How to Use a QR Code for Fundraising Events

Launching and organizing nonprofit events can get overwhelming. This is where the QR code technology comes into play.

A QR code for fundraising can streamline the process of buying tickets, making donations, checking attendance, and selling merchandise.

Plus, with the right QR type, you can get your events started with ease. You can choose between dynamic and static depending on what you need for the occasion.

Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry; this article explores how QR codes enhance fundraising events and provide some best practices for using and creating them with a free QR code generator.

Table of Contents

    1. Who can use QR codes for the fundraising event?
    2. Best uses of QR codes in fundraising events
    3. Best practices for using QR codes for fundraising events
    4. Real-life examples of how to use a QR code for fundraising events
    5. How to invite users to use QR codes for nonprofit campaigns
    6. Integrate QR codes into your marketing materials
    7. Step up your fundraising with Free QR code Generator today
    8. FAQs

Who can use QR codes for the fundraising event?

QR codes are essentially limitless, whether in use cases or target users. Here’s a list of who can actually benefit from QR codes:

Event attendees

For attendees, QR codes provide a convenient and contactless way to access event information and complete transactions. One scan and they can send out donations or purchase merchandise items to help a cause.

Apart from that, they can purchase and verify their tickets minus the hassle of manually typing the official website or visiting a social media page.

Event organizers

For organizers, QR codes created from a free QR code generator help streamline the registration and ticketing processes without burning a hole in their pockets.

Rather than printing tickets, promotional materials, and educational articles for the events, you can simply create a digitized version of these through QR codes.

This saves you the time and dime which you can just allocate to more important causes.

Best uses of QR codes in fundraising events

There are many QR code ideas for nonprofits fundraising. Some examples include:

Donations

QR code for donations and online charities allow attendees to donate to the cause they support at the event. Organizers can create URL QR codes for fundraising events that link to a donation page or set up a QR code-based donation system at the event.

Merchandise sales

QR codes can facilitate the sale of event merchandise, such as t-shirts, bags, mugs, or hats. Attendees can scan a code to access a product catalog and place an order, which they can fulfill at the event or ship to them later.

Ticketing

Instead of distributing physical tickets, organizers can use ticket QR codes to allow attendees to access their tickets digitally. 

Organizers can do this through a dedicated event app or by sending the QR code to attendees via email or text.

Educational resources

Educate attendees about your cause by linking QR codes to informational resources. It can be articles, videos, testimonials, interactive displays, and infographics that provide them with the material and impact of their donations. 

Moreover, you can include success stories and progress reports to highlight the tangible outcomes of their support. This will not only educate them but also reinforce the significance of their contributions. 

As for the interactive displays at your event, education QR codes can link to additional content.

Using videos, articles, and other detailed materials explaining the topics presented enriches the experience for attendees and also provides a way for them to understand the cause deeply at their own pace.

For example, a photo gallery showcasing your organization's work can include QR codes that show detailed stories behind the images. This will leave a lasting impression on attendees during the immersive experience.

Best practices for using QR codes for fundraising events

To ensure that QR codes are used effectively at fundraising events, there are a few best practices to follow:

Make sure the codes are easy to scan

This means using a large, high-contrast event QR code that is easily scannable with a smartphone camera. Avoid placing the code in areas with low lighting or other obstructions.

Provide clear instructions

It's essential to provide clear instructions for attendees when scanning the codes, whether it's a QR code for donations, tickets, or merchandise sales. 

Clear instructions enhance attendees' confidence in the security and reliability of the QR code system. This increased confidence can lead to higher engagement and participation, which ultimately boosts donations and sales.

Do this on signages, announcements, or written instructions included with the QR code.

Test the QR code for fundraising events

Test all QR codes before the event to ensure they are working correctly and avoid any issues on the event day.

Bonus tip: A free QR code maker is valuable for creating and managing QR codes for fundraising. Many online platforms offer this service, allowing you to create custom QR codes and track their usage.

Real-life examples of how to use a QR code for fundraising events

Here are some real-life examples of fundraisers that used QR codes:

American Red Cross blood donor app (USA, 2014)

The American Red Cross Organization simplified the blood donation process using QR codes. People who want to donate can visit their website and scan the QR code to download the app

Here, they can view nearby blood drives, book a schedule to donate, undergo medical pre-screening with RapidPass, and see their donation history. They can also see where and how their blood is donated by seeing the tracking journey.

They also use QR codes for Red Cross digital certificates, proving that awardees have successfully completed an American Red Cross course. Each certificate holds unique ID numbers and QR codes to ensure authenticity. 

Run for a Reason (Australia, 2023)

The "Run for a Reason" charity run in Australia used a QR code signage to facilitate the registration process for participants and track their progress during the event.

Attendees could scan a QR code for fundraising at check-in to access their personal information and event details. Then, they could scan a code at each checkpoint along the route to track their time and distance.

UNICEF: Trick-or-Treat campaign (New York, 2023)

The iconic Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign began in 1950 and continues in the digital age. With QR codes, UNICEF participants during the 2023 campaign donated and participated in various virtual activities.

The reason for using QR codes was to reach different parts of the United States of America and make an impact on children globally.

UNICEF has accumulated around 195 million dollars worth of donations, which has helped fund the prevention of childhood diseases, the construction of schools and wells, and aided children suffering from natural disasters, hunger, war, and other crises.

This allowed for a contactless and convenient way for supporters to contribute and engage with UNICEF's mission to support children worldwide​.

Brews for a Cause (California, 2023)

The "Brews for a Cause" craft beer festival in Los Angeles, California, used QR codes to facilitate ticket sales and make it easy for attendees to access event information and a list of participating breweries.

Attendees could scan a QR code to access their tickets and view the festival map and schedule on their smartphones.

These are just a few examples of how QR codes can enhance fundraising events and make them more efficient and convenient for organizers and attendees. 

How to invite users to use QR codes for nonprofit campaigns

If you're organizing a fundraising event and considering using QR codes, here are a few ways you can invite attendees to use them:

Promote the use of QR codes in your event materials

You can use flyers and brochures QR code on your materials. Provide clear instructions on how attendees can scan the codes and what they can expect to find when they do so.

Set up QR code stations

Consider setting up a designated QR code station at the event, where attendees can scan codes to access event information, make donations, purchase merchandise, or try out an augmented reality QR code. Make sure to provide clear signage and instructions at these stations.

To do this, you can customize a call to action for your codes using a free QR code generator.

Use QR codes on event materials

Include QR codes on event signage, tickets, and other materials attendees will encounter during the event. This can help remind attendees that they can use QR codes to access event information and make transactions.

By promoting QR codes and giving clear instructions on how to use them, you can encourage people to use them and take advantage of how easy and quick they are.

Integrate QR codes into your marketing materials

Incorporate the QR codes into various marketing materials to reach a wider audience. 

Some effective places to include QR codes are:

  • Flyers and Posters: Printed materials can help promote the event by giving it away in high foot traffic areas.
  • Email Campaigns: Embed QR codes in email newsletters to direct recipients to your donation page.
  • Social Media Posts: Posting your QR codes on social media accounts might encourage followers to attend and invite others by reposting.
  • Event Programs: Include QR codes and tickets in event programs to facilitate donations during events.
  • RSVP: Include RSVP QR codes in invitations which guests can scan to confirm their attendance.

Start creating QR codes for your fundraising events now with the best QR code generator online.

Step up your fundraising with Free QR code Generator today

QR codes can be a valuable tool for fundraising events because they make buying tickets, making donations, and selling merchandise easier.

QR codes are essential tools for marketing your event, and this will help you reach a wider audience.

With a QR code for fundraising events, organizers can streamline the event experience for attendees and make it easier for them to support the cause.

Ensure the event runs smoothly and successfully by deploying easy-to-scan QR codes and providing clear instructions.

FAQs

Can QR codes be used for other types of fundraising events?

Of course! QR codes for other types of fundraising events like galas, auctions, bake sales, charity runs, marathons, and many more.

 QR codes for nonprofits can also be used as virtual volunteer sign-ups for fundraisers. 

Here, they can access information about the event, registration sites, and online donation pages, and organizers can monitor the donations before, during, and after the event. 

How can I ensure donors trust the QR codes in my fundraising campaign?

It is essential to inform your donors what the fundraising QR code is for and provide context about the cause of your event and its usage. 

Always include your organization's brand and contact information on the QR code copy so that donors can learn more about the organization's goal and receive updates on your project.

This establishes assurance that their money is used for a great cause. Want to reach your donation goal at a faster rate? Visit the free QR code generator now.