These terms mean "to make a present of," "to bestow," "to contribute": "This company donates (or gives) to the Red Cross every year." Donate is considered a genteel and polite word; it has been suggested that one gives a small sum and donates a large one. Both words are standard, but using give is recommended because the word is shorter and simpler and is fully as meaningful as donate. Only when referring to services (The actor donated his services) is donate preferable to give.
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.