> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.givechariot.com/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.givechariot.com/_mcp/server.

# Overview

This section provides an introduction to

Chariot's Gift Proccessing

solution, a unified platform for nonprofits to streamline gift processing.

## The Problem

> Nonprofits receive donations from **multiple sources** - Donor-Advised Funds, workplace giving, crowdfunding platforms, mailed checks - each with their own portal, payment method, and data format.

> Nonprofits spend countless hours **manually reconciling** payments across different systems, logging into dozens of portals, downloading CSV files, and matching donations to bank deposits.

> Donor data is **fragmented and inconsistent** across these systems, making it difficult to maintain accurate constituent records and generate proper acknowledgment letters.

> Getting donations into your CRM and accounting systems requires **custom work for each payment source**, creating a maintenance nightmare and data quality issues.

And, the problem is only getting worse as more payment sources emerge - creating a never-ending game of gift processing wack-a-mole.

> **It doesn't have to be this way.**

## A New Approach

What if you could?

* Receive donations from all sources through a single unified platform
* Enrich donation data with complete donor attribution, campaign codes, appeal codes, fund codes, and more.
* Seamlessly integrate with your existing CRM and accounting systems
* Eliminate hours of manual data entry and reconciliation work

That's what Chariot does.

## How It Works

Chariot provides **Payment Sources** - segregated addresses for receiving donations from different sources. These can be electronic bank addresses (account + routing numbers) or physical mailing addresses (lockboxes).

When donations arrive at a Payment Source, Chariot automatically:

1. **Captures** the payment and creates a Deposit record
2. **Attaches** donation data to the deposit

You get complete donation data from the source including:

* Donor name, email, and contact information
* Gift amounts (gross, net, and fees)
* DAF account details and grant letters
* Platform information and platform fees
* Corporate match information

## Key Benefits

#### Unified Gift Processing

Consolidate donations from 50+ DAF sponsors and platforms into a single stream

#### Automatic Reconciliation

Match donations to deposits automatically with complete donation details

#### Seamless Integration

Export data to your existing CRM and accounting systems

#### Reduce Manual Work

Eliminate hours of manual reconciliation and data entry each month

## Who Is This For?

Chariot is ideal for nonprofits that:

* Receive payments from multiple Donor-Advised Fund sponsors and platforms such as Benevity, CyberGrants, YourCause, etc.
* Want to reduce manual reconciliation work
* Need to integrate donation data with their CRM and accounting software
* Want complete visibility into gift processing

## Core Concepts

#### Payment Sources

Payment Sources are segregated addresses for receiving donations. Think of them as different "doors" into your Financial Account.

* **Electronic Payment Sources**: Unique routing + account numbers for ACH transfers
* **Lockbox Payment Sources**: Physical mailing addresses for check processing

Each Payment Source can be dedicated to a specific source (e.g., one for Fidelity Charitable, one for PayPal Giving Fund) making reconciliation seamless.

#### Deposits

A Deposit represents a transfer of money to a Payment Source. One deposit may contain multiple individual donations.

Deposits track:

* Total amount transferred
* Settlement status (pending, complete, failed)
* Which Payment Source received it
* Payment method (ACH, check, account transfer)

#### Donations

A Donation is an individual charitable gift from a donor. Donations include complete attribution and metadata.

Each donation captures:

* Donor information (name, email, address)
* Gift amounts (gross, net, fees)
* Purpose and donor notes
* DAF account details (if applicable)
* Platform information (if applicable)
* Corporate match details (if applicable)

> **Info**
>
> Chariot is a financial technology company, not a bank. Chariot Accounts come with a Demand Deposit Account through our banking services partner, Column N.A., Member FDIC. Deposits in Chariot Accounts are eligible for FDIC insurance up to \$250,000 per depositor, for each insurable capacity in which the account is held.