QR Codes for Nonprofits: Which Type is Right for Your Fundraiser

QR codes, also known as quick response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone or other device to access information or a website. They have gained popularity as a way to quickly and easily provide access to information or websites, especially for nonprofit organizations.

We loved Jotform's overview of what a QR Code is, so give this a quick watch!

Alright, so lets review...

There are four types of QR codes, but how do you know which would be best for your fundraiser?

First, let's see what we're working with...

4 Types of QR Codes

There are four types of QR codes: Static, Dynamic, Tracking, and Universal and ways nonprofits like YOU can use them.

Static QR codes

Static QR codes: These are the simplest type of QR codes and are fixed or static, meaning the information they contain cannot be changed once they are created. Nonprofits can use static QR codes to encode information like a website URL, contact information, or a message that is always the same.

For example:

• A flyer for a charity walkathon includes a static QR code that directs people to the event website, where they can sign up to participate or donate.
• A brochure for a nonprofit animal shelter includes a static QR code that directs people to the shelter's adoption page, where they can learn more about animals available for adoption and complete an application.
• A poster for a fundraiser concert includes a static QR code that directs people to the ticket purchasing page, where they can buy tickets to the event.
• A nonprofit organization can place a static QR code on their brochure which, when scanned, directs the user to a page with information about their mission and impact.
• A nonprofit can include a static QR code on a poster that directs the user to their social media page, where they can follow the organization for updates on events and campaigns.
  
• A nonprofit can include a static QR code on a newsletter that directs the user to their volunteer page, where they can sign up to participate in upcoming events.

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Dynamic QR codes

These are more advanced QR codes that can be changed after they are created. Nonprofits can use dynamic QR codes to encode information that is time-sensitive or may need to be updated, like a donation matching campaign.

For example:

• A nonprofit organization creates a dynamic QR code to promote a limited-time donation match campaign. As the donation campaign progresses, the nonprofit can update the code with the latest donation match status to incentivize more donations.
• A museum includes a dynamic QR code on an exhibit panel that directs people to a webpage with more information about the exhibit. As the exhibit changes or new information becomes available, the museum can update the code to ensure visitors always have access to the most up-to-date information.
• A university includes a dynamic QR code on a campus map that directs people to a virtual tour of the campus. As the campus changes or new buildings are added, the university can update the code to ensure visitors always have access to the most current version of the tour.
• A nonprofit organization can create a dynamic QR code to promote a time-sensitive fundraising campaign. As the campaign progresses, the nonprofit can update the code with the latest donation total to encourage more donations.
• A nonprofit can create a dynamic QR code to promote a limited-time offer, such as a discount on event tickets. As the offer end date approaches, the nonprofit can update the code with the latest ticket availability status to incentivize more purchases.
• A nonprofit can create a dynamic QR code to promote a new fundraising event. As the event details are finalized, the nonprofit can update the code with the latest event information to keep potential attendees informed.

Tracking QR codes

These codes are designed to help nonprofits measure the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns. They work by embedding a tracking mechanism within the code that allows the nonprofit to monitor how many times the code is scanned and when it is scanned. This information can help the nonprofit evaluate the success of their campaign and make adjustments as needed.

For example:

• A nonprofit organization creates a tracking QR code to promote a new volunteer recruitment drive. The nonprofit can track the number of times the code is scanned to gauge the success of their campaign and adjust their marketing strategy accordingly.
• A hospital includes a tracking QR code in a brochure that promotes a new health screening program. The hospital can track the number of scans to see which distribution methods are most effective and adjust their marketing approach accordingly.
• A library includes a tracking QR code on a book display that promotes a new collection. The library can track the number of scans to see which books are most popular and adjust their collection accordingly.
• A nonprofit organization can create a tracking QR code to promote a new campaign on their website. The nonprofit can track the number of times the code is scanned to gauge the success of their campaign.
• A nonprofit can create a tracking QR code to monitor how many people are accessing their volunteer application form. The nonprofit can use this information to optimize the application form and improve their volunteer recruitment efforts.
• A nonprofit can create a tracking QR code to monitor how many people are accessing their donation page from a specific marketing channel, such as social media. The nonprofit can use this information to focus their marketing efforts on the channels that drive the most traffic to their website.

Universal QR codes

These are QR codes that can be used to encode any type of information, including text, URLs, email addresses, phone numbers, and more. Nonprofits can use universal QR codes to make it easy for donors to access information or donate to their cause from anywhere.

For example:

• A nonprofit organization creates a universal QR code that links to their donation page. This code could be used in multiple marketing campaigns and materials, such as social media posts, emails, and posters.
• A restaurant includes a universal QR code on their menu that directs people to a website with nutritional information about their menu items.
• A park includes a universal QR code on a trail map that directs people to a website with more information about the park's natural history and wildlife.
• A nonprofit organization can create a universal QR code that links to their newsletter sign-up page. This code could be used in multiple marketing campaigns and materials, such as social media posts, emails, and posters.
• A nonprofit can create a universal QR code that links to their event calendar. This code could be used in multiple marketing campaigns and materials, such as social media posts, emails, and posters.
• A nonprofit can create a universal QR code that links to their general donation page. This code could be used in multiple marketing campaigns and materials, such as social media posts, emails, and posters.

This makes it easy for donors to give no matter how they encounter your nonprofit's message.

QR codes can be a powerful tool for organizations to simplify the donation process for donors. By using the right type of QR code, nonprofits can make it easy for donors to access information, stay up-to-date on campaigns, and give in a variety of ways.

For more on creating and sharing QR Codes, check out this Harness Help article.

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