How to set up a QR code for donations and boost giving

That’s exactly why more and more nonprofits are turning to QR codes. They’re simple, they’re fast, and they make giving as easy as pointing a phone camera.

At Harness, we’ve worked with dozens of organizations looking to make giving more seamless and spontaneous. And QR codes? They’re one of the lowest-effort, highest-impact tools in your fundraising toolkit. Whether it’s on a poster at your event or printed on your next mailer, a quick scan can send someone straight to your donation form. No typing, no waiting.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how QR codes work for fundraising, how to set one up, and where to use them to get the best results. You’ll also get pro tips from what we’ve seen work in the field, because we’ve actually been there, and we’ve helped partners make it work.

Ready to make giving easier for your supporters? Let Harness help you create a smarter, branded donation experience, without the tech hassle.

Why QR codes for donations are a game changer for nonprofits

A QR code is a type of square-shaped barcode that can be scanned using a phone’s camera. Once scanned, it instantly opens a webpage, like your donation form, without needing to type in a long URL. They’re simple, fast, and easy to use on just about anything you can print or display.

For nonprofits, QR codes offer something rare: high impact with low effort. You don’t need to build an app or invest in new tech. With just one code, you can connect potential donors directly to your fundraising page from a flyer, a poster, or even a name tag.

We’ve worked with organizations that placed QR codes on event signage and saw people donating in real time, on their phones, while standing in line or walking out the door. That kind of instant engagement is hard to achieve through traditional channels.

QR codes also lower the barrier to giving. Donors don’t need to remember a web address or navigate your site. They just scan and land exactly where you want them: a clean, branded donation page that’s mobile-friendly and ready to go.

And when budgets are tight, the cost-effectiveness of QR codes can’t be overstated. You can generate and reuse them without extra expense, making them a powerful tool for ongoing campaigns.

In short: QR codes help you meet people where they are, on their phones, and make it easier for them to say yes to giving.

Types of QR codes for fundraising: static vs. dynamic

When you're choosing a QR code for donations, the first thing to know is that not all QR codes work the same way. There are two main types: static and dynamic. Each one has its place, depending on what you need and how much flexibility you want.

A static QR code is simple and fixed. Once it’s created, the link it points to can’t be changed. That makes it a good fit for things that won’t change, like a general donation page or an evergreen fundraising campaign. It’s free to create and easy to use, especially if you’re just getting started. But if you ever need to update the page it links to, you’ll need to make a whole new code.

A dynamic QR code, on the other hand, gives you more control. You can change the destination URL even after the code has been printed or shared. That means you can reuse the same code for different campaigns, test out different landing pages, or track where scans are coming from. It’s ideal if you want to run reports or tweak your strategy over time.

From our experience, many nonprofits start with static codes, because they’re simple and free, but shift to dynamic ones as they grow. Being able to measure performance and make quick changes can make a big difference, especially if you’re juggling multiple events or seasonal campaigns.

The type you choose depends on your goals, but either one can help you collect donations quickly and conveniently.

How do you set up a QR code for donations? A step-by-step walkthrough

Creating a QR code for your nonprofit’s fundraising is a straightforward process, but it’s also something worth taking seriously. The goal here isn’t just to generate a code, it’s to make sure that the donor experience is smooth, secure, and effective from the very first scan.

Here’s how to set it up the right way:

1. Choose the right destination

Start by deciding where you want your QR code to send people. This could be your main donation form, a specific fundraising campaign, or a page tied to an upcoming event. Whatever you choose, make sure the page is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and clearly focused on your call to action, donating.

At Harness, we’ve helped partners simplify this step with branded, mobile-optimized donation pages that are designed to convert, so there’s no need to build anything from scratch.

2. Use a reliable QR code generator

Once you’ve got your link, use a trusted QR code generator to create the code itself. Most tools are free and easy to use, just paste in your URL and download the file. If you want flexibility, look for a platform that offers dynamic codes, so you can track results or change the link later without reprinting materials.

3. Customize for clarity and brand alignment

Customizing your QR code isn’t required, but it can make a real difference. Add your logo, use brand colors, or include a short label like “Scan to Give.” The design should feel intentional, not like an afterthought. At the same time, don’t overcomplicate it, high contrast and simplicity are key to making sure the code is easy to scan.

4. Test across devices

Before you put your QR code out into the world, test it. Use multiple phones and internet connections. Scan it from printed materials, not just your screen. Make sure the page loads quickly, the donation process is clear, and nothing feels broken or confusing.

Your supporters are trusting you with their time and their money. Taking a few extra minutes to test everything shows them that their experience matters to you.

Where to use your QR code for maximum fundraising impact

Once your QR code is ready, where you place it matters just as much as how it works. The best results come from meeting your donors where they already are, at events, in print, online, and out in the community. Think of your QR code as a bridge between curiosity and action. Here’s where to make it count.

In-person events and fundraising campaigns

Live events offer some of the best opportunities for QR code engagement. Place your code on event signage, info tables, program booklets, or even name badges. When people are already emotionally connected to your cause, listening to a speaker, watching a performance, or volunteering, scanning and giving feels natural. Some of our partners have also added QR codes to auction tables or donation walls, making it easy for guests to contribute without waiting in line or handling cash.

Printed materials

QR codes shine on anything printed. Include one on your mailers, thank-you cards, flyers, brochures, and even business cards. These materials tend to stick around longer than a social post or an email, and a well-placed QR code can give them a second life, transforming a printed message into a live opportunity to give. Just be sure the printed size is large enough to scan easily and has enough contrast from the background.

Digital channels

Your QR code doesn’t have to live only in the physical world. You can add it to social media graphics, slide decks, virtual event screens, or anywhere you might use a digital image. It’s a smart way to give supporters an easy scan option while they’re watching a livestream or scrolling on their phone. If you’re sending out email newsletters or digital invites, include your QR code as a secondary option for those who prefer scanning over clicking.

QR code best practices to increase donor conversions

Creating a QR code is one thing. Making sure it actually leads to donations? That’s where a few key best practices come into play. We've worked with nonprofits of all sizes, and the same small details often separate a QR code that gets scanned from one that gets ignored.

Place it where it’s easy to scan

Position your QR code where it’s clearly visible and at a comfortable height. Avoid putting it too low (like near the bottom of a sign) or too small (like in the corner of a flyer). If it’s on printed material, keep it clear of folds, shadows, or glare from glossy paper.

Add a clear call to action

A black-and-white square by itself doesn’t tell people what to do. Add a short, direct phrase like “Scan to donate” or “Support us with one tap.” Make it obvious what scanning the code will lead to, and why it matters.

Keep the donation page mobile-friendly

Most people scanning your code will be on their phones. That means your donation form needs to load quickly, look clean on small screens, and ask for only what’s necessary. If the process feels clunky or too long, people will back out. We’ve seen drop-off rates fall dramatically when nonprofits simplify their mobile donation pages.

Make it accessible

Not everyone interacts with content in the same way. Use high-contrast colors, avoid placing QR codes over images or patterns, and include alt text or labels when sharing digitally. These simple steps help ensure that everyone, including people with visual impairments, can engage with your content.

Test and adjust over time

Don’t assume that your first QR code placement is the best one. Try different spots, messages, and materials. A/B testing, comparing two versions, can show you what’s actually working. And if you’re using a dynamic code, you can update the link or track usage without changing the code itself.

When you treat QR codes as a strategic tool rather than a last-minute add-on, they become a reliable way to turn interest into action.

Free vs. paid QR code generators: which is right for your nonprofit

There are plenty of QR code generators out there, and many of them are free. But just because something’s free doesn’t always mean it’s the best fit, especially when it comes to tools that directly support your fundraising.

When a free QR code generator is enough

If you’re just getting started or running a one-time campaign with a static donation page, a free QR code generator will likely meet your needs. You can paste in your donation page URL, generate the code, and download it for use on flyers, posters, or your website. Many of our nonprofit partners start this way, especially when they’re testing out QR codes for the first time.

Just be aware: with free generators, what you see is usually what you get. You won’t be able to track how many times the code was scanned, and if you make a mistake or want to update the link, you’ll have to generate a brand-new code.

Why you might consider a paid or dynamic option

If your organization runs ongoing campaigns or wants more insight into how your QR codes are performing, a dynamic code from a paid service might be a smarter investment. With dynamic codes, you can:

• Edit the destination URL without changing the QR code
• Track scan metrics over time
• Create multiple codes for different campaigns
• Customize design and branding more fully

This added flexibility can be especially useful if your fundraising strategy changes often, or if you want to optimize performance across multiple outreach channels.

The bottom line: Free tools are great for simple needs. But if you want deeper data and more control, a paid generator with dynamic capabilities can offer long-term value, and fewer headaches down the road.

Tracking and optimizing your QR code performance

Once your QR code is out in the world, your job isn’t done. To really make the most of it, you need to track how it's performing, and use that data to improve results over time. This is one of the biggest missed opportunities we see with nonprofits. A code might be working… or it might be underperforming. But without tracking, you just won’t know.

Use dynamic QR codes to collect data

If you’re using a dynamic QR code, you’ll be able to see exactly how many times it’s been scanned, when, and sometimes even where. This helps you measure campaign performance, compare channels (like print vs. digital), and make informed decisions on where to invest your efforts next.

Add tracking parameters to your URL

Even if you're using a basic code, you can still add UTM parameters to your donation page URL. This allows you to track traffic and conversions through tools like Google Analytics. You’ll be able to see how many people scanned your code and completed a donation, giving you a clearer picture of your return on effort.

Look for patterns and adjust

Don’t just collect data, use it. If your event flyers are getting scans but no donations, maybe the landing page needs work. If one campaign outperforms the rest, figure out what made it successful and replicate it. A/B testing different placements, calls to action, or even QR code designs can reveal what actually moves donors to give.

Integrate with your reporting tools

If you're using a platform like Harness, much of this tracking can be automated and pulled into your existing dashboards. That way, you're not just tracking donations, you’re learning how your audience behaves and using those insights to grow smarter over time.

QR codes may look simple, but they can provide powerful data if you set them up with intention.

Open big doors

QR codes may seem like a small detail, but they can open big doors. They make giving faster, more accessible, and more natural, especially in a world where attention is short and mobile phones are always close by. Whether you’re adding them to event signage, printed materials, or digital campaigns, QR codes give your supporters a clear path to take action in the moment.

But like any fundraising tool, the real power comes from how you use it. A QR code linked to a mobile-friendly, mission-driven donation page can turn a quick scan into a lasting connection. And when you take time to test, track, and improve, you turn something simple into something strategic.

At Harness, we’ve helped nonprofits turn everyday tools, like QR codes, into serious fundraising wins. If you’re ready to simplify the giving experience, strengthen your campaigns, and grow your impact, we’d love to help you do it.