding was applied
* Troubleshoot unexpected workflow behavior
* Validate enrichment runs
* Audit operational changes over time
This creates a detailed operational history for every donation processed through Chariot.
# CRM Policy Context
If your organization uses Salesforce (NPSP) or Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT, you can connect your CRM directly to Chariot. Once connected, your [Policies](/gift-processing/policies) can automatically look up constituent records, opportunities, campaigns, funds, appeals, and other coding values directly from your CRM.
The integration is read-only. Chariot never creates, edits, or deletes records in your CRM. CRM data is only accessed when a Policy explicitly requests it.
***
### Before You Begin
| | |
| -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Administrator Access Required** |
The CRM connection must be authorized by a user with sufficient permissions. For most organizations, this is a Salesforce System Administrator or Blackbaud user with API access.
If your gift processing team doesn't have these permissions, have someone from your IT or database team complete the connection. The setup takes approximately two minutes.
|
| **Connecting Doesn't Change Anything** |
Connecting your CRM does not automatically import or sync data.
The connection simply makes your CRM available to your Policies. CRM lookups only occur when one of your Policy rules references your CRM.
|
***
### Step 1: Connect Your CRM
1. Navigate to **Integrations**
2. Select **Connect** next to Salesforce or Raiser's Edge NXT
3. Sign in and authorize the connection
{% hint style="info" %}
Authentication happens directly through Salesforce or Blackbaud using OAuth. Chariot never sees or stores your CRM password.
{% endhint %}
***
### Step 2: Create Properties For CRM Values
Policy rules store CRM information inside [Custom Tables](/gift-processing/custom-tables#properties). Create a Property for each CRM value you'd like to populate, such as:
* Constituent ID
* Opportunity ID
* Campaign
* Fund
* Appeal
* Account ID
When creating Select Properties, enable **Auto-Creation**. This allows values returned from your CRM to automatically become selectable options inside Chariot and link directly back to the original CRM record. For example, clicking a Constituent ID in Chariot can take you directly to that constituent in Salesforce or Raiser's Edge NXT.
***
### Step 3: Create Policy Rules
Once connected, your Policies can search your CRM and populate Properties automatically.
* **Raiser's Edge NXT:** Constituents and their related details, gift records, campaigns, funds, appeals, and code table values.
* **Salesforce:** Whatever the connecting user can read, most commonly Contacts, Accounts, Opportunities, and Campaigns. Custom objects and fields are supported.
In the Policy editor, describe the lookup you want in plain language, the same way you would for any other rule:
| |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `"Search Raiser's Edge for a constituent matching the donation's donor name and email address. If a matching constituent is found, set @soft_credit_constituent_id to their lookup ID."` |
| `"Use the Salesforce integration to find a matching open opportunity using all available donor information. If there is a match, set @opportunity_id to the corresponding ID."` |
| `"Look in @purpose and @note for text matching a campaign in Salesforce. If a match is found, set @campaign to that campaign."` |
Common workflows include matching donors to existing constituent records, pulling in open opportunity IDs to prevent duplicates, flagging large gifts that have no matching opportunity, and applying campaign or appeal codes that already live in your CRM.
{% hint style="info" %}
Be specific about which field you want. CRMs often have multiple identifiers for the same record. For example, Raiser's Edge NXT has both a system record ID and a lookup ID, and most organizations want the lookup ID. If the wrong value comes back during testing, clarify the field name in your rule and run it again.
{% endhint %}
***
### Step 4: Test Your Policies
Before activating your workflow, test it using several donations with known CRM records. Click **Enrich** on a donation to manually run your Policy.
After the Policy runs:
* Verify the populated values against your CRM
* Review the **Activity Log** to see each lookup performed
* Adjust your Policy until the results match your expectations
Once your Policy is activated, every new donation will automatically follow the same workflow.
***
### Step 5: Update Your Export Templates
If your CRM import process relies on the fields populated by your Policies, be sure to add those Properties to your Export Template.
Coordinate this change with whoever manages your CRM imports, as changing export columns without updating your import mapping may cause imports to fail.
***
### Security & Data Access
| | |
| ------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Read-only** | The integration can only read data. It cannot create, update, or delete anything in your CRM. |
| **Scoped to your permissions** | Chariot reads your CRM as the user who authorized the connection and can never see more than that user's account can see. To limit what Chariot can read, connect with a user whose permissions match what you want to share. |
| **Only on request** | Chariot looks up data when a policy rule calls for it. There is no background sync or bulk copy of your CRM. |
| **Secure sign-in** | The connection uses OAuth, the same standard used to "sign in with Google." Your password stays with Salesforce or Blackbaud, and connection tokens are encrypted. |
| **Revoke at any time** | Disconnect from Chariot's Integrations page, or from Salesforce or Blackbaud directly. Access ends immediately. |
{% hint style="info" %}
If the connection expires or the connecting user's CRM account is deactivated, the integration will show as disconnected and policies will stop pulling CRM data until it is reconnected from the Integrations page. If the person who connected your CRM leaves your organization, plan to reconnect with another user.
{% endhint %}
# Export Templates
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Paid Plan Required:** This Gift Processing feature is only available to organizations on Chariot Growth and Enterprise plans
{% endhint %}
Export Templates are reusable column layouts for donation exports. This allows your team to generate import-ready CSVs in one click instead of manually restructuring exports every time.
Build a Template once for each downstream system you use — like your CRM, accounting platform, or internal reports — then reuse it every time you export donations from Chariot.
Templates define exactly how your export should look — including fields, column order, naming conventions, formatting, and transformations.
***
### Building A Template
1. Click on Exports → New Template
2. (Optional) Upload a sample CSV from your CRM or downstream system to help Chariot automatically match your expected format.
3. Click on Mapping to refine template
4. Save Template
For the full list of fields available in an export, see [Donation Fields](/getting-started/donation-fields).
***
### Generating An Export
1. Go to the Donations page
2. Select donations ready for export
3. Click **Export**
4. Choose an Export Template
5. Download the formatted CSV
# Digital Mailbox
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Paid Plan Required:** This Gift Processing feature is only available to organizations on Chariot Growth and Enterprise plans
{% endhint %}
With a Chariot Digital Mailbox, your organization can turn mailed checks into digital gifts that flow through Chariot just like electronic donations.
Instead of managing P.O. boxes, paper checks, mailed remittance letters, and manual deposits, checks are scanned, deposited into your Chariot Deposit Account, and converted into structured donation and deposit records inside your dashboard.
{% embed url="" %}
***
### Getting Started
1. **Activate Your Digital Mailbox:** Set up your Digital Mailbox from within your Chariot Deposit Account. Once activated, Chariot will provide your organization with a unique mailing address.
2. **Update Payer Mailing Addresses:** Update your mailing address with donor-advised fund providers, workplace giving platforms, and other payers that send checks.
3. **Start Receiving Mail:** As payers begin routing checks to your new address, mailed gifts will automatically appear inside your Digital Mailroom.
***
### Key Features
* **Upload Checks Manually:** Organizations can also manually upload checks into Chariot for deposit and data extraction workflows, including checks received outside traditional DAF or workplace giving channels.
* **Checks As Digital Gifts:** Mailed checks are converted into structured donation and deposit records that can be processed alongside electronic gifts.
* **Automated Gift Extraction:** Donor and gift information are automatically extracted from checks and documents to support downstream gift processing workflows.
* **Linked Records & Audit Trail:** Scanned images, extracted gift data, donation records, and deposits are automatically linked together inside Chariot for easier reconciliation and operational visibility.
# Custom Payment Sources
### Overview
Most nonprofits receive gifts from hundreds of different grantmakers, foundations, workplace giving platforms, and other third-party payers.
While Chariot supports a growing network of [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources), not every payer is already connected in Chariot.
Custom Payment Source allows you to connect virtually any payer to Chariot, helping your organization centralize funds and donation data in a single workflow.
***
### Before You Start
Before creating a custom Payment Source, there are a few important differences to understand:
#### 1. The payer must already support ACH payments
Custom Payment Sources only work with payers that can send funds electronically via ACH.
{% hint style="info" %}
If a payer only sends paper checks, you will not be able to provide them with ACH payment instructions. Instead, we recommend using Chariot's [Digital Mailbox](/gift-processing/digital-mailbox).
{% endhint %}
#### 2. Your team provides the donation data
Unlike [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#type-2-additional-sources), custom Payment Sources only automate the movement of funds.
When a deposit arrives, your team is responsible for uploading the supporting donation files, grant letters, or other documentation associated with the payment.
Chariot will automatically extract the donation information, create donation records, and link them to the corresponding deposit so they can be processed using your normal Chariot workflows.
***
### Create a Payment Source
1. Navigate to **Sources** and click **Create Source**
2. Search for the payer you want to add
3. If the payer doesn't exist, create it by providing a name and logo
4. Click **Create Source**
Chariot will generate:
* A unique account number
* A unique routing number
* A bank verification letter
Provide these payment instructions to the payer to begin receiving funds electronically.
{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important:** When you create a Payment Source, you must provide that payer with the specific payment instructions generated for that Source. Using the wrong account and routing number will prevent payments from being associated with the correct Payment Source.
{% endhint %}
***
### Add Donation Data
When funds arrive from a Custom Payment Source, the deposit will appear in Chariot with an **Action Required** status.
To create donation records:
1. Open the Deposit
2. Click **Add Donations**
3. Upload donation files (i.e., PDFs, CSVs, spreadsheets, or grant letters)
4. Review the extracted donation information
5. Confirm the donation records
Chariot will automatically create donation line items and link them to the corresponding deposit.
***
### What Happens Next?
Once created, these donations behave just like donations received from any other connected Payment Source.
You can:
* Run Policies
* Apply Properties
* Organize them with Views and Filters
* Export them with Export Templates
# DAFpay Overview
DAFpay makes it easy for donors to give from their Donor Advised Funds directly from any nonprofit donation form.
Instead of leaving your site, logging into a DAF portal, and navigating a separate process, donors can complete a DAF gift in just a few clicks — right where they are inspired to give.
DAFpay is embedded directly into donation forms through our [Fundraising Platforms](/dafpay/fundraising-platforms) integrations, giving nonprofits access to a wide network of DAF providers without needing separate relationships or workflows.
{% embed url="" %}
### For Donors
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
#### Select
Choose from +1,000 unique Donor Advised Fund providers
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Login
Securely authenticate into your Donor Advised Fund account
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Submit
Submit your grant request
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
Try it now
***
### DAFpay & Your Chariot Account
Having a Chariot account is not the same as DAFpay — DAFpay is one of Chariot’s product offerings.
To enable DAFpay on your donation form, your [Fundraising Platforms](/dafpay/fundraising-platforms) may require you to claim a Chariot account. Once your account is set up, you can enable DAFpay across supported platforms.
{% hint style="info" %}
Additional features — such as expanded DAFpay access or APIs are only available on an upgraded plan. See [Subscription Features](/dafpay/subscription-features).
{% endhint %}
#### Delivery Of Funds
DAFpay handles donation initiation, **not** payment delivery. When a donor submits a gift through DAFpay:
* Donor and gift data are shared with your organization in real time
* The [Key Concepts](/getting-started/key-concepts#donation-payment-statuses) will show as 'Incoming' in your Chariot dashboard
At this stage, the donor has *recommended* the gift — but the **DAF provider is responsible for the flow of funds**, not Chariot or DAFpay.
DAF Provider (Used By DAFpay Donor)
Payment Source
Delivery Of Funds
Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Connected
In Chariot
BNY Mellon Charitable
Not Connected
Outside Chariot
Whether DAFpay funds arrive electronically in your Chariot account depends on the DAF provider and your [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#connected-sources):
* If the DAF provider on DAFpay is one of your connected sources, the funds will be delivered into your Chariot account
* If the DAF provider on DAFpay is not a connected source, the funds will be delivered outside of Chariot. See [Using Chariot](/getting-started/using-chariot#received-outside-of-chariot)
{% hint style="info" %}
The DAFpay Network is only used when a donation is initiated through DAFpay and the nonprofit **has not yet claimed their Chariot Deposit Account.** See [DAFpay Network](/dafpay/dafpay-network)
{% endhint %}
# Fundraising Platforms
A fundraising platform is an online tool that helps nonprofits collect and manage their online donations. These platforms provide easy-to-use web pages where supporters can give money through credit card, bank transfer, or other digital means - and now DAFpay!
View available integrations
{% hint style="info" %}
To embed DAFpay as a payment option on **EveryAction, TeamRaiser** or **Luminate Online** donation forms, a Chariot subscription with DAFpay API access is required. To learn more about which option might be right for your organization, you can [contact our Partnerships team](https://www.givechariot.com/nonprofit-contact-form).
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="warning" %}
If your fundraising platform is not listed as an available integration — [Request An Integration](/dafpay/request-an-integration).
{% endhint %}
# Compatible Providers
DAFpay is designed to work with **all 1,400+ U.S.-based Donor Advised Fund (DAF) providers**. These providers are searchable within DAFpay, making it easy for donors to find and give from their DAF.
DAFpay supports providers in two ways, depending on the level of integration.
***
### Compatible Flow
Hundreds of DAFs are fully compatible with DAFpay, representing **+85% of the $326B DAF market**.
When a donor selects a compatible provider, they will authenticate with their DAF account and confirm the gift within the DAFpay modal.
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
The exact authentication method may vary by provider:
* Sign in directly within the DAFpay modal
* Be briefly redirected to their DAF provider’s site for verification
* Login to their account using a secure SMS link or QR code
In all cases, the experience is fast and the donation is **submitted in real time** — no follow-up or manual verification required.
***
### Manual Flow
Some DAF providers are not fully compatible and use a manual, intent-based flow. In this case, the donor enters their details and intended donation amount through DAFpay, then is directed to their DAF provider’s site to complete the gift.
Because the donation submission is not confirmed within DAFpay, we cannot confirm whether it was completed. However, you will receive a notification with the donor’s information to follow up if needed.
# Eligibility & Guidelines
### Eligible Organizations
DAFpay is only available to **U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities**, which includes a wide range of organizations such as national nonprofits, educational institutions, religious organizations, and local community groups. DAFpay is not supported for 501(c)(4) organizations or private foundations.
{% hint style="info" %}
Houses of worship may qualify even if they have not formally filed for 501(c)(3) status, depending on the policies of the DAF provider.
{% endhint %}
If your organization aligns with the above criteria but encounters issues during the onboarding process, please reach out to .
***
### Usage Guidelines
While DAFpay makes it easier for donors to initiate gifts, nonprofits are still responsible for ensuring those gifts are accepted and used in compliance with applicable rules.
1. **No Personal Benefit:** DAF funds cannot provide more than an incidental benefit to the donor. This means they cannot be used for transactions such as event or gala tickets, auction items, or any goods or services.
2. **No Political Activity:** DAF funds also cannot be used for political activity, including lobbying, campaigns, or support of political candidates.
3. **Pledge Fulfillment (Allowed With Conditions):** DAF grants may be used to fulfill a personal pledge, but only under certain conditions. The DAF provider cannot reference the pledge in the grant documentation, as outlined in IRS Notice 2017-73.
See [DAF Gift Acceptance Guidelines](https://www.givechariot.com/daf-gift-acceptance) more more information.
# DAFpay Network
The DAFpay Network (DPN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps facilitate donations between donor-advised funds (DAFs) and nonprofits.
The DAFpay Network is used when a donation is initiated through DAFpay and the nonprofit **has not yet claimed their Chariot Deposit Account.**
{% hint style="info" %}
DAFpay Network (EIN: 93-1372175)
{% endhint %}
***
### How It Works
If your organization has not claimed a Chariot account, the DAFpay Network temporarily receives and holds funds from DAFpay donations on your behalf.
If the account is not claimed within **5 days of funds arriving**, DPN will issue and mail a check to your nonprofit’s IRS-registered address.
Standard DAFpay fees of **2.9%** apply to these donations. Additional [Fundraising Platforms](/dafpay/fundraising-platforms) fees may apply.
{% hint style="info" %}
If your organization receives DAFpay gifts via The Chesed Fund, CauseMatch, ChabadOne, Charidy or Rayze.It, then those donations will continue to be disbursed via the DAFpay Network, even after you've claimed your Chariot Deposit Account.
{% endhint %}
***
### Check Policy
Issued checks are valid for **90 days**. After this period, unclaimed funds will be voided.
While we take all reasonable steps to attempt to grant donated funds according to the donor's recommendation, DPN retains exclusive legal control over all donations. In the cases when a nonprofit does not claim the donation, we will attempt to contact the donor or grant the funds to a charity in the DPN Directory that operates in a similar cause area.
# Subscription Features
Chariot offers additional DAFpay capabilities for organizations that need more flexibility, customization, or control over their donor experience.
### API Access
Chariot provides API access for organizations that want to build **custom, in-house integrations**.
This allows your team to:
* Embed DAFpay directly into your own donation flows
* Customize the donor experience
* Integrate DAFpay data into your internal systems
***
### Custom Integrations
For certain fundraising platforms that do not natively support DAFpay — such as **EveryAction, TeamRaiser,** or **Luminate Online** — Chariot offers custom integrations.
These integrations require a Chariot subscription with DAFpay API access. If you’re exploring this option, [contact](https://www.givechariot.com/nonprofit-contact-form) our Partnerships team to determine the best setup for your organization.
***
### DAFpay Components
If you’re not using a supported fundraising platform, you can add DAFpay directly to your website using **DAFpay Components**.
These are pre-built elements that can be easily added to your site:
* **Express Button** — Standalone DAFpay button for fast checkout
* **Embeddable Tile** — More guided experience designed to increase conversion
* **Weblink or QR Code** — Directs donors to a Chariot-hosted DAF giving page
Once you’re upgraded, you’ll receive access to short code snippets tied specifically to your organization that can be copied and added directly to your website.
Express Button
A faster DAF checkout experience that can be added anywhere on your organization's website - just copy the HTML snippet from your dashboard.
The DAFpay button can be added as a standalone button anywhere on your website. It is often most effective on a main donation form next to other payment options (e.g., PayPal, ApplePay, etc.) to make it clear to donors that they can use their DAF just like they would a credit card.
Embeddable Tile
With its user-friendly design and optimized user experience, DAFpay's Embeddable Tile is proven to boost conversion rates. The Embeddable Tile includes educational elements to inform your donors about Chariot and the impact of their contributions.
Weblink & QR Code
If you don't have a DAF "Ways to Give" page, Chariot's got you covered.
The DAFpay Weblink & QR Code redirect your donors to a Chariot-hosted DAF donation page. These components are great for newsletters, social media posts, and live events.
The DAFpay Weblink is the easiest way to get started with Chariot. Simply use your unique Weblink URL to direct potential donors directly to your nonprofits unique DAF giving page, which is hosted by Chariot. Visit [secure.dafpay.com/donate](https://secure.dafpay.com/donate) to see examples of these pages.
{% hint style="info" %}
Check out [Ways To Give Page](/dafpay/ways-to-give-page)for tips on how to effectively feature DAFpay on your website.
{% endhint %}
# DAFpay Security
Chariot is proud of our industry-leading technology, security and privacy standards. Below, you'll find a few of the best aspects of our offering that are most important in the protection of donors, nonprofits and DAFs.
**A Secure Passthrough**
The DAFpay modal presents a secure passthrough window for a donor to safely access, and take action within, their DAF account wherever they are inspired to give online. When a donor enters their account credentials in the modal, that information is fully encrypted and is not stored by Chariot at any time.
**Meeting the Highest Standards of Data Privacy & Security**
Chariot has undergone rigorous third-party security audits, including penetration tests, and has earned third-party certificates, including SOC II, Types 1 and 2. Chariot has also undergone robust diligence processes with some of the largest hospitals and universities in the country. We hold ourselves accountable to strict Information Security policies and vulnerability SLAs. We also work closely with Oneleet to establish and monitor a holistic security and compliance program that ensures the integrity and safety of all those who interact with Chariot's products.
**No Use or Sale of Sensitive Data, Ever**
Chariot has not and does not sell or share a donor’s account credentials, account balance, previous grant recommendations and amounts, total funds associated with the account, or investment profile with customers or third parties. In fact, Chariot’s technology does not even access any of this information beyond what is absolutely necessary to submit a successful grant request. The only information that is securely stored is the name and contact information the donor *explicitly provides* in the final “checkout” pane of the DAFpay modal experience. For convenience, our technology is able to automatically populate the name, email and address field from the donor's DAF account, and account holders are easily able to remove or change those details before submitting the grant request. For the convenience of the donor and the nonprofit recipient, the nonprofit can view the information provided by the donor (Name, Email, Address and Gift Size) so that they are able to properly track and acknowledge the gift. The only information Chariot securely stores and provides to a nonprofit customer is what a donor *explicitly provides* and consents to sharing with that organization. Some nonprofits elect to disallow anonymous gifts through DAFpay on their own website. If a donor is not comfortable with providing any of those details, they can exit the DAFpay modal at any time.
**Industry-leading Technology, with More Advanced Security Features than Venmo, Mint, Rocket Money, Plaid, & Yodelee**
Chariot provides secure donation facilitation services to DAF account holders who seek to initiate grant requests right when they are inspired to give online via a nonprofit’s website, a peer-to-peer campaign, a crisis response campaign, etc. The DAFpay technology has similar capabilities as other “aggregators” in the financial services industry, like Plaid, Stripe, and Yodelee (which are powering tools like Venmo, Mint, Rocket Money, etc.). With these applications, a user can access their account within a different platform. These actions must be triggered by the individual holder of account. One very common example of this is when someone receives a Venmo request. If they choose to pay the request via their connected bank account, the platform is triggering that specific action in their account on their behalf. Many nonprofits use Plaid or Stripe to perform the same kind of outside trigger for ACH / Bank transfer donations within their donation forms. Critically, and unlike services such as Plaid and Yodlee, Chariot **does not stress** providers’ servers or aggregate market data. Each donation request made by a donor via DAFpay is a standalone, ad hoc request, and DAFpay operates solely as a secure pass-through platform. A donor’s login credentials are passed through to each DAF provider to complete a user action and **are not stored** by Chariot. This is a security measure that is above and beyond what other market leaders practice.
**Partnership with DAF providers**
While Chariot offers a service to DAF account holders that does not require technical collaboration with DAF providers, Chariot has also entered into formal agreements with many DAF providers who want to develop deeper technical integrations and actively promote the DAFpay capability to their account holders. These DAF providers are truly living their mission of increasing generosity by making it as easy as possible to recommend grants from a DAF account and ensure these dedicated funds for charity are flowing to organizations in need as seamlessly as possible.
**Transparent Fees**
Chariot charges a standard initiation fee of 2.9% per DAFpay donation, similar to a credit card fee. Including a DAF payment option on a donation form ensures it’s as easy as possible for donors to give money that’s already been set aside for charitable giving. Chariot's fees are paid by the nonprofit. When DAFpay is implemented via a fundraising platform partner of ours, donors typically have the option to cover fees for the nonprofit, and that increased gift size flows through to the checkout in the DAFpay modal. Nonprofits also have the option to pay zero processing fees as part of a Chariot subscription plan, which come with a set limit of included DAFpay volume.
{% hint style="info" %}
Security is of the utmost importance to our business. It is embedded into everything we build and do, and it is central to our mission of accelerating philanthropy for all. For anyone with questions about product functionality or security practices, please reach out to us at
{% endhint %}
# Request An Integration
### 📩 Request a DAFpay Integration
If you don't see your fundraising platform listed among Chariot's [integration partners](https://www.givechariot.com/fundraising-platform-all-integrations), you can reach out to your account representative to request that they enable DAFpay on their donation forms.
Chariot’s integration is fast and straightforward—usually it’s just a matter of letting your platform know you’d like DAFpay turned on.
***
### ✉️ Template Email to Your Fundraising Platform
Here’s a ready-to-use email you can send to kick off the conversation:
> To: \[Fundraising Platform Rep]
>
> Cc:
>
> Subject: \[Fundraising Platform] DAFpay Integration?
>
> Hi \[Fundraising Platform Rep Name],
>
> Hope you're doing well.
>
> Reaching out because I’d like to be able to accept Donor Advised Fund gifts directly on our \[Fundraising Platform]-hosted donation forms.
>
> DAFpay, powered by Chariot, is a super easy, 3-click DAF donation button that can be added directly to donation forms as an additional payment option. We think this could be a big unlock for our DAF fundraising efforts, and so would appreciate you turning on the DAFpay integration ASAP.
>
> I’ve cc’d Elon Packin on the Chariot team to help coordinate. (I see they’re [already integrated](https://www.givechariot.com/fundraising-platform-all-integrations) with a lot of other platforms, too).
>
> Sincerely,
>
> \[Your name]
***
### 🚀 Get Started Today
While your platform works on enabling DAFpay, you can still get started with Chariot immediately by claiming your organization’s Chariot account. This allows you to:
* Receive DAF gifts faster and more securely
* Access detailed donor and gift data in your dashboard
* Simplify gift processing with automated reporting
👉 [Claim your Chariot account](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signup) to ensure your organization is ready to accept DAF gifts.
# Ways To Give Page
## 💡 Featuring DAF Giving on Your Website
Your website is one of the most powerful tools for increasing Donor Advised Fund (DAF) donations. In this guide, you'll find tips and examples for how to effectively feature **DAFpay** on both a dedicated page and a general "Ways to Give" page.
> 📌 **Pro Tip:** We recommend including **two DAFpay CTAs** — a button and a tile — to allow donors to give instantly or scroll for more information. See [Blood Cancer United (Formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)](https://www.lls.org/gift-donor-advised-funds?gad_source=1\&gad_campaignid=22447058597\&gbraid=0AAAAAD_IbeKBmgxjVWqsefPEab3A_oJBa\&gclid=CjwKCAjwqKzEBhANEiwAeQaPVVsu6PtZV-_OxslkdoibG9RIegof5gL-t-_1kO5Cp4eLPGmAr-EoshoCCpcQAvD_BwE\&gclsrc=aw.ds) for a great example.
***
### 🧭 Dedicated DAF Giving Page
**Best For:** Organizations looking to educate donors and streamline DAF giving with a focused message.
✍️ Suggested Messaging:
**Donor Advised Funds**
**`EMBED DAFPAY BUTTON HERE`**
You can now give from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) directly on our website in just 3 clicks. Simply click the DAFpay button below. This is the fastest and easiest way to give from hundreds of DAF providers, including:
* Fidelity Charitable
* DAFGiving360 (formerly Schwab Charitable)
* Vanguard Charitable
If this donation is in honor of a person or event, please include that note in the message field of the DAFpay button.
**`EMBED DAFPAY TILE HERE`**
#### 🔍 Why Give From Your DAF Directly on This Page?
* ✅ Avoid lost checks and mailing delays
* 📨 Notify us of your donation instantly, so we can say thanks
* 🔗 Track your gift from initiation through to fund receipt
#### 💸 What Are the Main Advantages of a DAF?
* **Simplicity:** The DAF sponsor handles all administration and receipts
* **Flexibility:** Separate tax timing from charitable giving
* **Tax-efficiency:** No capital gains and potential for investment growth
* **Legacy:** Build a tradition of family philanthropy
**Include These Details:**
* Mailing address: 123 Sesame Street, New York, NY 10003
* EIN: 12-3456789
* Contact: or (555) 555-5555
> 📌 **Pro Tip:** Include a contact email for your team’s DAF liaison (e.g., “”) — this helps route inquiries and build relationships with DAF donors.
***
### 2. 📎 DAF Paragraph Callout
**Best For:** Organizations that list multiple giving options on one page but want to feature DAFs more prominently.
✍️ Suggested Messaging:
**Donor Advised Funds**
You can now give from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) directly on our website in just 3 clicks. Simply click the DAFpay button below. This is the fastest and easiest way to give from hundreds of DAF providers, including Fidelity, DAFGiving360, and Vanguard.
If this donation is in honor of someone or something, include your message in the DAFpay button field.
**`EMBED DAFPAY BUTTON HERE`**
EIN: 12-3456789\
Need help? Contact: or (555) 555-5555
> 📌 **Pro Tip:** Consider putting DAFs toward the top of your "Ways to Give" page, since they now allow for faster, real-time giving. Alternatively, add a jump link to your DAF section.
***
### 3. 🔗 Create a Vanity Link
Once your DAF giving page is finalized, create a **custom vanity URL** for marketing and donor outreach.
Example:
This makes it easier to link from email campaigns, social posts, or printed materials.
# Usage Guidelines
{% hint style="danger" %}
This page no longer exists. Please navigate to [Eligibility & Guidelines](/dafpay/eligibility-and-guidelines)
{% endhint %}
# Product Comparisons
What makes DAFpay different from a DAF widget?
Learn the difference between a DAF payment solution and a DAF widget
### :no\_entry: DAFpay ≠ Widget
If you already have a DAF donation tool other than those provided by Chariot (e.g., DAF Direct, DAF Widget, etc.), your donors are being redirected off your website to archaic login portals, and you have no data to track these gifts.
### :top: Improving DAF fundraising outcomes
Chariot invented DAFpay to greatly improve the current state of DAF fundraising. You can see some of the biggest differences highlighted below:
See the full comparison
DAF widgets don't natively initiate grants from DAF portals on behalf of donors, leading to minutes of extra time and 12+ extra clicks, putting unnecessary and cumbersome roadblocks in front of what are likely some of your highest-value donors.
\
Not to mention the hours of extra time your staff is putting in to confirm, track, and process checks from Donor Advised Funds sporadically, and often anonymously, showing up in the mail.\
\
Your cause deserves better, and it’s time for an upgrade!
{% hint style="success" %}
[**See how DAFpay improves fundraising outcomes**](https://www.givechariot.com/case-studies)
{% endhint %}
# DAFpay FAQs
🌐 Can we integrate Chariot’s DAFpay solution directly on our website, without using a fundraising platform?
Yes. You can use Chariot’s DAFpay solution independently of fundraising platforms through our **direct subscription plans**. See [Subscription Features](/dafpay/subscription-features)
If you’re interested in embedding DAFpay on your own site, please reach out to our team at to schedule a call and explore integration options.
💰 How much does it cost to use DAFpay?
There are two ways nonprofits can access DAFpay, each with a different pricing structure:
**1. Through an Integration Partner (See** [Fundraising Platforms](/dafpay/fundraising-platforms))
* If you use DAFpay via one of Chariot’s integration partners (e.g., a fundraising or donation platform), each DAFpay gift **typically includes a 2.9% initiation fee.** Additional fees may apply if your fundraising platform charges fees on top of DAFpay's processing. Please **check with your platform provider** for details on any added costs.
* This fee can be **covered by the donor or the nonprofit**, depending on the platform’s configuration and your organization’s settings.
**2. Through a Direct Subscription with Chariot**
* You can also access DAFpay directly by subscribing to Chariot. To view available plans and choose the best fit for your organization, simply **claim your Chariot Deposit Account** and access **pricing details within your Chariot dashboard**.
🧾 If I don’t have a subscription with Chariot, why am I being billed?
Even if your organization doesn’t hold a direct subscription, you may still have **an active Chariot account** through a fundraising platform integration. These fundraising platforms activate DAFpay automatically for eligible nonprofits, and each gift typically incurs a 2.9% fee, similar to standard payment processing fees.
To review your account activity or donation history, log in with the email associated with your Chariot account. Need help identifying the account owner or resolving a billing question? Email us at .
{% hint style="info" %}
Additional fees may apply if your fundraising platform charges fees on top of DAFpay's processing. Please check with your platform provider for details on any added costs.
{% endhint %}
🧩 Which fundraising platforms does Chariot integrate DAFpay with?
Chariot integrates with many leading fundraising platforms to help nonprofits accept DAF gifts wherever they fundraise online.
[🔗 View All DAFpay Integrations](https://www.givechariot.com/fundraising-platform-all-integrations)
# Chariot ROI
Chariot helps nonprofits raise more and save more — both in donor dollars and internal time. Our suite of products drives measurable returns across six key areas:
#### 🎯 **1. Find More DAF Donors**
DAF donors can easily slip through the cracks. When donors go to support the causes they care about and don't see an easy way to give with their DAF, they'll likely opt for an alternate payment method (or, not give at all!). Chariot's solution makes it easy for donors to give with their DAF right on your donation forms or website - finding more DAF donors is really all about making it easier for them to find you!
See how [March of Dimes](https://www.givechariot.com/march-of-dimes-case-study), [Pan-Mass Challenge](https://www.givechariot.com/pmc-case-study) and [others](https://www.givechariot.com/chariot-case-studies) have revolutionized their DAF fundraising efforts by implementing DAFpay!
#### ⚡ **2. Improve Donor Experience**
Chariot's easy-to-use, [3-click solution](https://dafpay.com) helps makes it easier than ever for donors to give with their DAFs directly on your site, in the moment they're inspired to give - all within a matter of seconds.
[Try DAFpay](https://secure.dafpay.com/demo) for yourself!
#### 💸 **3. Boost Generosity**
Chariot's[ 2025 DAF Fundraising Report](https://www.givechariot.com/daf-fundraising-report) found that gift size increased **888% on average** when a donor switched from giving to an organization via credit card to giving via their DAF.
#### 💌 **4. Strengthen Stewardship**
Without Chariot, DAF gifts arrive with minimal associated donor data, making it difficult for nonprofits to code, track and steward donors in an effective way.
With DAFpay, you'll get alerted the moment the donor makes their gift intent, which means you can thank them immediately!
You'll also receive key data, including `donor name`, `email`, `mailing address,` etc. This means **fewer anonymous gifts** and **better donor data** for ongoing stewardship.
#### 🧭 **5. Save Staff Time**
We know gift processing can be a headache. Chariot's platform offers cutting-edge, back-end software that nonprofits can use to easily view and manage DAF gifts all in one place. It also enables DAFs to pay nonprofits more [quickly and securely](/disbursements/for-grantmakers) than ever before. This reduces operational inefficiencies, improves security and increases cost savings.
To get started, claim your organization's [Chariot Deposit Accounts\*](/onboarding/compliance-verification/chariot-deposit-accounts)
#### 📣 **6. Enhanced Marketing**
In addition to making DAF fundraising easier, Chariot also helps nonprofits highlight DAFs in their donor communications and among their internal teams. Signature events, like [DAF Day](https://www.dafday.com/), help boost broader awareness across the ecosystem about why DAFs are so important.
# Flow of Funds
{% hint style="danger" %}
This page no longer exists. Please navigate to [DAFpay Overview](/dafpay/editor#delivery-of-funds)
{% endhint %}
# DAFpay Billing
Chariot offers flexible billing for DAFpay fees. You can manage your billing method and view detailed invoices directly from your dashboard.
### 🧾 Monthly Billing for DAFpay Fees
When you add a billing method—**either a credit card or a bank account**—under the **“Billing”** tab in your Chariot dashboard, any balance your organization owes (such as DAFpay fees) will be **automatically charged at the end of each month**.
If your organization has **not yet added a billing method**, invoices will be **emailed to the Owner** on your Chariot account.
To review charges, navigate to **Billing > Invoices**, where you’ll find a detailed breakdown, including a list of associated grants.
***
### 📅 Annual Billing for Subscription Plans
If your organization has a subscription plan with Chariot:
* You will be billed **annually**, with your **subscription fee automatically charged** to your saved billing method at renewal.
* Any fees **above your plan’s volume limit** (such as excess DAFpay volume or reconciled donation fees) will be **charged monthly**.
Just like with monthly billing, if no billing method is saved in your dashboard, subscription and excess fee invoices will be emailed to the Owner on your account.
***
### 🛠 Manage or Update Your Billing
To add or update your billing method:
1. Log in to your Chariot dashboard
2. Go to the **Billing** tab
3. Add or edit your **credit card or bank account**
***
### 🔄 Plan Changes
To **upgrade or cancel your subscription**, please reach out to our team at
# General Settings
Keep your organization’s information accurate—details you update here may be shared with donors and grantmaker partners.
Your legal name, EIN, website, and address are initially sourced from the IRS. Owners and Admins can update the website and address in the Chariot dashboard, along with your organization’s Preferred Name and Logo.
{% hint style="warning" %}
This information may be used externally by Chariot’s grantmaker partners or on DAFpay donation receipts and grant confirmations. Keeping it up to date ensures your nonprofit is clearly represented and easy to verify.
{% endhint %}
Your logo appears in donor-facing experiences and partner reports, so using a clear, current image helps reinforce your organization’s credibility.
Your Preferred Name is the name shown to donors across Chariot products. It functions like a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name and is helpful if your organization is commonly known by a different name than its IRS listing.
# Login & Security
### Reset Your Password
1. Before resetting your password, check if you originally signed in with Google.
1. Go to the login page and select **“Sign in with Google”** using your email address.
2. If this works, you’ll be able to access your account without resetting your password.
2. If you don’t use Google sign-in or it doesn’t work:
1. Go to the login page, enter your email address, and select **“Forgot password?”**
2. Follow the instructions sent to your inbox to reset your password
***
### Two-Factor Authentication (TFA)
Two-factor authentication (TFA) is required for all Chariot accounts to protect your organization’s data and funds. You can choose one of two methods:
* **Authenticator App (Recommended):** Select “Authenticator App” to scan a QR code using an app like Google Authenticator, Apple Passwords, 1Password, or Authy.
* **Text Message:** Enter your phone number to receive a verification code via text.
If you’re unable to log in due to your authentication method, your TFA **cannot be reset by yourself.**
You must reach out directly to your organization’s account **Admin or Owner** with the following instructions:
1. Navigate to Settings → Team
2. Select the team member
3. Choose “Reset TFA” to send the selected user a reset email
{% hint style="info" %}
For security reasons, TFA resets for Account Owners must be handled by Chariot. Reach out to us at , and our support team will assist you directly.
{% endhint %}
# Team Management
Chariot allows you to manage who has access to your account and control what each team member can do.
### User Roles
There are four roles in Chariot, each with different levels of access. Choose the role that best matches each team member’s responsibilities.
Owner
Admin
Finance
Development
Viewer
Add & Remove Users
true
true
false
false
false
Add & Remove External Financial Accounts
true
false
false
false
false
Transfer Funds (Money Movement)
true
true
true
false
false
Export Data
true
true
true
true
false
View Data
true
true
true
true
true
Free accounts support up to 10 users. If you need additional access, you can upgrade your plan or reach out to our team.
***
### Inviting Team Members
To invite someone to your account:
1. Navigate to Settings → Team
2. Select “Invite user”
3. Enter their email address and assign a role
Invited users will receive an email to join your Chariot account.
***
### Removing Team Members
To remove a user:
1. Navigate to Settings → Team
2. Find the team member
3. Select “Remove”
This will revoke their access immediately. Account Owners and Admins will be notified via email when a user is removed.
***
### Updating User Roles
Account Admins and Owners can update a user’s role at any time from the Team settings page.
# Notifications
You can manage your **notification preferences** from the Settings tab at the **user level.** This allows you to choose which updates you want to receive based on what’s most relevant to your role.
Chariot offers several notification categories, including money movement, DAFpay activity, user management, and monthly statements. You can opt in or out of these notifications at any time to stay informed without being overwhelmed.
# Money Movement
Once funds arrive in your Chariot account, you can transfer them to your **External Financial Account (EFA).** This is typically your organization's operating bank account.
### Linking Your EFA
To link an external financial account:
* Go to Settings → External Financial Accounts
* Click 'Add'
* Complete any required verification
Once added, your EFA will be available for outbound transfers.
{% hint style="info" %}
To help keep your account secure, additional verification may be required when linking an external financial account. If we’re unable to confirm that the account name is affiliated with your organization, you may be asked to upload supporting documentation, such as a bank statement or a valid photo ID.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="warning" %}
Only Account Owners can add or update external financial account details.
{% endhint %}
***
### Making An Outbound Transfer
To move funds out of your Chariot Deposit Account:
* Navigate to your account **Overview** page and select **'Move Money'**
* Choose your EFA
* Enter the amount and confirm
Funds will be transferred to your external bank account via ACH in 2-3 business days.
Unlike payment processors such as PayPal or Stripe, Chariot is a receiving account where funds are deposited directly in your organization’s name. Because of this, outbound transfers from your Chariot account to your EFA are considered **internal transfers**.
{% hint style="info" %}
Because outbound transfers combine multiple deposits, you should **reconcile against your Chariot account**, not your external bank account. See [Using Chariot](/getting-started/using-chariot#reconciling-funds).\
\
All transfers from your Chariot Deposit Account to your linked External Financial Account will appear as "ACH DEPOSIT {{NONPROFIT NAME}} - CHARIOT".
{% endhint %}
***
### Automatic Monthly Transfers
You can automatically transfer funds from your Chariot Deposit Account to your External Financial Account on a recurring schedule.
To enable automatic transfers:
1. Navigate to Settings
2. Scroll to External Financial Accounts
3. Click Set Up Automatic Transfers
Once enabled, Chariot will automatically transfer your available balance to your linked External Financial Account on your selected schedule.
{% hint style="info" %}
Automatic weekly transfers are available on select paid plans.
{% endhint %}
# Account Statements
Chariot provides a complete view of all financial activity in your **Chariot Deposit Account** through the Ledger and Statements sections. These are designed primarily for finance teams and should be used alongside the Deposits view to understand how funds were received and move over time.
### Ledger Table
Shows every transaction in and out of your Chariot account. This includes deposits from connected payment sources as well as outbound transfers to your external bank account. Each entry appears as a line item, giving you a full, chronological record of account activity.
***
### Statements
Allows you to generate structured reports of your account activity. You can select a custom date range and download your data in **BAI2, CSV, or PDF** format depending on your accounting and reporting needs. Monthly bank statements are generated on the first of each month for the previous month’s activity, and you’ll be notified by email.
# Ownership Transfers
The Account Owner has full control over your Chariot account, including access to money movement, settings, and team management. If ownership needs to change, it can be transferred to another user on the account.
**To transfer ownership, the current Account Owner must:**
* Navigate to Settings → Team
* Select their own user profile and click “Transfer ownership”
* Enter the email address of an existing account admin or new user
The target user will receive an email to accept the transfer and complete identity verification.
**Once the transfer is completed:**
* The new user becomes the Account Owner
* The previous Owner is automatically demoted to an Admin
* The previous Owner can be removed from the account if needed
{% hint style="info" %}
Only one user can be the Account Owner at a time.
{% endhint %}
# Chariot MCP Server
The Chariot MCP Server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) connector that enables AI assistants like Claude to help you research nonprofits and charitable organizations. With access to Chariot's database of verified nonprofits, you can look up EINs, financials, DAF eligibility, IRS status, leadership, and more — all through natural conversation.
***
### Intended purpose
This MCP server is designed to help nonprofit teams manage their donation operations directly from Claude by:
1. **Tracking donations** — Look up, create, edit, merge, and analyze donation records
2. **Reconciling deposits** — Review deposits and match them against incoming donations
3. **Processing mail** — Manage checks and other mail items received through your lockbox
4. **Managing policies & properties** — Configure the custom fields and gift-acceptance policies that power your donation pipeline
5. **Reporting & exports** — Pull ledger transactions, invoices, and exportable data for your finance team
The connector is built for nonprofit staff and finance teams who use Chariot's Gift Processing platform.
***
### How to use the connector
To connect Chariot, you'll need a paid Chariot Gift Processing plan. When you first use the connector, Claude will prompt you to sign in with your Chariot credentials via OAuth. Once authorized, Claude can read and manage data scoped to your organization's account.
Learn about finding and connecting tools in Claude.
***
### Basic examples
| Category | Example #1 | Example #2 |
| --------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Find & Analyze Donations** | "How much did we raise last month?" | "Show me all donations over $5,000 received this quarter." |
| **Create & Edit Donations** | "Log a $250 check donation from Jane Smith dated yesterday." | "Update the designation on this donation to our Annual Fund." |
| **Reconcile Deposits** | "Which donations are in our latest bank deposit?" | "Reconcile the deposit from June 28." |
| **Process Checks Received By Mail** | "Show me the unread checks in our lockbox mail." | "Resolve the mail item for the check from the Smith Foundation." |
| **Manage Custom Properties & Policies** | "Create a 'Campaign' property on donations with options Spring and Year-End." | "List our donation policies and show me our gift-acceptance policy." |
| **Export Donations For Reporting** | "Export all Q2 donations and give me the download link." | -- |
| **Look Up Your Organization & Billing** | "What features and funding accounts does our org have?" | "Show me our most recent Chariot invoice." |
***
### Typical conversation flow
Here's an example of how you might use the connector:
> **You:** "Show me all unprocessed checks in our lockbox mail."
>
> **Claude:** *(Uses Chariot - list\_mail)* "Here are the unread mail items in your lockbox:
>
> 1. **Check from Smith Foundation** — $10,000, received July 18
> 2. **Check from Anonymous Donor** — $500, received July 19
> 3. **Check from Jane Doe** — $250, received July 20
>
> Would you like to resolve any of these or create donation records from them?"
>
> **You:** "Resolve the check from the Smith Foundation and log it as a donation to our Capital Campaign."
>
> **Claude:** *(Uses Chariot - create\_donation, resolve\_mail\_item)* "Done. I've created a $10,000 donation record designated to your Capital Campaign and marked the Smith Foundation mail item as resolved. Would you like to assign any custom properties to this donation?"
***
### Features & tools
#### Donation Management
Look up, create, edit, merge, restore, and analyze donation records.
Tools: `list_donations`, `get_donation`, `count_donations`, `sum_donations`, `create_donation`, `override_donation`, `delete_donation`, `undelete_donation`, `merge_donations`, `unmerge_donations`, `list_donation_activity_log`
#### Deposit Management
Review bank deposits and reconcile them against incoming donations.
Tools: `list_deposits`, `get_deposit`, `reconcile_deposit`
#### Mail Processing
Manage checks and other items received through your lockbox mail.
Tools: `list_mail`, `get_mail_item`, `mark_mail_item_read`, `report_mail_item_issue`, `resolve_mail_item`, `reject_mail_item`
#### Policies
Read and manage your organization's gift-acceptance policies and their content.
Tools: `list_policies`, `get_policy`, `update_policy_metadata`, `replace_policy_content`, `delete_policy`, `add_policy_section`, `remove_policy_section`, `update_policy_section`, `add_policy_clause`, `remove_policy_clause`, `update_policy_clause`, `list_policy_documents`
#### Custom Properties & Filter Views
Create and manage custom fields on donation records, and configure filter views.
Tools: `list_properties`, `get_property`, `search_property_options`, `create_property`, `update_property`, `delete_property`, `create_enum_option`, `bulk_create_enum_options`, `update_enum_option`, `delete_enum_option`, `assign_property`, `undo_assign_property`, `list_evaluation_field`, `list_filter_fields`, `list_filter_views`, `create_filter_view`, `update_filter_view`, `delete_filter_view`
#### Organization & Billing
Look up your organization details, payment sources, ledger transactions, and invoices.
Tools: `whoami`, `get_organization`, `list_organizations`, `list_payment_sources`, `create_payment_source`, `list_ledger_transactions`, `get_ledger_transaction`, `list_invoices`, `get_invoice`, `get_dafpay_components`
#### Exports
Create and download data exports for reporting.
Tools: `create_export`, `get_export`, `get_export_download_url`
***
### Privacy & security
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
#### **Data collection**
* The connector does not collect or store any personal data about users.
* Search queries are processed to return results but are not stored or associated with individual users.
* We do not collect PII, browsing history outside the current conversation, or saved searches.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### **Data usage**
* All information returned is sourced from Chariot's nonprofit database, which is built on publicly available government filings (including IRS Form 990 data).
* No sensitive user data is transmitted or stored.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### **Security**
* All connections use HTTPS encryption.
* No sensitive data is transmitted or stored.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
***
### Troubleshooting
"I'm being asked to sign in every time"
* This may occur if your OAuth session has expired. Sign in again to re-authorize Claude.
* Check that your browser allows cookies and popups for [Claude.ai](http://Claude.ai), as these are required for OAuth.
"Claude can't find my donations"
* Make sure you're signed in with the correct Chariot account and organization.
* If your organization uses both a sandbox and production environment, confirm which environment Claude is connected to.
"Permission denied" or "Unauthorized" errors"
* Your Chariot account may not have the permissions required for the action you're requesting. Check your role and permissions in the Chariot dashboard.
* Try disconnecting and reconnecting the Chariot connector in Claude.
"Donation was created with incorrect data"
* You can ask Claude to correct it: "Update the donation I just created — change the amount to $500."
* Alternatively, log into your Chariot dashboard to make edits directly.
"Connector not working"
* Verify the connector is properly configured in Claude.
* If using Claude Desktop, restart the application and check for updates.
* Look for error messages in Claude's MCP status indicator.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Still having issues?** If you encounter problems not covered here: \[1] Check Claude's MCP status — look for error indicators in the interface, \[2] Try disconnecting and reconnecting the Chariot connector, \[3] Update Claude Desktop — make sure you're on the latest version, \[4] Contact Support — reach out to Chariot at with the subject line "Chariot MCP Support"
{% endhint %}
***
### Technical details
**MCP Information**
* Model Context Protocol (JSON-RPC)
* Server Type: HTTP-based remote MCP server
* Transport: Streamable HTTP (stateless mode)
* Response Format: JSON
* Authentication: OAuth 2.0 (sign in with your Chariot account)
**Read & Write Capabilities**
This connector supports both read and write operations. Tools that create, edit, delete, or reconcile data are labeled with destructiveHint; read-only tools are labeled with readOnlyHint.
***
### Frequently asked questions
Is this connector free to use?
The connector itself is free to use within Claude, but it requires an active Chariot Gift Processing subscription.
Do I need a Chariot account to use this connector?
Yes. This connector requires an active Chariot account with a paid subscription. Users connect by signing in with their existing Chariot credentials via OAuth.
Can Claude create or delete donations in my Chariot account?
Yes — Claude can create, edit, merge, and delete donations on your behalf. You'll always be in control: Claude acts on your explicit instructions and confirms what it's doing before making changes.
What happens if I make a mistake?
Most donation actions are reversible. You can ask Claude to undo changes, or use the Chariot dashboard to make corrections. Deleted donations can also be restored using the restore function.
Can I use this in the Chariot sandbox environment?
Yes. If you have a Chariot sandbox account, you can connect to the sandbox server at to test without affecting your production data.
Which Chariot products does this connector support?
This connector is built for Chariot's Gift Processing platform. It also surfaces DAFpay components for organizations using Chariot's DAFpay product.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Need help or have feedback?** Email , send suggestions anytime, or report issues with a brief description, steps to reproduce, and any error messages.
{% endhint %}
# Reset Your TFA
{% hint style="danger" %}
This page no longer exists. Please navigate to [Login & Security](/account-management/login-and-security).
{% endhint %}
# For Grantmakers
When your organization sends a grant through Disbursements, you’ll see a **status** associated with each disbursement. This status reflects where the disbursement is in the process, from approval to completion. Below is a breakdown of each possible status and what it means for our grantmaker partners.
***
### 📝 Approval & Verification Stages
* **🟠 Needs Approval**\
This disbursement is awaiting approval from the grantmaker partner's team.
* **🟣 Awaiting Verification**\
This disbursement is pending final verification by Chariot’s Compliance team.
* **🟣 Validating Organization**\
Chariot is validating the recipient organization’s payment and contact information before submission.
***
### 📤 Submission & Payment Stages
* :yellow\_square: **Awaiting Account Claim**\
The disbursement has completed all approvals and is queued to be sent to the recipient organization. At this stage, Chariot is prompting the nonprofit to enroll with Chariot for faster payouts.
* :yellow\_square: **Awaiting Balance**
The disbursement has completed all approvals and is queued to be sent to the recipient organization. At this stage, additional funds are required from the grantmaker partner.
* **🟦 Submitted**\
The disbursement has been sent and will update to **Completed** once the funds are received electronically or the check is deposited.
* **✅ Completed**\
The recipient organization has received the disbursement and the funds have settled.
***
### ⚠️ Stopped or Unsuccessful Disbursements
* **🔴 Rejected**\
The disbursement was rejected by the grantmaker partner's team.
* **🔴 Canceled**\
The disbursement was canceled by the the grantmaker partner's team.
* **🔴 Stopped**\
The transfer was stopped because the organization did not deposit the funds within 90 days.
* **🔴 Returned**\
The transfer was stopped because the mailed check was returned to sender.
{% hint style="warning" %}
If a disbursement is **Stopped** or **Returned**, Chariot will automatically reissue the payment.
{% endhint %}
# For Nonprofits
### Chariot Disbursements For Nonprofits
Chariot works with grantmaker partners who use Chariot Disbursements to send grants to nonprofits electronically.
When a grantmaker sends a grant through Chariot, delivery depends on whether your organization has claimed its Chariot account.
Organizations with a claimed Chariot account can receive grants electronically into their Chariot Deposit Account. Organizations without a claimed account will receive grants by mailed check if the account is not claimed in time.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Still have questions?** See [Disbursements FAQs](/getting-started/disbursements-faqs)
{% endhint %}
***
### If Your Chariot Account Is Claimed
When you claim your Chariot account, eligible grantmaker partners are automatically enabled as [Payment Sources](/getting-started/payment-sources#connected-sources) within your account.
This means grants from those partners can be delivered electronically directly into your Chariot Deposit Account — often within minutes of the grant being approved and released.
When a grant arrives:
* Funds appear in your Chariot Deposit Account
* Donation records appear in your dashboard
* Donation details are automatically linked to the deposit
* Your team can view, filter, export, and reconcile the data digitally
You’ll also receive an email notification when new grants arrive and are ready to withdraw or process.
Because grants arrive electronically, organizations can process them alongside other DAF, workplace giving, and mailed gifts using the same workflows inside Chariot.
***
### If Your Chariot Account Is Not Claimed
If your organization has not yet claimed its Chariot account, you’ll receive an email notification when a grant is initiated through a Chariot Disbursement partner.
Your organization then has up to 5 business days to claim the account and begin receiving funds electronically.
If the account is not claimed during that window, the grant will instead be mailed as a paper check to your organization’s most up-to-date physical mailing address, such as:
* Your IRS-registered address
* The address listed on your website
* Another publicly available nonprofit mailing address
***
### Our Grantmaking Partners
Chariot works with a growing network of Disbursement Partners to electronically deliver hundreds of millions of dollars to nonprofits. This subset of [#connected-sources](#connected-sources "mention") are automatically connected to your Chariot account upon onboarding.
# DAF Day
### **What is DAF Day?**
DAF Day is the national giving day for donor-advised funds — the fastest-growing form of philanthropy in the country. Organized by Chariot every second Thursday in October, DAF Day brings together donors, nonprofits, and DAF providers to inspire DAF giving for the causes that they care about most.
***
### **DAF Day Giving Page**
Join tens of thousands of people making October 8, 2026 the biggest DAF giving day of the year.
To get listed on the [DAF Day Giving Page](https://app.dafday.com), you'll need to verify your organization's Chariot account at [dashboard.givechariot.com/signup](https://dashboard.givechariot.com/signupdashboard.givechariot.com/signup). Once your Chariot account is claimed:
1. Go to account **Settings**
2. Add your **DAF Giving URL**
3. Add your organization's **Logo**
Once your DAF Giving URL and Logo have been successfully added, your donors will be able to find and donate to your cause on
