---
title: "Offline Donation Instructions"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/give/offline-donation-instructions/"
description: "When a Donor submits a donation to the Offline Donation gateway, an email notification is sent to their email address with instructions on completing the donati…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "Give"
date: "2018-03-05"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# Offline Donation Instructions

When a donor selects the **Offline Donation** payment option, GiveWP sends them an email with instructions for completing their donation. This message helps guide donors through mailing a check, making a bank transfer, or following any custom instructions.

The content of this email can be customized under **GiveWP > Settings > Emails > Offline Donation Instructions**. This guide explains how to update that message and offers tips for what to include.

## Email Subject

**Settings Type:** Text field  
**Options:** Any email subject.  
**Default:** {donation} – Offline Donation Instructions

This setting controls the subject line of the **Offline Donation Instructions** email. The subject can include [email tags](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/give/email-tags/) to personalize the message—like adding the donor’s name or donation amount.

## Email Header

**Settings Type:** Text field  
**Options:** Any email text.  
**Default:** Offline Donation Instructions

This setting controls the text that appears at the very top of the email—above the main message content. Use it to greet the donor, highlight the purpose of the email, or reinforce your organization’s tone. This is often the first thing donors see when they open the email, so keep it clear and welcoming.

## Email Message

**Settings Type:** Editor  
**Options:** Any HTML or plaintext message.  
**Default:**

> In order to make an offline donation we ask that you please follow these instructions:
> 
> 1. Make a check payable to “Example Site Name”
> 2. On the memo line of the check, please indicate that the donation is for “Form Name”
> 3. Please mail your check to:
> 
> *Site Name*  
> *111 Not A Real St.*  
> *Anytown, CA 12345*
> 
> All contributions will be gratefully acknowledged and are tax deductible.

This is the main body of the **Offline Donation Instructions** email. By default, it includes placeholder text with instructions for mailing a check. You can customize this message to fit your organization’s offline donation process.

  
Use this email to clearly explain the next steps for completing a donation. Donors will also see a confirmation message on the form after submitting, so this email should reinforce that same information—especially details like mailing addresses or bank transfer steps.

Directly below the message editor, you’ll find a list of supported [email tags](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/give/email-tags/). These tags can add dynamic information like `{donation_id}`, `{donor_name}`, or `{amount}` to personalize your message.

## Email Content Type

**Settings Type:** Drop-down/select  
**Options:** HTML | Plain  
**Default:** HTML

This setting controls whether the email is sent as **HTML** or **plain text**.

- **HTML** emails support formatting, links, and styles.
- **Plain text** emails are simpler and contain no styling—just text.

## Email Recipients

**Settings Type:** Drop-down/select  
**Options:** HTML | Plain  
**Default:** HTML

This setting controls who receives the **Offline Donation Instructions** email. By default, this email is sent to the donor after they select the **Offline Donation** gateway. There’s usually no need to change this setting unless you’re customizing email behavior through custom code or a plugin.

## Preview Email

**Settings Type:**  Two buttons  
**Options:** Preview Email | Send Test Email

This section includes two tools to help review your **Offline Donation Instructions** email before sending it to donors:

- **Preview Email:** Opens the email in a new browser tab using sample data from recent donations. Use the dropdown menu to switch between different donation previews.
- **Send Test Email:** Sends a test message to the recipients listed in the **Email Recipients** field.