Tips on Using a QR Code for Online Donations and Charitable Giving

The QR code for online donations and charitable giving is one of the mainstream options for donors to donate to non-profit groups and causes.

Placing them on posters, business cards, and other printed materials allows potential sponsors to send in-kind donations with a single scan.

While QR codes are convenient and easy to create, there are a few tips and best practices to remember before deploying them.

This article will explore some of these tips to help ensure that your online donation experience is smooth and successful. 

From understanding the basics of QR code technology to maximizing the impact of your donation through a free QR code generator, this guide will provide valuable information for anyone looking to use QR codes for online donations and other charities.

Table of Contents

    1. So, how do QR codes for donations work?
    2. How to use your QR code for online donations and charitable giving
    3. QR code best practices for non-profit organizations
    4. How to create QR codes using the Free QR Code Generator
    5. Create QR codes for fundraising in your next event today
    6. Frequently asked questions 

So, how do QR codes for donations work?

What is a QR code? For the uninitiated, QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that help users visit digital pages or websites with a quick phone scan.

In donation drives, QR codes can be used in multiple ways. You can embed your website, social media handles, files, or a customized landing page into the code, making it easier to dessiminate information about your charity event.

You can also use it to conduct surveys or collect attendance digitally. 

One scan and your attendees are routed to an online form where they can provide feedback or confirm their presence. 

With QR codes, you can determine if your promotional campaigns are reaching a specific number of audience or not. It is also secure enough to not worry about private information being leaked to third-party devices.

How to use your QR code for online donations and charitable giving

Online donations and charities can use QR codes in a few different ways:

Broaden social network

You can directly link your organization's social media platforms with a social media QR code. It makes it easy for potential donors to learn more about your cause through your social media content. 

Using social media profiles, you can expand your reach and connect with different organizations that can partner for future events and build a supportive community. 

Disseminate event information

A URL to QR code can link to your event's webpage, providing all the details, registration options, and donation links. Place these codes on flyers, posters, and social media posts to ensure people can easily access event information.

Share impact stories

Impact stories can drastically change the viewer's perspective and create greater chances for more volunteers to join and for people to donate. 

You can use a video QR code to show them your donees' real-life struggles and situations and to help them learn how their donation and assistance can make an impact.

QR codes for impact stories can also be shared through blog posts, articles, testimonies, or photo galleries, helping sponsors see the difference their contributions make and encouraging continued support.

Offer rewards

Incentives can make your potential donors use your QR codes to donate more in the future. 

Offering them thank-you messages or discounts on merchandise can help you reach your goals much faster. This also adds a personal touch and makes donors feel appreciated.

Facilitate easy donations

You can link your online donation page to QR codes. With QR codes for donations, you can make it easy for donors to donate since processing will be quick and hassle-free. 

These codes can be printed promotional materials such as posters, merchandise, email signatures, newsletters, and many more to encourage a wider audience. 

Collect Feedback

A feedback QR code is essential to determine improvements and adjustments needed in your organization. 

Both donors and volunteers can share their insights and suggestions on making the operations more manageable and share ideas for future events. 

A single QR code can assist in collecting necessary data by designating them to specific functions. 

Integrating these strategies helps your organization be more organized and transparent to donors, encouraging them to engage with your non-profit organization and contribute to your campaigns. 

QR code best practices for non-profit organizations

QR codes are a fantastic tool for non-profit organizations to encourage supporters, boost fundraising efforts, and streamline operations. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help you get the most out of QR codes:

Clear purpose and call to action

Be clear about the purpose of your QR code for fundraising. Whether it's for sharing event information and inviting, signing up process, or redirecting donors to your fundraising website, tell people what they will expect upon scanning. 

While many people know what they are, a little instruction can go a long way. Add a short call to action like "Scan to know more about our cause." next to the QR code.

Customization

Customize QR codes to match your organization's branding. Adding a logo and matching the colors according to your organization's brand makes it recognizable to supporters who want to donate or learn more about your campaign.

A well-branded QR code looks professional and can build trust with your supporters.

Printing and placement

Print your QR codes in high resolution for easy scanning.

It is essential to place them in places that are accessible to people, such as brochures, posters, social media advertisements, and even at your organization's events place and headquarters.

To ensure they work correctly, avoid placing them on edges and folded surfaces to prevent distortion. See to it that the code is big enough and has good contrast, so it's easy to scan for everyone.

Mobile-friendly content

Before deploying your QR codes, ensure the embedded links are working properly. Whether webpages, contactless fund transfers, or donation forms, smartphones should be able to scan the code.

Test the links on different devices to make sure they work smoothly.

Tracking and analytics

Use dynamic QR codes so that you can track the amount of times it was scanned, the date and time, location, emails, and many more.

Analytics tools like Excel and Google Sheets can help you organize information collected from the QR code.

Data collected helps your team keep track of who wants to volunteer, how much was donated, and even feedback from donors and attendees of your events.

This helps you understand what's working and what improvements are needed for your future efforts.

Promote awareness and usage

You can share the organization's campaigns and causes by promoting your QR codes on various social media platforms, emails, events, and even on merchandise. 

Through QR codes, you can educate people about the purpose of your cause and teach them how to use QR codes. This will gain traction in your donation drives, and your organization can reach potential partners worldwide. 

How to create QR codes using the Free QR Code Generator

To create a QR code, follow these steps:

  1. Go to free QR code generator website and select the type of QR code you want to create. For online donations, create a QR code that links to a donation page or form.
  2. Enter the information you want to include in the QR code. This might be a URL, text, or payment details. Be sure to double-check that the data is correct before proceeding.
  3. Customize the QR code if desired. Some QR code generators allow you to choose the color and design of the code. It is recommended that a call-to-action near the QR code be added so that users will know how to use it.
  4. Test the QR code to make sure it works properly. You can do this by scanning the QR code with a smartphone or other device and verifying that it directs you to the correct page or performs the desired action.
  5. Download or save the QR code. Most QR code generators will allow you to download the code as an image file or save it to a cloud service.

Once you have created and tested the QR codes, you can use them to facilitate online donations. 

You can place the QR code on promotional materials, websites, or social media posts and encourage people to scan it to make a donation. 

Be sure to provide clear instructions on how to scan and use the QR code, and consider offering multiple ways for people to donate, such as through a link or a phone number.

Create QR codes for fundraising in your next event today

QR codes have become a popular and convenient way for people to make online donations and give to charitable causes

It is also a well-known marketing tool that promotes your cause on multiple platforms at the same time.

Sharing your brand with the world has a long-lasting impact on both present and future donors.

Ready to make your organization reach the international level? With QR codes, you can send the codes to global partner organizations to achieve your donation goal faster.

Furthermore, it is important to note that QR codes for charities should not be the only method for charitable giving; they should be used as a tool to facilitate the process.

Using QR codes, you can monitor its success rate and streamline paperwork because of its useful analytical tool.

Frequently asked questions 

Can QR codes be scanned from digital screens?

Yes, may it be printed paper, on screen, drone lights, and many more, QR codes are versatile, which makes them ideal for marketing your product, brand, charity cause, and even social media platforms.

What are some security best practices for QR codes?

It is essential for your donors to feel secure about where they will place their donations. This builds credibility and trust between sponsors and organizers. 

Here are some practices for a QR code for online donations charitable giving to ensure the best security for their donations:

  • Ensuring that organizers use reputable QR code generators.
  • Informing donors about the importance of scanning QR codes from trusted sources only.
  • Ensuring the QR code links to a secure (HTTPS) website.
  • Regularly monitor the URL for phishing or malware.

Ready to use the latest marketing tool? Visit the free QR code generator and learn how to use QR codes effectively today!