Setting Up Donation Blocks on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Use donation blocks for fundraising or setting up a cash gift registry
- Available across multiple Squarespace plans including Commerce and Business levels
- Connect to Stripe, PayPal, or Squarespace Payments to receive funds
- Customize donation amounts, button labels, and checkout forms
- Always link directly to the donation block for secure transactions
- Switch between the original and newly updated donation blocks as needed
Getting Started with Donation Blocks
Setting up a donation block on your Squarespace website helps you collect funds for causes or set up a cash registry for events like weddings. You'll need to configure the block on desktop since this functionality isn't supported in the Squarespace app.
Plan Requirements and Setup
Donation blocks are available on Basic, Core, Plus, Advanced, Business, and both Commerce plans. Before you start, make sure your website is connected to a payment processor like Stripe, PayPal, or Squarespace Payments through your dashboard settings.
Adding Your Donation Block
Here's how to add and configure your donation block:
- Go to the page editing screen and click to add a new block
- Choose 'Donation' from the available options
- Use the block tool to customize the button text and suggest donation amounts
The donation prompt defaults to "Donate" but you can change this to match your needs. Try "Support Us" for a charity or "Gift Registry" for a wedding.
Customizing Your Donation Setup
Fund Management
All donations go to the 'General Fund' by default, but you can create specific funds through the settings. This is helpful if you're raising money for multiple causes or want to track different types of donations separately.
You can also set up recurring donations and give donors the option to cover transaction fees, which maximizes the amount you receive.
Gathering Donor Information
Add custom fields to your checkout form to collect more detailed information from donors. This might include tribute gifts or how they'd like their donation used. These details help build a stronger connection between donors and your cause.
Design Options
Adjust the appearance of your donation block through the 'Design' tab to match your site's theme. This keeps everything looking consistent and professional.
Managing Your Donations
Use the Squarespace dashboard to track funds, handle refunds, and review donor data. This gives you a complete picture of your fundraising efforts and helps you stay organized.
For better visibility, consider generating a QR code that links directly to your donation page. This makes it easier for potential donors to find and support your cause, especially at events or on printed materials.
FAQs
What fees apply to donations?
Donations incur a payment processing fee and potentially a transaction fee, depending on your specific Squarespace plan.
Can donors cover processing fees?
Yes, you can enable settings allowing donors to optionally cover the transaction and processing fees.
Do donors need an account to donate?
For one-time donations, no account is required. Recurring donors will need to create an account.
How can I integrate with a CRM?
Use Squarespace Extensions to integrate your site with external CRM platforms for enhanced donor management.
What payment options can I offer?
All major payment methods supported by Squarespace Commerce are available, including ACH payments through Squarespace Payments.
Jargon Buster
Donation Block: A tool on Squarespace used to set up and collect monetary donations
Payment Processor: A system that handles the transactions between donors and your website
Recurring Donations: Donations set to occur automatically at regular intervals
Transaction Fees: Additional costs associated with processing each donation
Custom Checkout Form: A customizable form to collect specific information from donors during the payment process
Wrap-up
Donation blocks on Squarespace provide a straightforward way to collect funds for charitable causes or personal events. The setup process is simple, and you have plenty of customization options to match your needs and donor preferences. The more accessible and transparent you make the donation process, the more likely people are to contribute.
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