Can Nonprofits Share Donor Contact Information?

One of the most common questions nonprofits face is whether they can legally or ethically share donor contact information with other organizations. While sharing lists may seem like a quick way to build partnerships or raise more funds, this area comes with important privacy, legal, and trust considerations.

The short answer: Nonprofits can share donor information only under specific conditions — and often, it’s not a good idea.

Legal Considerations

There are no universal federal laws in the U.S. that explicitly prohibit nonprofits from sharing donor contact information, but several laws and regulations affect how and when it can be shared, including:

• Privacy and data protection laws: Nonprofits must comply with applicable regulations, including state privacy laws and international rules if they handle foreign donors.
• Donor intent and consent: If a donor gives their contact information for a specific purpose, it should not be used or shared outside that scope without consent.
• IRS rules: While not directly banning list sharing, tax-exempt organizations must act in line with their charitable purpose and protect donor trust.

In some cases, sharing or selling lists could even put a nonprofit’s reputation — or tax-exempt status — at risk if done improperly.

Ethical Considerations

Even if legally permissible, sharing donor information can damage trust. Donors give because they believe in your mission. If their contact information ends up in another organization’s hands without permission, it can feel like a violation of that trust.

Best practices strongly discourage sharing or selling donor data without clear, documented consent. Transparency builds long-term relationships — secrecy damages them.

Acceptable Scenarios

There are a few situations where sharing might be allowed — with proper consent and safeguards:

• Partnership campaigns: If two organizations run a joint event, donors may opt in to communications from both.
• Vendor relationships: Nonprofits may share data with trusted third-party processors (e.g., mail houses or fundraising platforms) — but only for purposes directly tied to the organization’s own activities.
• Donor-approved sharing: If donors explicitly check a box or sign a form allowing their data to be shared, that can be acceptable.

In all cases, nonprofits should clearly communicate how information will be used and allow donors to opt out at any time.

Best Practices for Protecting Donor Data

• Be transparent with donors about how their data is stored and used.
• Never sell or trade donor information.
• Include a clear privacy policy on your website.
• Limit access to donor data within your organization.
• Offer easy opt-out options in all communications.

Final Thought

While there are scenarios where nonprofits can share donor contact information legally, it’s rarely the smartest or most ethical move. Protecting donor privacy builds trust and strengthens long-term relationships — and that’s far more valuable than a shared list.

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.