As technology advances, so should your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts. Digital tools make it easier to communicate with potential donors and secure their contributions.
This is where QR Codes come in. These digital barcodes are a game-changer for nonprofits because they can take someone directly to an online donation page with a simple scan, allowing anyone to donate directly from their mobile device. Adding QR Codes to your marketing materials is a straightforward way to adapt your fundraising strategy to the digital age.
Understanding the use of QR Codes for donations
Before the internet, donating to nonprofits involved sending a check in the mail or talking to a representative on the phone. Fundraising websites made things easier, but donors still had to remember long web addresses or spend time searching for the right email contacts.
QR Codes eliminate the hassle of giving money online. Short for “Quick Response Code,” a QR Code is a small, square barcode that people can scan with their phone camera to take them directly to a website.
There are two types of QR Codes: Static vs. Dynamic. Once a Static QR Code is created, you can’t update it. However, that’s not the case with Dynamic QR Codes, which allow you to change the target URL without creating a new QR Code. Dynamic QR Codes are also customizable and trackable, so you can assess their performance over time.
Nonprofits can set up QR Codes that direct people to an online fundraising platform, where they can fill out a form and send a donation instantly.
The biggest advantage of this is that someone can contribute right away—they don’t need to wait until they have access to a computer or their checkbook to donate. This approach has been increasing in popularity—28% of all online donations in 2021 were made via mobile devices.
Key advantages of QR Codes for more donations
QR Codes provide many benefits for nonprofit fundraising, for both your donors and your staff. Here’s why QR codes are worth implementing in your fundraising campaign.
Increased engagement rates
If you’re struggling to get donors to your donation pages, QR Codes can help. Many consumers are already familiar with QR Codes and have a positive impression of them. In fact, QR Code use has surged in recent years and is projected to keep increasing.
While potential donors might not take the step to go to your website on their own, they’ll be more likely to use a QR Code if it’s presented effectively. This will drive traffic to your donation form and could even increase your contributions.
Ease of use
All donors need to use QR Codes is a mobile device with internet access. There are no special apps or technical knowledge needed. This means that they can donate anywhere and anytime they see your QR Code!
QR Codes are also easy for your organization to make with a free QR Code generator like Bitly. Your team can add donation QR Codes to signage and printed materials as well as your social media posts and emails to spread the word. You can make a QR Code using Bitly and export it to your creative platforms.
Real-time tracking and data collection
Dynamic QR Codes make it easy to collect helpful donation data and insights. For example, you’ll be able to see when your QR Code scans happen, as well as the browser and location they come from. This will help you determine which fundraising events and strategies are most effective, and identify helpful consumer patterns.
Customization options
Bitly’s QR Code generator allows you to customize your QR Code to suit your branding. You can adjust the pattern and shapes in your QR Code, change the color, and even add your logo. These customization features allow you to match your QR Code to existing brand assets for a seamless, professional look.
Better donor experience
A positive experience is essential for building long-term relationships with your donors. QR Codes are a way to improve the donation experience and keep donors coming back. They integrate directly with technology your donors already use, minimizing confusion in the donation experience.
How to use QR Codes when fundraising for donations
For QR Codes to be effective, you’ll need to place them strategically. Your QR Code approach should keep the donor’s perspective in mind. Here’s what nonprofit organizations should consider when using QR Codes to fundraise.
Creative placement
Your QR Code needs to be placed effectively in your marketing materials to maximize visibility. QR Codes should also be placed where potential donors can comfortably scan them.
One of the best places to use QR Codes is at events. You can place the QR Code on your promotional banners and posters, as well as on each table or chair. If your nonprofit has a brick-and-mortar facility, you can also place the QR Code on posters, flyers, and business cards there year-round. Local billboards and other community ads are also great places to share your QR Code.
Your QR Code should also be placed in any digital marketing materials, like social media posts and email newsletters. Keep in mind that the QR Code needs to be large enough to scan, or readers will gloss over it.
Meshing with fundraising campaigns
Donation QR Codes are particularly important for fundraising campaigns. All campaign materials should feature your QR Code, giving donors the option to contribute immediately.
Since many donors have busy schedules, the option to donate right away is key. You should customize QR Codes with your campaign colors for more effective branding.
Clear instructions
All donation QR Codes should include a clear call to action (CTA), as well as instructions on how to use them. This helps minimize any confusion and improves the overall user experience. For example, your call to action could say “Donate Now,” with instructions to scan the code using your mobile phone camera to go to the fundraising page online.
Integration with partner websites or merchandise
Many nonprofits partner with other businesses in their community for fundraising campaigns. These partners can also use your QR Codes to spread the word.
For example, you can share your free Dynamic QR Codes with partners to place on their websites, in brick-and-mortar locations, or even on merchandise. When sharing QR Codes with partners, make sure to keep an eye on your metrics to determine which partners are driving the most donations.
Real-world use cases of QR Codes for donations
There are many innovative ways to use QR Codes to collect donations. Here are some of the most common use cases for QR Code fundraising.
Disaster relief fundraising
Time is of the essence when it comes to disaster fundraising. Victims need help right away, and many people will be keen to donate quickly. QR Codes can help disaster relief campaigns raise funds more efficiently and get help to those in need.
One of the best ways to get the word out is by sharing your QR Code on social media and encouraging others to re-post. Over half of Americans get a portion of their news from social media, so they’re likely to find out about major events there. Posting a QR Code could make it easy for them to donate.
Museum and cultural institution donations
Museums, performing arts groups, and other cultural institutions rely partially on donations to provide programming.
Strategically placed QR Codes give happy patrons the opportunity to leave a donation after enjoying a show or exhibit. For example, you can place QR Codes on signs and printed programs throughout your space. You can also send out QR Codes to patrons via email after they visit.
Environmental conservation
QR Codes are also an effective way to spread the word about your nonprofit’s environmental conservation efforts. In addition to placing QR Codes on social media and at fundraising events, you can also place QR Codes in the communities or natural areas where you work.
For example, a nonprofit that focuses on marine preservation could place signs at popular local beaches or marinas, encouraging visitors to donate to the preservation effort.
Animal shelters and rescues
Animal shelters serve an essential role in any community, protecting local animals and helping them find long-term homes. Donation QR Codes placed on flyers throughout your animal shelter encourage adopters to make a donation. In your digital marketing materials, consider placing your donation QR Code next to photos of adoptable animals to increase interest.
School fundraisers
QR Codes are a very effective tool for school fundraising events. Place QR Codes on tables and signage throughout the event, and encourage participants to give throughout the night. Dynamic QR Codes are excellent for this because you can track donations in real time as you work toward a fundraising goal. You can even use different QR Codes for each department or grade level to have a friendly fundraising competition.
Enhance charitable impact with Bitly’s QR Code solutions
By using QR Codes, your nonprofit streamlines the donation process and attracts more contributions. Bitly’s sophisticated Dynamic QR Code solution offers advanced customization and analytics to make the most of your fundraising efforts.
Ready to give your fundraising a boost? Sign up for Bitly today and see what QR Codes can do for your charity initiatives!