Accepting Donations on Squarespace

About this Squarespace video tutorial

Learn how to easily set up and start accepting donations on Squarespace for your website or non-profit organization. Accepting donations on Squarespace is simple and secure, and we'll show you how to get started in this video tutorial.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction
0:33 Connect payment platforms
1:50 Add donation button

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Step 1: Connect Your Payment Platforms

To begin accepting donations, the first step is to connect your payment platforms. Squarespace supports several options, including Stripe, PayPal, and Square (for in-person payments).

1. Navigate to Settings: On the main sidebar, scroll down to the bottom and click on "Settings."

2. Go to Selling & Payments: In the settings menu, select "Selling" and then "Payments."

3. Connect Your Payment Methods: Here, you can connect Stripe and PayPal. Stripe is widely used and supports Apple Pay on mobile devices. PayPal also enables payments through Venmo when accessed via mobile.

Step 2: Add and Customize the Donation Button

Once your payment platforms are connected, you can add a donation button to your Squarespace site.

1. Edit Your Page: Navigate to the page where you want to add the donation button and enter edit mode.

2. Add a Block: Click to add a new block and search for "Donation." Select and add it to your page.

3. Customize the Donation Button: Click the pencil icon to access customization options. Here’s what you can do:

   • Donation Amounts: Add preset donation amounts and organize them as you wish.

   • Button Text: Change the text on the donation button to match your site's style.

   • Form Title & Description: Provide a title and description for your donation form to inform donors.

   • Form Fields: Collect additional information from donors, such as name and email, which can be useful for sending thank you notes or shout-outs.

   • Donation Receipt: Customize the receipt donors receive after making a donation.

   • Button Alignment: Adjust the button alignment to fit your page layout, typically centered.

Adding the Donation Button to Multiple Pages

If you want to place the donation button on multiple pages without customizing it each time, here’s a handy workaround:

1. Save the Section: After adding and customizing the donation button, click the heart button to save the section.

2. Reuse the Section: On any new page, add a section, go to "Saved Sections," and select your saved donation button.

Placing the Donation Button in the Footer

For a consistent and always-visible donation option, consider placing the donation button in your website's footer. This way, it appears on every page without the need for duplication.

Creative Ideas for Accepting Donations

I figure it would also be helpful to share some creative ideas for accepting donations that could be particularly beneficial for someone like you:

1. Virtual Tip Jar:

• Set up a donation button during live streaming performances or virtual concerts.

• Offer exclusive content or personalized thank-you notes to donors.

2. Support Small & Local Businesses:

• Allow loyal customers to contribute towards community projects or special events.

• Create a donation page for crowd-funding new product lines or expansions.

3. Creative Projects Funding:

• For artists, writers, or filmmakers, use donations to support the creation of new work.

• Offer behind-the-scenes access, early previews, or special acknowledgments in your projects as incentives.

4. Charitable Partnerships:

• Collaborate with a charity and donate a portion of the contributions.

• Promote your cause through social media and email campaigns to reach a broader audience.

5. Membership or Subscription Models:

• Create a recurring donation option to build a sustainable support base.

• Offer exclusive perks or content to recurring donors, such as monthly updates, special workshops, or early access to new releases.

Implementing one (or several) of these donation strategies can help you build stronger relationships with your audience and generate additional financial support for your creative endeavors... the ultimate goal, right!?​

Conclusion

That's it! You now know how to accept donations on your Squarespace site. Remember to first connect your payment methods, then add and customize your donation button. If you have any specific donation or online payment-related questions, feel free to drop a comment in the comments here or on YouTube. I'd love to hear from you! Happy fundraising!

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