How to Use QR Codes for Fundraising: A Step-by-Step Guide for Nonprofits

Joanne Toller, CFRE (Ret.)
Jun 6, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Feb 14

Imagine if your donors could give in seconds—no cash, no typing, just a quick scan. That’s the power of QR codes for fundraising.

With more donors preferring contactless and mobile-friendly giving, QR codes provide an easy way to direct supporters to donation pages, event sign-ups, social media, and more.

This guide will show you how to set up QR codes for fundraising, where to use them, and how to maximize their impact.

Why QR Codes Work for Fundraising

QR codes have become an essential fundraising and marketing tool for nonprofits. Here’s why:

Contactless Giving – Donors can give quickly using their smartphones—no cash or card swiping needed.
Next-Gen Donors Use Them – Millennials and Gen Z are the biggest users of QR codes, making them a great way to reach younger donors.
Saves Space & Time – Add a QR code to flyers, posters, and business cards instead of listing a long URL.
Boosts Social Media Following – Use QR codes to link directly to your Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
Tracks Donor Engagement – Dynamic QR codes allow you to see how many people scan and interact with your content.

Types of QR Codes: Static vs. Dynamic

There are two main types of QR codes:

Static QR Codes – Fixed links that cannot be changed. Best for event tickets, short-term fundraisers, or print materials where the link will not change.
Dynamic QR Codes – These allow you to edit the destination after creation and track scans. Best for long-term campaigns, retargeting ads, and social media growth.

💡 Tip: If you plan to use QR codes for multiple campaigns, invest in dynamic QR codes to track performance and optimize fundraising efforts.

How to Generate a QR Code for Fundraising

There are many free and paid QR code generators available. Here are some popular options:

JustGiving via Blackbaud (Free for registered nonprofits)
QR Code Monkey (Free, user-friendly, not nonprofit-specific)
Beaconstac (Paid, but offers advanced tracking features)

How to Create a QR Code:

Choose a QR code generator (from the list above).
Enter the URL of your donation page, event, or social media link.
Download the QR code in PNG, SVG, or JPG format.
Test the QR code to ensure it redirects correctly before printing or sharing.

Ways to Use QR Codes for Fundraising

Now that you have a QR code, where should you use it? Here are some creative ways to incorporate QR codes into your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy.

Printed Materials

✔ Add a QR code to direct mail campaigns linking to a donation page.

✔ Print QR codes on event flyers, postcards, or banners to provide instant access to event details.

✔ Stick a QR code on collection buckets or donation boxes in retail stores or community spaces.

Social Media & Digital Outreach

✔ Post QR codes on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to drive traffic to your website or campaign page.

✔ Use QR codes in email newsletters to direct supporters to your latest fundraising campaign.

✔ Include a QR code in YouTube videos or webinar slides to make donating easier.

Events & Community Engagement

✔ Add QR codes to event programs, posters, and name badges to encourage real-time donations.

✔ Use QR codes to link to sponsor websites for added engagement.

✔ Print out QR codes and place them in high-traffic areas (e.g., reception desks, fundraising booths).

Donor Engagement & Data Collection

✔ Use QR codes to link to surveys and collect donor feedback.

✔ Include QR codes on business cards to make it easy for new contacts to connect with your nonprofit.

✔ Offer a special thank-you video via QR code after a donation.

Linking Payments to Your QR Code

To maximize fundraising success, ensure your QR code links to an easy-to-use donation platform.

Popular Payment Options for QR Codes:

PayPal Giving Fund – Users log in to PayPal and confirm their donation.
Merchant Account Payment – Donors enter credit card information manually.
Text-to-Give – QR codes can direct donors to a text-to-give campaign.
Website Donation Page – The simplest option—link directly to your nonprofit’s donation page.

💡 Tip: Always test your QR code before sharing it publicly to ensure the payment process is seamless.

Final Tips for Using QR Codes Successfully

Keep it simple – Avoid cluttering QR codes with logos or images that interfere with scanning.
Leave space around the code – A clear border ensures cameras can scan the code correctly.
Test before launch – Always scan and verify the link before printing or sharing.
Train your team – Make sure staff and volunteers understand how QR codes work and can explain them to donors.
Track performance – If using dynamic QR codes, review analytics to see how many people scan and donate.

QR codes are an easy, cost-effective tool that can boost nonprofit fundraising, increase engagement, and make giving more convenient. By placing QR codes on printed materials, social media, events, and donor outreach, you can reach more supporters and raise more funds.

Start integrating QR codes into your fundraising strategy today and make giving easier for your donors.

🚀 Ready to start using QR codes for fundraising?