QR Codes for Nonprofit Organizations

There is an exponential increase in the use of QR codes by companies and nonprofit organizations using the codes in all mediums of communication – including print, TV commercials, billboards, and digital media. Companies are finding innovative ways to use QR codes all the time.

Nonprofit organizations can also benefit from these codes. Here is how:

• Event invitations: Nonprofits that regularly arrange events can use QR codes on their invitation cards.

• Each code will have details about the event, including the date, time, and place. Also, they can include any specific information they would like the attendee to know, such as a list of speakers. An RSVP link can be embedded that will direct the person scanning the code to special section of the website.
• Pamphlets/Brochures: Charity organizations can include QR codes on their pamphlets and brochures to direct people to their causes’ web page. People can read about the campaign each organization is running and how to participate in them. The web page should be designed for mobile browsers, as most QR code scanning is done through smartphones.
• Donations: Charitable groups can use QR codes to collect donations. QR codes directing the user to a secure donation website should be printed on all the organization’s promotional materials. The website should be secure, since it will be used to make credit card transactions on a smartphone. As an incentive to scan the QR code, the organization can offer to contribute an amount equal to a percentage of each donation received through the QR code.
• Petitions: QR codes can also be used to drive people to a petition and collect signatures. The code can appear on promotional materials and will digitally sign the petition for the person scanning the code, saving him or her the hassle of inputting the information manually.

Nonprofits should be careful, however, not to make mistakes when using QR codes to avoid disappointing their audiences.