QR Code for Donations
Make giving easy. A QR code on a poster, flyer, or donation box links directly to your payment page. Donors scan and give in seconds — no cash needed, no awkward fumbling. Works with PayPal, GoFundMe, Venmo, Stripe, and any online donation platform.
Why use a QR code for donations?
Cashless giving
Many people don't carry cash. A QR code lets them donate digitally from their phone — right when the impulse to give is strongest.
Reduce friction
No writing checks, no remembering website addresses. One scan takes them to your donation page with the amount field ready.
Track donations
Digital donations through your payment platform give you records, receipts, and donor information automatically.
How to create a QR code for donations
- 1Set up a donation page on GoFundMe, PayPal.me, Stripe, or your nonprofit's website.
- 2Copy the URL to your donation page.
- 3Paste the URL into the Link field above.
- 4Download and place on fundraiser posters, donation jars, event programs, or mailer inserts.
- 5Add a clear label: 'Scan to donate' with the purpose of the fundraiser.
Example in practice
A small animal shelter runs a weekend adoption event at the local park. They tape QR codes to each dog's kennel card. Scanning links to a donation page with the caption 'Help cover Max's vet bills — any amount helps.' By Sunday evening, they've received 47 donations from people who stopped to pet the dogs but didn't adopt. Total raised: over $2,000 — from a free QR code on a printed card.
Tips
- •Pre-set a suggested amount on your donation page if the platform allows it.
- •Place QR codes on event tables, collection boxes, and exit doors at fundraisers.
- •Include the QR code in email newsletters for digital campaigns.
- •Add context next to the code — 'Your $10 feeds a family for a day' is more compelling than just 'Donate here'.
- •Use a short URL that you control so you can redirect to different campaigns without reprinting.
Frequently asked questions
What donation platforms work with QR codes?
Any platform with a URL works: GoFundMe, PayPal.me, Venmo (venmo.com/yourname), Stripe payment links, Cash App, and your nonprofit's own donation page.
Can I set a specific donation amount?
Some platforms let you pre-fill the amount in the URL. PayPal.me, for example, supports paypal.me/yourname/25 for a $25 suggested donation. Check your platform's URL parameters.
Is it safe for donors to scan QR codes for payments?
Yes, as long as the QR code links to a legitimate payment platform. Donors can verify the URL in their browser before entering payment info. Use well-known platforms to build trust.
Can I use QR codes for recurring donations?
Yes. If your donation page has a recurring option, donors will see it when they scan. Some platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee are specifically built for recurring support.
Where's the best place to display donation QR codes?
Collection boxes, event posters, table tents at fundraiser dinners, thank-you cards, newsletters, and social media posts. Any place where donors are already engaged with your cause.
Industry guide
This use case is part of our QR Codes for Nonprofits guide, which covers 3 related use cases.