The clue “donate nyt crossword” is most commonly filled as GIVE in a New York Times puzzle, especially when the answer is four letters. Depending on the puzzle’s length and theme, alternatives like GIFT or BESTOW can appear, but GIVE is the standard, high-frequency solution.
In the case of an ordinary crossword, the clue GIVE is frequently a member of the clue of Donate. In puzzles, it is also said that donate is giving and therefore give is appropriate in the definition. It is a simple and the usual answer to numerous crosswords.