Transaction Categories

Certain state laws prohibit charitable fundraising platforms — including Blackbaud — from assisting organizations that aren't in “good standing” with soliciting donations or receiving funds from state residents.

To comply with these regulations, every transaction you enter through Virtual Terminal needs a category.

Warning: If your organization is not in good standing, donations from California residents will fail with gateway code 812 and the result: “State law prohibits this transaction. Contact the organization to donate.” After you resolve your status, you can schedule payment for a future date.

Note: All U.S. charitable organizations that operate or solicit donations in California must maintain "good standing" in that state, even if they’re organized elsewhere.

Category	Description
Contract	A fee charged by a party to a party for the execution of a contract.
Donation	A charitable contribution to a nonprofit or organization.
Event	A payment for a non-ticketed event registration, such as a conference, fundraiser, or gala.
Grant	A payment awarded to an organization by a government agency or private institution for a specific purpose.
Membership	A payment for a time-specified membership that can include access to events, benefits, or programs.
Merchandise	A payment for branded products or items sold or given as benefits, such as clothing or gift certificates.
Other	A payment that is not represented by an existing category in this list.
Platform	The fee charged to a customer to use a software platform.
Pledge	A payment toward a pledge commitment.
Property	A gift deed or document recording the transfer of ownership of property from one party to another.
Purchase	A payment for non-branded goods, such as an auction purchase.
Service	A fee for services, such as consulting, training, or education from a nonprofit.
Sponsorship	A payment made by businesses or individuals to sponsor a specific part of a program, event, or project.
Stock	As deferred compensation, a payment in the form of Common Stock shares or an option or other right to purchase shares.
Ticket	A payment for an event that requires a ticket to gain access, participate, or attend, such as a raffle, concert, play, or exhibition.
Tuition	A payment made to a school or institution for tuition fees associated with education.