To donate is to give something to a cause or a group, auch as money or your time. To contribute is more to join in, such as contributing to a conversation by stating your thoughts or more information. You can also use contribute to support a cause, but you wouldn't say you donate your opinion. It's a tricky difference, but I hope this helps!

Hey 李泽民, I shall provide you with information about the usage of these words: 1) to donate: 'donate' is a word that is most related to money issues. So, it means the same as ''to give (money, time, etc)'', especially to a charity; ''make a contribution...'' E.g.: ''Shall I donate blood?'' E.g.: ''He frequently donates large sums to charity. 2) to contribute: ''contribute'' is more of a general word, which can be used either to mean that you want to 'give or supply in common with others' or 'help bring about a result (also 'be partly responsible for / be conducive to something''). E.g.: ''I have been told that he contributes to several charities.'' E.g.: ''I shall not contribute to this conspiracy.'' E.g.: ''All of your reckless actions may have contributed to that tragedy.'' Hope that helps!!!

You are right, they are very similar. . Donate has a sense of giving something to someone. Usually money or goods. Donate money to charity. Donate the extra furniture to the recycling shop. A donation is unpaid. You get nothing back from them. . Contribute is a little more general in that you provide something. Their cause was so great, I felt that I had to contribute in some way. Having no money, I decided to contribute time to hand out flyers. . This charity does good things. I'm going to contribute a donation. . So you can contribute to a cause. Could be money, goods, time. Usually unpaid. But not always. You can also donate time.