{"id":16849,"date":"2021-05-20T03:05:57","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T10:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/?p=16849"},"modified":"2026-09-25T02:50:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T09:50:57","slug":"qr-codes-for-nonprofits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/qr-codes-for-nonprofits","title":{"rendered":"QR Codes for Nonprofits: Simple Guide to Increase Donations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over <\/span>two-thirds<\/span><\/a> of consumers have used QR codes at least once in the last year. Scanning those little square codes to pull up information and quickly connect with websites on mobile has become common practice \u2013 and using them for fundraising is easier than ever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, I\u2019ll share how to use QR codes to ramp up your fundraising, along with everything else you need to know to use them effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Types of QR Codes for Nonprofits<\/h2>\n

First, there are two types of QR codes you should know about. Here\u2019s a quick look at them:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Static QR Codes<\/th>Dynamic QR Codes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Straightforward, baseline codes.<\/td>Changeable, trackable codes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Can\u2019t be altered after creation.<\/td>URL can be altered after creation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Don\u2019t track data.<\/td>Track data like number of scans, location of scans, and device used for scanning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best use: Sending supporters to a single webpage that won\u2019t change, like your donation page or a fundraising event page.<\/td>Best use: Long-term, evergreen code to be used on materials like business cards or signage that can\u2019t be easily changed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost: Free.<\/td>Cost: There are some limited free options available, but typically dynamic codes require a subscription charged as a monthly fee anywhere from $4 to $50.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n
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Are QR Codes Safe?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Generally, QR codes are safe. However, as with anything on the internet these days, there’s reason to be cautious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Users should never scan QR codes from unknown or untrustworthy sources. Phishing, or getting someone to follow a malicious link, is possible with QR codes and is referred to as \u201cquishing.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To ensure your supporters always feel comfortable using your QR codes, include them on heavily branded materials so they know to trust your code and that the link is safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to Use QR Codes for Fundraising<\/span><\/h2>\n

While QR codes are great for sharing general information via any link on your website, such as sharing your <\/span>mission or vision statements<\/span><\/a>, the real power of nonprofit QR codes comes with fundraising.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As an affordable option, QR codes are also powerful when leveraged correctly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use QR codes to:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n