QR codes for nonprofits are low-maintenance tools that streamline donation processes and boost information drives without exerting too much effort.
But QR codes don’t just work for raising funds or educating people alone; their capabilities can extend to lead generation, volunteer profiling, and more—all of which are must-knows.
Plus, you can generate QR codes for free. If this excites you, check out the practical ideas that we’ve curated for non-profit organizations.
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7 Creative QR code ideas for nonprofits
If you want to start using QR codes for your nonprofit organization initiatives and charity works, here are some suggestions:
Convenient donation transfers
The most prominent use of donation QR codes is to facilitate wire transfers for those who wish to make monetary donations via their bank or online wallets, such as PayPal or Venmo.
For instance, when donors scan the PayPal donation QR code you use for your NGO, they only need to enter the donation amount and send it. It no longer requires them to manually enter the NGO’s account number, which is prone to error.
This is a safe and convenient method, since most people nowadays no longer carry cash but rather e-money.
Strengthen awareness and advocacy
It’s difficult to convince people to donate when your goals and advocacy are unclear. So, before you initiate a donation drive, make sure you’ve made it clear to everyone what it’s for and who it's for.
You can customize QR codes for charities to maximize information drives. You can share details like why you’re doing this noble act, who will benefit from it, and what your long-term goals are on just a small piece of paper.
No need to print multiple flyers or posters; cost-efficient, yet with a wide reach.
Volunteer sign-ups or applications
Volunteers are an essential part of any organization. They make everything possible without wanting anything in return. Unfortunately, sometimes, a call for volunteers is not easy because the application process itself is inconvenient.
Make it easier through QR codes. Create a free QR code that links to your volunteer application form. Anyone willing to join can scan the Google Form QR code to fill it out with their personal details and get enlisted.
Transparency and reporting tool
Not that donors require it, but it’s best to let them know what happened to their donations afterwards. Whether it was used to buy gifts for recipients or to fund activities, transparency builds trust with donors and partners in the long run.
You can post a Google Drive QR code for fundraising outcomes on your social media platforms so people can access the reports anytime. No need to manually update or message all donors; a single QR code can do that.
Share significant hotlines
Sharing important hotlines, especially with your donors, can be a lifesaver in the future.
Using a vCard QR code for nonprofits, you can share your group or organization’s contact details with anyone who wants to reach out about a donation or for help.
One scan and they can instantly save your contact details and communicate with you, no manual typing needed.
Community feedback and suggestion forms
Using an online form QR code is a great way to gather feedback about your recent nonprofit affairs. Multiple printing is out of the equation; one QR code will allow you to collect responses from everyone.
These responses are essential to help your group perform better or to provide better activities to donees in the future.
Boost social media and community groups
Did you know that you can use a social media QR code to grow your online community?
Online visibility plays a key role in helping your organization grow and gain public trust. If you’re handling multiple social platforms for your nonprofit group, you can keep them all in one QR code and share.
Anyone can instantly follow you on all platforms by scanning a single QR code.
How do I get a QR code for my non-profit using a free QR code builder?
- Go to Free QR Code Generator website.
- Choose from any of the FREE solutions available on the website.
- Fill in the required data and click “Generate.”
- Personalize your QR code by designing it using the available custom features.
- Test-scan your QR code to ensure accuracy.
- Download, print, and your code is good to share.
🚀 Did you know that you can try a more advanced QR code for FREE? Just go back to Step 3, and click Edit and Track Scan. Sign up for an account and enjoy better perks as you go along.
Meet the nonprofit organizations championing the use of QR code for donations
Here are some real-life nonprofit organizations that actually used QR codes in their own campaigns and activities:
Habitat for Humanity’s Call for Votes
This organization helps build or rebuild houses for low-income families who can’t afford their own. These homes are built from the hard work of volunteers and the generous help of contractors.
During the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Program contest, Habitat for Humanity joined in hopes of winning $25K for their Critical Home. Scanning the QR code allows everyone to vote for Habitat for Humanity to get the funding.
Susan G. Komen’s awareness campaign
Susan G. Komen is an organization focused on breast cancer awareness and patient care services.
To raise awareness of the advocacy, the organization released a series of educational QR codes that lead to helpful materials on breast cancer: risk factors, self-awareness messages, and breast health checks.
Baan Deek Foundation donation QR code
This Thai non-profit organization, founded in 2002, aims to educate and provide health and safety assistance to children in Thailand's slums.
To continuously provide services such as child protection, community empowerment, non-formal education, and sports, a donation call is made via a QR code. Any Thai Bank account holder can instantly scan to donate.
The Salvation Army’s solution for cash-free donors
Founded in London back in 1865, this international Christian church anchors their mission in the goodness of the gospel. It helps homeless or disadvantaged people get access to shelters, relief food, and rehabilitation.
Their flagship program, the Red Kettle Brigade, has been receiving significant support from many donors. But one of the major issues they encountered was the lack of change for those willing to support the goal.
To resolve the matter, they used QR codes for donations that anyone could scan to make donations, after the credit card solution didn’t work out so well.
This only proves that QR codes for churches are now seen as a more effective option over other donation channels.
Empower your mission one scan at a time
QR codes for nonprofits help organizations reach more people, educate supporters about their advocacy, and make it easier for anyone to take action, whether that means donating, signing up to volunteer, or sharing the cause.
They are an invaluable tool for amplifying impact and driving real-world change.
Getting started is just as simple.
Any free QR code generator with logo and design features allows nonprofits to create branded QR codes in minutes, with no technical skills required.
