How to create a PayPal donation button tutorial

Creating a PayPal donation button

Creating a PayPal donation button is a straightforward process that allows you to collect donations from supporters directly through PayPal. Here’s how you can create one:

Steps to Create a PayPal Donation Button

Log In to PayPal:

First, ensure you have a PayPal account. Log in to your account on the PayPal website.

Access the PayPal Button Creation Tool:

Navigate to the PayPal Fundraising page or search for the PayPal Buttons section in your account dashboard. Sometimes, you might need to go through the “Tools” or “All Tools” menu to find “PayPal Buttons” or “Manage Buttons”.

Choose the Type of Button:

Select “Donate” from the list of available button types. PayPal specifically tailors the donation button for nonprofit donations and personal fundraising.

Customise the Button:

Enter your organisation’s name and customise the donation button. You can choose whether donors can enter their own donation amounts or select from the fixed amounts you specify.

Decide if you want to use PayPal’s button or customise it to match your branding.

Add Optional Features:

You can add special options, like a dropdown menu for specific campaigns or purposes (like “General Fund” or “Disaster Relief”).

Set up tracking inventory or profit and loss entries if needed (usually more relevant for sales rather than donations).

Set the Currency and Donation Processing Options:

Choose the currency you want to receive donations in.

Decide what happens after a donation is made. You can redirect donors to a specific URL, such as a thank you page on your website.

Create the Button:

Once all settings are configured, click “Create Button” at the bottom of the setup page.

Add the Button to Your Website:

PayPal will generate HTML code for the button. Copy this code.

Paste this HTML code into your website’s code where you want the button to appear. This can be on a donation page, in a sidebar, or in a footer.

Test the Button:

Before promoting your donation button, make sure to test it by making a small donation yourself to ensure everything is set up correctly and working as expected.

Additional Considerations

Account Type: Make sure your PayPal account is set up to receive donations; for nonprofits, this means setting up as a charity with PayPal, which can offer lower transaction fees.

Legal and Tax Compliance: Understand the legal and tax implications of receiving donations, especially if you are a nonprofit. Ensure compliance with local laws regarding fundraising and tax deductions.

By following these steps, you can effectively create a PayPal donation button and start collecting donations online to support your cause or organisation.