10 Ways Fundraisers Can Use QR Codes

Ever since the mobile fundraising success during the Haiti relief effort last year, 2011 has been crowned as the year of mobile fundraising. Organizations of all disciplines and sizes have started to at least look into how to use mobile to raise funds.

The latest mobile technology hot button is the use of QR codes. QR codes are two-dimensional barcode images that open links to websites, send text messages or dial phone numbers when scanned by a camera or smartphone.

As Heather Mansfield, owner of DIOSA Communications, notes on her blog: "QR Codes are turning out to be a tool that finally helps nonprofits understand why they need mobile websites. … To best utilize QR Codes you will need to link to Web pages designed for mobile browsing, especially 'Donate Now' and 'Text-to-Give Now' pages …"

In the same post, Mansfield offers 22 ways nonprofits can use QR codes for fundraising and awareness campaigns. Here are 10 of those 22 ideas:

1. In fundraising appeals.
2. In print newsletter.
3. At fundraising events — galas, marathons, etc.
4. On fliers and community billboards.
5. At conferences.
6. At checkout lines.
7. At concerts and sporting events.
8. On college campuses.
9. In window displays.
10. On T-shirts, mugs, pins and business cards.

To get the other 12 ideas and learn more about QR codes and mobile websites, click here.