Donating in the digital age: How to use QR codes for nonprofits

QR codes are a convenient, cost-effective, and exciting way to engage supporters. In this blog, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about QR codes for nonprofits, including how to create one for your cause—for free.

What are QR codes?

Quick Response (QR) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using the camera on a smartphone or tablet. Depending on your organization’s needs and goals, QR codes can be linked to any page you want to send people to—your website, event registration, fundraising page, or even straight into a donation flow.

QR codes have grown rapidly in popularity across sectors and can be an essential tool for nonprofits looking to attract supporters and bring in new donations. 

Simple and easy to use, QR codes are:

• Cost efficient 💸 Most QR code generators aren’t too expensive to use—some, like Givebutter's scan-to-donate feature, are free! 
• Accessible and flexible 📱 QR codes take mobile donations and flexible giving to a whole new level. Anyone with a smartphone can scan a QR code and give on the spot, right from their device.
• Engaging ⚡ QR codes can link to even more than donation forms. Guide supporters toward interactive content—like videos, stories, or surveys—to take supporter engagement to a deeper level. 
• Versatile 🚀 As we’ll explore below, QR codes can be used in a multitude of different ways, whether you’re looking to run a successful event or encourage more donations. 

How do I get a QR code for my nonprofit?

There are lots of free QR generators online, but they often come packed with third-party ads and hidden costs, and many don’t integrate with other nonprofit tools and fundraising features. 

Givebutter is an all-in-one fundraising platform with a free QR code generator for nonprofits baked right in. When you create a donation form, campaign page, or fundraising event on Givebutter, we’ll generate a free QR code you can use to send supporters to your campaign in seconds.

What can QR codes be used for? 

One of the best things about QR codes is their versatility. With QR codes, nonprofits can link and direct supporters to:

• Donation forms and fundraising pages
• Event and auction registration forms
• Video testimonials and montages
• Sponsorship opportunities
• Social media channels
• Giving hubs 
• Sign-up forms
• Newsletters
• Surveys 

Where to use QR codes for nonprofit organizations: 4 best places 

1. Fundraising events 🎉

At your next fundraiser or gala, connect attendees with detailed, expansive information about your organization by placing QR codes on:

• Tables and other highly visible areas
• Napkins 
• Projected with live display
• Tickets 

2. Marketing materials 🗞

QR codes are a great way to butter up your marketing material. Plus, for nonprofits that want to keep their marketing material short and sweet, QR codes are a great way to provide extra information for curious supporters without overwhelming them. 

QR codes can be used on:

• Brochures
• Pamphlets
• Business cards 
• Stickers
• Swag or other merch
• Impact reports
• Ads 

3. Direct mail 💌

Despite popular belief, snail mail isn’t a thing of the past. In fact, 77% of consumers sort physical mail immediately upon receiving it (as opposed to a 20% open rate for email!). 

The next time your nonprofit sends out a direct mail campaign, be sure to include QR codes for easy scanning that link direct mail recipients directly to donation pages, event registration, and more. With Givebutter Mailings, you can automatically add individual QR codes to each letter, enabling you to track scans and contributions in real time! 

4. Auctions 🎁

Silent auctions are a fun and engaging way to excite donors and offer them a new opportunity to participate in your organization’s fundraising initiatives. However, they can quickly become stressful without the right tools.

With Givebutter, your nonprofit can automatically generate QR codes for all of your auction items and empower supporters to bid right from their phones.

More to explore

How to maximize bids using QR codes and mobile bidding (free silent auction bid sheets template!) →

Givebutter: The best QR code generator for nonprofits 

With Givebutter, organizations can create custom QR codes for auction items, event registration, mailings, and giving forms. And when you create a free Givebutter account, you also get access to an entire suite of top-rated fundraising features, marketing tools, and built-in nonprofit CRM.

Set up your free account today and make mobile giving effortless using Givebutter's automatic QR code generator.