Facebook provides several options for nonprofit organizations and personal fundraisers to collect donations directly through the platform. While Facebook itself does not have a singular “Donate Now” button, there are ways for pages and fundraisers to facilitate donations.
Donation Buttons for Nonprofit Facebook Pages
Facebook offers verified nonprofit organizations the ability to add a “Donate” button to their Facebook Page. This button allows people to donate directly to the nonprofit through Facebook Pay. The donations process through Facebook Pay is secure and allows the nonprofit to collect donor information.
To set up the Donate button:
- The Page must be verified as a nonprofit organization
- Nonprofits can submit their donation button request from their Page settings
- The button will link to the nonprofit’s payment processor or Facebook Pay – organizations must have an established donation processing system to use the button
Once approved by Facebook, the customizable Donate button will appear on the nonprofit’s Page on desktop and mobile. People who click the button can securely complete their donation without leaving Facebook.
Personal Fundraisers on Facebook
While nonprofit Pages can include a Donate button, individuals raising money on Facebook must direct potential donors to an outside website. Fundraisers on Facebook allow people to rally their community around a cause and collect donations for nonprofits and personal causes.
To set up a personal fundraiser on Facebook:
- Click “Fundraisers” in the left menu of your News Feed
- Choose the nonprofit you want donations to benefit
- Set a fundraising goal and end date
- Provide details to share with potential donors
Facebook provides templates for personal fundraisers to update supporters and show progress toward the goal. However, all donations must be processed on an external website – Facebook does not facilitate payments for personal fundraisers.
How to Add a Donate Link to Facebook Fundraisers
While Facebook does not offer a Donate Now button for personal fundraisers, organizers can direct potential donors to their external donation page or nonprofit’s website.
To add a link for donations:
- Edit the fundraiser details and include a URL to your donation page or nonprofit’s website
- Use a call-to-action like “Donate Now” to encourage clicks
- Consider boosted fundraiser posts to expand your reach and promotion
Adding a clear call-to-action with a link to your donation page allows supporters to quickly access your secure donation platform from Facebook. You can update your fundraiser details with donation information at any time.
Facebook Live Fundraisers
Facebook Live provides an engaging way to fundraise by going live to your supporters. Nonprofits can go live from their organization’s Page, while individuals can live stream from their personal profile or Page.
To go live for a fundraiser:
- Facebook Pages must be verified and in good standing to access Live
- Click the “Live” icon at the top of your News Feed
- Add a title and description that indicates you are fundraising
- Go live and share your fundraiser details, progress, and a link to donate
The real-time nature of Facebook Live allows you to interact with viewers and answer any questions about your fundraiser or cause. Include your Call-to-Action with donation link clearly on screen or in your captions.
Sharing Donation Links During a Facebook Live Fundraiser
Your Facebook Live is an opportunity to drive donations by sharing your unique donation link throughout the broadcast. Some tips:
- Have a clean, simple URL to share that goes directly to your donation page
- Display the link clearly on screen with a call-to-action like “Donate Now”
- Share the link multiple times during your Live video
- Pin your donation link comment as a top comment so it’s visible
Promoting your donation webpage throughout your Live fundraiser makes it simple for viewers to click and contribute in real time while they are engaged.
Facebook Giving Tools for Nonprofits
In addition to Donate buttons and fundraisers, Facebook provides several tools to help nonprofits collect donations through the platform:
- Facebook Pay: Secure donation processing through Facebook Pay with low fees
- Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Team and volunteer fundraising campaigns
- Giving SDK: Integrate donations into your organization’s app
- Giving API: Collect donations on your website
These options allow nonprofits to incorporate online fundraising into different channels and collect donations across the internet and through mobile giving.
Integrating the Facebook Giving API on Your Website
The Facebook Giving API allows registered and verified nonprofits to add a Facebook Donate or Send Button directly on their website. People can then complete donations without leaving the nonprofit’s site.
To add Facebook’s Giving API:
- Get approved for the API after verifying your nonprofit status
- Follow Facebook’s technical guides to integrate the buttons into your site
- Use the Facebook Business Manager to manage donations
By providing donors a seamless giving experience, nonprofits can capitalize on the engaged audience on their website and convert site traffic into donations.
Conclusion
While Facebook itself does not have a singular “Donate Now” button, it provides many options for nonprofit and personal fundraisers to collect donations through the platform. Nonprofit Pages can activate a customizable Donate button, fundraisers can share external donation links, and Facebook Live broadcasts allow real-time fundraising outreach.
Facebook will continue expanding its fundraising offerings, including new features like charitable giving Gift Buttons. Though currently limited compared to external donation processors, Facebook provides useful tools to augment nonprofit and fundraising campaigns.
Summary of Facebook’s Donation Options
| Fundraiser Type | Facebook Donation Processing | External Donation Page Required |
|---|---|---|
| Nonprofit Page | Donate Button via Facebook Pay | No |
| Personal Fundraiser | No | Yes |
| Facebook Live | No | Yes |