Why nonprofits should use QR codes in their fundraising

QR codes for nonprofits make your campaign easy and accessible. Create your own unique QR code, and you’ll be helping donors donate at the click of a button.

We live in a busy world.

That’s why it’s important to make fundraising as quick and as simple as possible.

Enter, QR codes. Which stands for “quick response” – code is basically a barcode on steroids.

They’ve become commonplace in every country –and they might just be the fundraising boost your cause needs!

Why? Because more and more people are getting life done on their mobile. Our own research shows a whopping 65% of donations come from a mobile device.

That’s why we’ve proudly launched a new Raisely feature: a QR Code block. Designed to help fundraisers generate and download QR codes at the click of a button, this handy helper will get your scanning and signing-up in seconds!

Curious about QR codes? Read on to find out how it can help your campaign!

Why use QR codes for donations?

We all know that mobile is king, right?

Well, the fundraising world is no different.

QR codes have been around since the 90s. But thanks to the pandemic, we’ve all come to know and love these little monochromatic squares. In a quick scan and tap, you’ve got what you need (no contact required!).

‘Checking in’ to a venue?

Ordering at a restaurant?

Keen to learn more about a fundraising campaign? …well, isn’t it obvious?

Set up QR codes for your fundraising and make it easy peasy for your audience to engage.

We studied the best QR code generators for nonprofits and created a user-friendly way to create your own unique downloadable QR code.

When your donors are out and about in the real world, they’ll be able to hop on and donate with a tap. Find out more about our QR Code creator with our Lead Educator, James.

How do I make a QR code?

Yes, QR codes are wonderful. But if you don’t know how to make them, it’s hard to harness their power!

Raisely's QR Code block, provides a unique downloadable QR code that can either be linked to the Campaign URL or Fundraisers Profile Pages. But what about other channels?

Luckily, creating a QR code is a simple process:

Choose the content you’d like to promote.
Find a QR generator you like the look of - we love this one and this one.
Complete the form (or drag and drop your data) in the generator
Select a static or dynamic option for your code - dynamic allows you to edit the original data at a later date.
Customize your QR code - adjust the colours, add a logo, etc.
Test the QR code - make sure it scans!
Share your QR code with the masses.

How can I use a QR code for my campaign?

There are so many ways to use QR codes (it’d be easier to count all those tiny black and white squares)!

Here are our top 4 strategies for QR codes:

QR codes for donations

Can QR codes be used for donations? Yes and please do!

Now that every man and his dog knows how to use a QR code, your donors are only one scan away from donating.

Gone are the days where they’ll see your poster, think your cause is important, and make a mental note to donate when they’re next at a computer…

NOW, you can catch their attention and direct them to action. One look at your stuff and potential donors can swipe straight to your donation form.

Tip: If you haven’t already, give Express Donations a try! In combination with QR Codes, your donors will be donating in just one tap.

At an event?

Add a QR to things or places that your audience will see OFTEN.

Get them on their place-cards at a sit-down dinner. Your MC can encourage diners to take out their phone and make a donation before they get their main meal.
You could even sneak them into their take-home goodie bag (so they get a second reminder at home).

Pop them on displays as they walk around the room. You could even put them on posters in the bathroom - any place where people will stop and see!

Campaigning on the street?

Gone are the days of the ‘*shrug* sorry, no cash!’

Now, you can refer each individual to your handy QR Code – voila!

They can donate online in seconds (no coins needed).

In fact, the Salvation Army has a lot of success in doing this!

All of the charity's 25,000 kettle tins were fitted with QR codes to allow donors to tap/scan their phones to make a donation using Apple Pay or Google Pay. Funds are distributed to the charity and email receipts are sent to donors. Winning!

Who’s got the time to type in a long URL? (ugh, tl;dr)

48% of peer-to-peer sign-ups are on mobile nowadays!

Help your supporters sign-up swiftly with QR codes for nonprofits.

They can instantly find your campaign page (and sign up form), whether they’re engaging in person, on social media or via email!

Got a giving day coming up that you want to build hype around? Send out some actual mail (yes - paper - delivered to a real life mailbox!) to the community with your QR code loud and clear.

They can use it to register interest and activate notifications and they’ll be the first to get word when the campaign goes live.

The Australian Conservation Foundation did this, and they raised over $500k!

QR codes for sponsors

If you’re lucky enough to connect with a corporate partner, it helps to keep things simple, seamless and super-quick!

Put your QR code on their…

Website - Make matched giving periods easy by adding a QR code to your partners’ pages. Donors will be directed straight to your donation form without any hassle!
Products - Add extra opportunities by popping your QR code onto product packaging.
Office walls - yes, really! Rally the team and help co-workers support each other by plastering paper on the walls. They’ll scan, tap and take their teamwork to the next level.

QR codes for marketing materials

Ready to maximise your marketing potential?

Create a unique QR code that links supporters to your social media accounts, newsletters and blogs. (So long, long URLs!)

The easier they can engage, enjoy and share your campaign, the better!

You can also create codes that help support the donor journey. Create a unique code for a supporter toolkit, and your reader can easily access resources that’ll help their fundraising thrive (including social assets and hot tips).

Finally, why not add a QR code to your merchandise? Your donors can wear your goods, rep your brand and create new ways for people to engage!

Oh, the wonders of QR codes!

They’re quick to create and a powerful tool in the fundraising space. (Not to mention, they’re easy to incorporate into design!).

Now you know what they can do for non profits, why not create one for yourself?

From treasure hunts to toilet cubicle QR code parties, we bet your mind is racing with ideas already.

Ready to get to know QR codes for nonprofits up close and personal?