By Jessica Fox, writer at Eventgroove – a one-stop, integrated platform for events, fundraisers, and e-commerce driven to help its customers amplify their brand and reach their goals.

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How do you turn good intentions into action? That complex question can be answered in part by QR codes. Imagine a potential donor who happens to pass by a poster for your organization’s annual festival. They’re interested and tell themselves they’ll check it out later. But then they forget, and that’s that. What if that poster contained a QR code, and your passerby bought event tickets and made a quick donation right then and there? That’s what a QR code can do—turn curiosity or a moment’s inspiration into meaningful action.

Your organization has probably already incorporated them into its outreach strategy, but are you making the most of this inexpensive, versatile, and effective tool?

QR codes are a big deal for such an unglamorous little box. They can help you raise money, gather volunteers, inspire your donors, better understand your supporters, and connect with people who may not have heard of your organization.

Here’s how nonprofits are using QR codes to engage their audiences effectively:

• Fundraising: From charity sweepstakes to crowdfunding campaigns, QR codes placed on postcards, flyers, or social media provide a conduit for instant participation.
• Volunteer Recruitment: A QR code displayed on banners at a maker’s market or fundraising event can simplify sign-up for interested people.
• Driving A-thon Participation: Whether a bake-a-thon or walk-a-thon, yard signs with QR codes in high-traffic areas make registration effortless. You can even update the QR code mid-event to link to pledge forms, ensuring it remains relevant throughout your peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.

6 Innovative QR Code Strategies for Nonprofits

Take your nonprofit’s QR codes beyond fundraising and volunteer recruitment:

1) Showcasing Donor Impact: Use QR codes on personalized thank-you postcards that direct supporters to engaging videos or photo galleries showing how their contributions make a difference. Additionally, you can include QR codes in annual reports to further illustrate the difference your organization makes.

2) Enriching Event Experiences: If your association or chapter-based nonprofit hosts large annual conferences, QR codes can take attendee engagement to the next level. Include them in table tents, banners, and event badges to provide instant access to live event schedules, donation portals, or interactive activities. For example, a QR code could lead attendees to a word game, where they may win a free meal or another incentive if they solve it within a specific timeframe.

3) Local Outreach: Display QR codes in cafes, gyms, or bookstores that link to a relevant campaign, like a read-a-thon or food drive. To increase visibility, create co-branded QR codes that integrate the business’s branding alongside your nonprofit’s.

4) Post-Event Engagement: Include QR codes in follow-up notes that link to event recaps or a personalized thank-you video. You could also use this opportunity to gather participant insights through surveys or feedback forms.

5) Branded QR Codes: Enhance visibility and reinforce your brand with QR codes that include your nonprofit’s logo or colors.

Resource: QR Code Chimp

6) Video QR Codes: Highlight specific programs, tell your nonprofit’s story, or showcase donor impact by linking to video content.

5 Tips For QR Code Success

1. Mobile-First Design: Make sure all your linked content is optimized for mobile devices.
2. Clear Calls to Action: Use concise prompts like “Scan to Donate” or “Join our Volunteer Team.”
3. Test Thoroughly: Test QR codes across devices and lighting conditions to ensure functionality.
4. Analyze Data: Use Google Analytics or a QR code analytics tracking platform (many QR code generators offer this) to track scans and measure campaign success.
5. Design for Accessibility: Ensure QR codes are large enough and in high contrast, and, when you can, include alternative text.

Using Data to Deepen Connections

The data collected from your audience’s QR code usage can provide valuable insights and allow you to focus on specific details.

• Learn when and where QR codes are scanned, then use the information to adjust your placement strategy.
• Evaluate which materials generate the most engagement. If you discover QR code mailers outperform posters, double down on direct mail postcards.
• Use data to tailor follow-up messaging, enhancing the connection with your supporters.
• Identify trends to create rewards or recognition programs tied to QR code usage.

While QR codes can’t solve all your fundraising conundrums, they can have a real and positive impact. The ability to instantly connect people in real life with your organization’s online presence is invaluable!