Donations and nonprofit fundraising App Review checklist

Identify the donation recipient

The user should know whether they are donating to the app operator, a named nonprofit, a campaign, a creator, or a third-party platform. Ambiguity around the recipient creates trust and review risk.

Document the legal name, nonprofit status, country, processor, campaign owner, and support contact. If the app aggregates multiple charities, every recipient list and search result should avoid implying Apple endorsement or hidden vetting.

Confirm Apple Pay donation approval before enabling the button

Apple's nonprofit Apple Pay page states that the usual account configuration and review guidelines apply, with additional approval steps for nonprofit organizations and use of the Donate with Apple Pay button. Do not show the button before the approval path is complete.

AppReviewReady interpretation: keep approval evidence with the release checklist. A donation button added late by marketing should block submission until the organization, payment account, and button use are verified.

Separate donations from purchases

• A donation should not unlock digital goods unless a separate purchase path is clearly defined.
• Recurring giving, one-time donations, tips, and creator support should use distinct language.
• Tax receipt promises should match what the recipient or processor actually provides.
• Refund, cancellation, and support routes should be visible before donation.
• Campaign images and beneficiary claims should be current and authorized.

Test the giving route without real donor harm

1. Open the donation screen from a clean install and signed-out state.
2. Verify recipient identity and donation amount before payment authorization.
3. Test canceled payment, failed payment, duplicate tap, and post-payment receipt states.
4. Confirm no donation flow appears in regions or account states where it is unavailable.
5. Check privacy labels and policy for donor data, receipt emails, analytics, and sharing.

Prepare donation review notes

Review Notes should clarify the route and approval basis. Avoid asking the reviewer to make a real donation; use sandbox or a safe demonstration state where supported.

Also decide how expired campaigns disappear. A donation screen for a completed emergency, closed fund, or unavailable nonprofit should show a clear inactive state instead of continuing to collect money under outdated context.

For apps that mix donations with subscriptions, merchandise, or event tickets, label each payment path plainly. A donor should never confuse a charitable gift with a digital entitlement purchase.

Donation review evidence:
Recipient: [legal name]
Donation processor: [Apple Pay or other]
Apple Pay nonprofit approval: [status]
How to reach donation screen: [steps]
What donor receives: [receipt/tax language]
Unavailable states: [region or account handling]