The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DONATIVE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
O
N
A
T
I
V
E
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DONATIVE mean?
DONATIVE noun- A gift; a largess; a gratuity.
- (ecclesiastical law) A benefice conferred on a person by the founder or patron, without either presentation or institution by the ordinary, or induction by his orders.
- Being or relating to a donation.