How to Accept Payments for a Nonprofit (Free, 2026)
Nonprofits need a simple, low-cost way to collect donations, dues, and event fees without giving up a big slice to a platform. The goal is one shareable link where supporters can give in seconds and the money lands directly in your organization's account. Here's how to set that up for free.
Quick answer
To accept payments for a nonprofit, connect your organization's Stripe account to a free platform like OneSol (onesol.io) and build a donation form or storefront with suggested giving amounts. Supporters pay by card from one link, funds go straight to your account, and OneSol takes no cut—Stripe offers a discounted nonprofit processing rate you can apply for directly.
1. Set up and connect a Stripe account for your organization
Open a Stripe account in your nonprofit's legal name and bank details, then apply for Stripe's discounted nonprofit rate with your 501(c)(3) or equivalent documentation. Connect it to OneSol so every donation deposits directly to your organization—no merchant account or middleman. This keeps more of each gift with your cause.
2. Build a donation form with suggested amounts
Use OneSol's form builder to create a giving page with preset buttons like $25, $50, and $100 plus a custom-amount field. Add a short field to capture the donor's name and email so you can send receipts and stay in touch. Keep it to one screen—fewer fields means more completed donations.
3. Add more ways to give: events, merch, and in-person QR
Sell event tickets, a fundraiser gala seat, or branded merch from the same OneSol link to diversify how people support you. For in-person galas and tabling, print a free QR code from onesol.io/qr-code-generator so guests can donate from their phone on the spot. One link covers online and offline giving.
4. Thank donors and keep clean records for receipts
Set up an automatic confirmation so every donor gets an immediate thank-you and payment record. Export your donor list from OneSol and Stripe to issue year-end tax receipts and reconcile with your accounting. Capturing emails also builds an audience you can re-engage for the next campaign.
Ready to start? OneSol is free.
Sell, book and get paid from one link — no card needed.
FAQ
Are online donations tax-deductible for my donors?
Deductibility depends on your organization's tax status (such as U.S. 501(c)(3)), not the payment tool. You're responsible for issuing proper receipts, so confirm your status and consult an accountant.
Does Stripe give nonprofits a discount?
Yes. Stripe offers a reduced processing rate for eligible registered nonprofits. You apply directly through Stripe with your tax-exempt documentation; approval and rates are set by Stripe.
Can supporters set up recurring monthly donations?
Yes. Use a recurring price in Stripe so monthly donors are billed automatically, which is one of the most reliable ways for nonprofits to build steady income.
Can we take donations at an in-person event?
Yes. Generate a free QR code linking to your donation page and display it at your table or on screen so guests can give from their phones instantly.
Related guides
How to Accept Donations Online (Free) — in Minutes
Accept donations online for free: create a donation form, connect Stripe and share the link. Money lands straight in your account — no code, no platform cut.
Read guideHow to Make a Donation Form (Free) — Collect Donations Online
Make a free donation form that pays straight to your account — set suggested amounts, allow one-time or monthly giving, and share one link to collect donations.
Read guideHow to Accept Donations on Instagram (Free)
Learn how to collect donations from Instagram: add a donation link in your bio and Stories, promote it in posts, and get paid to your own account.
Read guideHow to Accept Payments for an Event (Free, 2026)
Sell tickets and collect event payments for free: connect Stripe, create ticket tiers, share one link with a QR code, and check guests in from your phone.
Read guide