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How do I add attributions to a contribution from a contact record?

  • February 23, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 70 views
Happie Pingol
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Overview

Adding attributions from a contact record allows you to give credit to other contacts for a contribution you're entering directly on someone's record. 

 

Step 1: Navigate to the contact record and add a new contribution 

  1. Go to the contact record of the donor making the direct contribution 

  1. Click Contributions > Add New Contribution 

  1. Enter the contribution details as usual 

Step 2: Add the attribution 

  1. In the custom contribution form, locate the Attributions and Soft Credits section 

  1. Click Add an Attribution 

  1. Search for the contact you want to attribute (you can select Add New Contact if they don't exist) 

  1. Set the attribution amount as either a specific dollar amount or as a percentage of the full contribution 

Step 3: Configure the attribution details 

  1. Select the appropriate Attribution Type from the dropdown menu 

  1. Check the Thanked box if the attributed contact has already been thanked 

  1. Add any relevant notes in the Attribution Note field 

  1. If a Mail Merge Template is associated with your selected Attribution Type, it will automatically appear in the entry 

Step 4: Add additional attributions (if needed) 

  1. If more contacts should be attributed, click +Add Attribution 

  1. Repeat steps 2-3 for each additional contact 

  1. You can use the Delete icon to remove any unwanted attributions 

  1. Save the contribution when all attributions are complete 

 

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Happie at Bonterra

4 replies

K
  • kat
  • First Timer
  • July 8, 2026

Is it best practice to have the donor themselves be the contact and the attribution be the third party they gave through? or vice versa?

    Happie Pingol
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    • Happie Pingol
    • Author
    • Community Manager
    • July 9, 2026

    Hi, ​@kat! Great question.

    In most cases, it's considered a best practice to have the donor be the primary contact on the contribution, while the third party (such as a board member, volunteer fundraiser, or peer-to-peer participant) is added as an attribution or soft credit if they helped secure the gift.

    This approach helps keep your donor records accurate by ensuring the donor's giving history, tax receipts, communications, and engagement are tied to the correct person, while still recognizing the individual or organization that influenced or facilitated the donation.

    You can add the third party in the Attributions and Soft Credits section when entering a contribution, or configure online forms to automatically apply attributions for gifts made through specific campaigns or forms.

    For additional guidance, you may also find these related articles helpful:

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    I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to reply here—we're happy to help.

    Happie at Bonterra
      K
      • kat
      • First Timer
      • July 13, 2026

      How does an attribution work if an individual donated through a third party site, such as Benevity, Vangaurd, Etc? 

        Happie Pingol
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        • Happie Pingol
        • Author
        • Community Manager
        • July 13, 2026

        Thanks for your question, ​@kat!

        If an individual donates through a third-party organization, you can use an attribution type that best matches the source of the gift. For example:

        • Workplace Giving is typically used for donations made through employee giving platforms such as Benevity.
        • Donor-Advised Fund is appropriate for gifts distributed through donor-advised fund providers, such as Vanguard Charitable.

        To record the contribution:

        1. Add the contribution from the donor's contact record or through the Financial Batch Manager.
        2. Enter the donation details, including the amount, date, and any other relevant information.
        3. In the Attributions and Soft Credits section, select the attribution type that best matches the source of the gift.
        4. Save the contribution.

        Using attributions helps you:

        • Recognize the donor's contribution, even when the gift is processed through a third-party organization.
        • Report on different giving channels more effectively.
        • Maintain a clear record of how the donation reached your organization.

        For additional guidance on attribution types and when to use them, please refer this article 

         

        Happie at Bonterra
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