People often associate Shopify with for-profit commerce, but did you realize that you can use Shopify for nonprofits? This cloud-based platform can be a great tool for nonprofits because 64% of donors prefer to give online with a credit or debit card. Find out how to use Shopify for your nonprofit.
What Are the Customer Plans for Shopify for Nonprofits?
Shopify offers discounted pricing for nonprofits, sometimes referred to as NPO Lite and NPO Full. These plans provide reduced transaction fees and nonprofit-friendly features.
NPO Lite
NPO Lite costs the same as the Shopify Basic plan — $29 per month or $96 annually. If you’re just getting started or don’t need to accommodate a lot of traffic, this plan may be for you.
With NPO Lite, you get features for nonprofits that aren’t available on Basic, such as:
- Only 1% transaction fees when using a third-party provider
- Credit card rates that are the same as the plan for small business teams
- Unlimited accounts for your staff
- Real-time carrier shipping
If you don’t need an online store, you might be able to secure a reduced rate.
NPO Full
NPO Full is similar to the standard Shopify plan for small businesses, but it offers a few extra benefits. One is that you get 0% transaction fees if using a third-party provider. Additionally, credit card rates are the same as those of the Advanced plan for businesses.
Can I Accept Donations Through Shopify?
Yes, you can receive donations through your nonprofit store on Shopify. Both the NPO Lite and NPO Full plans allow registered U.S. and Canadian charities to accept donations through Shopify payments.
You can also use third-party apps to collect donations. For instance, various apps let you set up recurring payments. Tracking, inventory, and accounting features make it easier to generate tax receipts.
Is Shopify Good for Nonprofits?
Yes, Shopify is an excellent choice for nonprofits. It offers a user-friendly platform for spreading the word about your mission and raising funds. The business features give you a convenient platform for selling products for donations to charity. You can also sell, schedule, and coordinate services to donors.
One great feature is the customizable drag-and-drop website themes, which look sleek and professional. The designs are responsive and work seamlessly across devices, even mobile.
Nonprofits of all sizes use the platform. For example, WaterAid and WWF-UK are global teams that use Shopify, but smaller operations, such as Wagster Dog Treats, also use it.
Additionally, many nonprofits feel good about working with Shopify because it has its own Sustainability Fund. The company donates millions to fight climate change and has committed itself to carbon neutrality.
Can I Manage Charity Events Using Shopify?
Nonprofits often thrive on promoting events, which is where a Shopify event and ticketing app can serve you well. Your team can fully customize event pages and integrate other Shopify apps to maximize the effectiveness of your email and social media marketing campaigns.
You can set up various ticket types and pricing options easily. For example, when hosting a dinner or gala, quickly create options for different seats and meals and conveniently track orders and donations. Because you retain ownership of your donor data, you have a rich resource of information for future fundraising initiatives.
How Can You Get the Most From Using Shopify for Your Nonprofit?
Beyond asking for donations, provide value to donors. Providing thank-you gifts is a great way to show appreciation. For instance, branded items let donors showcase their generosity and promote your organization.
You can also sell merchandise that supports your cause outright. To motivate buyers, clearly highlight where the proceeds are going.
For events, you might try an auction, fun run, sports tournament, talent show, movie night, or trivia night. Make sure you have an event and ticketing app to keep things organized.
Finally, a blog on your site can draw in traffic when you provide interesting content. Stories of those who benefitted from your work are always good subjects.
How Do You Use Shopify for a Nonprofit?
In a few steps, you can launch your nonprofit Shopify site.
- First, gather the documentation you need to prove your status as a nonprofit. Then, start a Shopify free trial and set up some basic store features. However, don’t spend too long on building your site just yet.
- Promptly contact the Shopify support team through the site’s Help Center and submit an application to start a nonprofit Shopify store. The process can take some time, so be patient with the team.
- While waiting, spend time customizing your store with an eye-catching theme and start adding donation options and products. Then, compare which Shopify integrations and apps you’ll need to run your site.
- Once you’ve received approval, you can finish setting up your store. Talk to other stakeholders to make sure the visuals and messaging are hitting the mark.
You don’t have to worry about your site being perfect. Cover the basics and make improvements over time.
Start Using Shopify for Nonprofits
Using Shopify for your nonprofit can help you extend the reach of your messaging and generate even more support for your cause. You’ll get the most from the platform by integrating apps that help you motivate donors to action and provide a convenient way for them to give.
The best tool for online and in-person events is Evey Events. Ready to see how our app can help you shine a greater spotlight on your nonprofit? Contact us to see how Evey offers a seamless solution for event planning, ticketing, and real-time donor analytics when using Shopify for a nonprofit.
