Substantiation Requirements

The following minimum information must exist to substantiate a pledge:

1. The amount of the pledge must be clearly specified.
2. There must be a clearly defined payment schedule or a specified end date.
3. The pledge designation(s) must be identified.
4. The donor may not proscribe contingencies or conditions.
5. The evidence of the pledge should include words such a “promise,” “agree,” or “will” rather than “intend,” “plan,” “hope”.