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QR Codes For Non-Profits

QR codes, short for quick response codes, have been around since the early 1990s. Still, with the need for touch-free interaction during the pandemic and the continued popularity of the engaging experience they provide, QR codes have never been more popular as they are today. That growth has grown year-on-year, with QR code payment users reaching over 2.9 billion globally by the end of 2025. 

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Speak to a BrookGlobal donor engagement strategist today, to brainstorm ways your organization could incorporate a QR codes into your donor engagement system.

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The pandemic has forever changed people’s perception of spreading germs and touching screens and other public surfaces. Luckily, QR codes have risen to the occasion to help with everything from replacing physical menus at restaurants to maps in public places and even help with donor engagement. Suddenly, QR codes are everywhere, and due to their widespread use people know exactly how to use them. 

Several factors have contributed to the overall growth of QR codes, in addition to the pandemic:

  • Dedicated QR reader apps are no longer necessary. Both Android and iOS devices natively support QR scanning directly through the camera app, Control Center shortcuts, and even from images stored in the photo gallery. QR detection is now automatic, instant, and built into the operating system experience. 
  • In 2026, virtually all smartphones globally support native QR scanning. In the U.S., iPhone users account for roughly half of smartphone users, while Android dominates globally. Both platforms provide seamless QR recognition without requiring additional software, significantly lowering the barrier to adoption for businesses and consumers.

  • Improved look – Gone are the large, ugly, pixelated codes of the early 2000s. QR codes can now have a slick appearance and fit into any design without ruining the aestheti

Although QR codes have been steadily increasing in popularity over the last decade, what’s most interesting is that the highest growth rate in recent years comes from the number of interactions per object. Viewers are now generally more accustomed to scanning QR codes and they have become a part of everyday life.

That means that donors can be presented with different information depending on when they can and how many times they’ve scanned, keeping them engaged and connected.

The big question in philanthropy professionals’ minds should be: how can these little black and white squares be harnessed for fundraising good?

 

Possible uses:

  • In-depth storytelling – Start telling a story using your donor engagement system. The donor can scan the QR code to find out more;
  • Transporting donors through an experience – Provide a new experience using the QR code to take them to a 3D environment;
  • Extending art beyond a wall – Create further depth, context and dimension;
  • Payment method – Allow donors to give by scanning a code;
  • Mobile ticketing – QR codes are a very effective way to sell and scan tickets for an event;
  • In-person retail – Simplify selling foundation gear, commemorative prints and other merchandise by using QR codes;
  • Social media – A QR code can be part of a great call-to-action to invite a donor to follow your organization or share something on social media;
  • Promotions – Promotions are one of the most exciting and statistically popular ways of using QR codes, as a person is tempted to see what the offer or excitement might be.

Top reasons to use QR codes for Non-Profits:

  • You can store a lot of information in a small amount of physical space;
  • They’re easily updated;
  • They’re trackable so that you can measure your results
 

Speak to a BrookGlobal donor engagement strategist today, to brainstorm ways your organization could incorporate QR codes into your donor engagement system.

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