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10 Best WordPress Donation Plugins to Boost Online Fundraising in 2025

WordPress Donation Plugin

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Online fundraising has become one of the most effective ways for nonprofits, charities, and organizations to reach global supporters. A well-structured website alone is not enough; what truly drives donations is the technology behind it. This is where WordPress Donation Plugins play a critical role. These plugins allow organizations to collect donations directly from their websites, offering flexible payment options, recurring giving features, and customizable forms that make the process seamless.

With more people turning to digital platforms to support causes in 2025, having the right donation system is essential for building trust and encouraging contributions. Whether you are running a small nonprofit, managing a global charity, or supporting a community initiative, the right donation plugin ensures transparency, efficiency, and scalability. In this guide, we will explore the 10 best WordPress Donation Plugins to help you boost your fundraising strategy.

WordPress Donation Plugin

Why Nonprofits and Fundraisers Need WordPress Donation Plugins

Nonprofits and fundraising organizations rely on steady contributions to sustain their missions, but collecting donations manually can be inefficient and prone to errors. WordPress Donation Plugins simplify this process by automating payments, generating receipts, and offering secure online transactions. This reduces administrative work while ensuring donors have a smooth experience.

In 2025, donors expect transparency, flexibility, and speed. A donation plugin provides recurring payment options, multiple gateways like PayPal and Stripe, and real-time progress tracking—features that build trust and encourage repeat giving. Whether it’s a one-time campaign or ongoing support, these plugins help organizations scale their fundraising without technical complexity. Simply put, a donation plugin turns a standard WordPress site into a reliable fundraising platform.

Key Features to Look for in a WordPress Donation Plugin

Choosing the right WordPress Donation Plugin is not just about collecting payments; it’s about creating a reliable, user-friendly system that motivates donors to give. Before installing any plugin, consider these essential features:

  • Multiple Payment Gateways – Donors should have the freedom to pay using PayPal, Stripe, credit cards, or even local payment methods. This flexibility removes barriers and increases contributions.
  • Recurring Donation Options – Regular support is the backbone of nonprofit growth. Plugins that allow recurring donations help organizations secure long-term funding without additional effort.
  • Customizable Donation Forms – A tailored donation form that reflects your brand and mission builds trust. Look for plugins that allow you to design forms, add custom fields, and optimize layouts.
  • Donor Management Tools – Tracking donor history, sending thank-you emails, and exporting reports are essential for building relationships and improving retention.
  • Mobile-Friendly Design – With most online giving now happening via smartphones, a responsive donation form ensures donors can give quickly without technical issues.

These features not only improve the donor experience but also streamline backend management, helping organizations raise more funds with less hassle.

How to Choose the Right WordPress Donation Plugin for Your Website

With dozens of options available, selecting the right WordPress Donation Plugin can feel overwhelming. The key is to match the plugin’s capabilities with your fundraising goals. Start by defining your needs. Are you looking for simple one-time donations or do you need recurring payment support for long-term campaigns?

Another crucial factor is payment gateway compatibility. Ensure the plugin supports popular options like PayPal, Stripe, or regional gateways to make giving accessible worldwide. Also, check for ease of customization. A donation form that aligns with your branding builds credibility and encourages trust.

Scalability matters too. As your donor base grows, your plugin should handle large volumes of transactions without slowing down your site. Lastly, consider donor engagement tools such as automated receipts, email notifications, or reporting dashboards. These features not only simplify management but also help you build stronger connections with supporters.

Choosing wisely ensures your fundraising system is both efficient and donor-friendly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a WordPress Donation Plugin

Installing the right WordPress Donation Plugin should feel straightforward, even if you’re new to WordPress. Here’s a real, reliable process using GiveWP, one of the most trusted plugins available.

  1. Install and Activate the Plugin
    Log in to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins → Add New, and search for “GiveWP.” Click Install Now, then Activate once the installation completes. (GiveWP, Charitable | Fundraising with WordPress)
  2. Run the Setup Wizard
    After activation, GiveWP launches a guided Setup Wizard. Start it, then enter essential details like your organization’s name, email, and preferred currency. The wizard also lets you select design options to match your site’s branding. (GiveWP Guide)
  3. Connect Your Payment Gateway
    Move to GiveWP → Settings → Payment Gateways. Enable options such as PayPal or Stripe and connect them by following prompts. You can also enable offline options for bank transfers or checks. (GiveWP Guide)
  4. Create Your First Campaign
    Go to GiveWP → Campaigns → Create Campaign. Add a compelling title, description, optional cover image, and set a fundraising goal. Then, continue to finalize your campaign setup. (GiveWP Guide)
  5. Embed Your Donation Form
    Publish the campaign. You can display the donation form by using a shortcode, Gutenberg block, or widget—anywhere you want it visible. Always test the form to ensure it’s live and functional. (GiveWP)

Following these steps transforms your website into a functional fundraising platform using WordPress Donation Plugins, giving you both control and a clean experience.

Top 10 Best WordPress Donation Plugins to Boost Online Fundraising in 2025

GiveWP

GiveWP is one of the most widely used WordPress Donation Plugins, designed specifically for nonprofits, charities, and fundraising campaigns. It provides organizations with the flexibility to manage one-time and recurring donations while offering extensive customization options. With an intuitive setup and integration with popular payment gateways, GiveWP stands out as a complete fundraising solution.

Features

  • Easy-to-use donation forms with customizable designs.
  • Multiple payment gateways supported, including PayPal and Stripe.
  • Recurring donation functionality for long-term campaigns.
  • Real-time reporting and donor management tools.
  • Compatible with email marketing platforms for donor engagement.

Price

  • Free version available on WordPress.org.
  • Premium plans start at $149/year with additional features like recurring donations, fee recovery, and more.

Advantages

  • User-friendly setup, even for beginners.
  • Scalable features suitable for small to large nonprofits.
  • Excellent documentation and support.
  • Offers extensive add-ons for advanced fundraising needs.

WPForms Donation Add-on

WPForms is a leading form builder for WordPress, and its Donation Add-on makes it an effective tool for online fundraising. Unlike standalone WordPress Donation Plugins, WPForms combines form-building flexibility with donation management, making it ideal for organizations that need multipurpose forms alongside donation features.

Features

  • Drag-and-drop form builder for creating donation forms quickly.
  • Integration with Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.Net for secure payments.
  • Recurring donations option for sustainable fundraising.
  • Smart conditional logic to personalize donor experiences.
  • Mobile-responsive forms that work seamlessly across devices.

Price

  • WPForms pricing starts at $49.50/year for the Basic plan.
  • The Donation Add-on is included in the Pro plan ($199.50/year) or higher.

Advantages

  • Highly flexible for both donations and other forms of needs.
  • Beginner-friendly with no coding required.
  • Strong integration with CRM and email marketing platforms.
  • Offers advanced features like survey forms and event registrations in one package.

Charitable

Charitable is a powerful and user-friendly WordPress Donation Plugin designed to help nonprofits raise funds without unnecessary complexity. Known for its lightweight build and fast performance, Charitable gives organizations the ability to run unlimited fundraising campaigns without transaction fees, making it one of the most cost-effective solutions available.

Features

  • Create unlimited fundraising campaigns with customizable goals.
  • Supports PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, and other gateways.
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising and crowdfunding support.
  • Email notifications for donor engagement and receipts.
  • GDPR-compliant tools to protect donor data.

Price

  • Free version available with essential features.
  • Premium plans start at $99/year with advanced options like recurring donations, peer-to-peer fundraising, and email marketing integrations.

Advantages

  • No platform transaction fees, ensuring nonprofits keep more of their funds.
  • Lightweight plugin that doesn’t slow down websites.
  • Flexible campaign management with unlimited forms.
  • Ideal for small to medium nonprofits seeking affordable solutions.

Seamless Donations

Seamless Donations is a straightforward and efficient WordPress Donation Plugin designed for nonprofits that need a hassle-free way to start accepting online contributions. It provides powerful features without overwhelming users, making it especially popular among small organizations and first-time fundraisers.

Features

  • Quick setup with no complicated configurations.
  • Supports PayPal and Stripe for secure online donations.
  • Recurring donation options for ongoing support.
  • Donor management system with automated thank-you emails.
  • Customizable donation forms to match website branding.

Price

  • The core plugin is completely free.
  • Premium add-ons are available individually, starting at $19.95, for features like enhanced reporting, fee recovery, and Mailchimp integration.

Advantages

  • No upfront costs are ideal for organizations with limited budgets.
  • Simple interface suitable for beginners.
  • Flexible add-ons allow organizations to scale as they grow.
  • Provides essential fundraising features without bloat.

Donorbox

Donorbox is a widely trusted WordPress Donation Plugin that powers thousands of nonprofit websites worldwide. Known for its simplicity and global reach, Donorbox supports multiple currencies, recurring donations, and modern payment methods, making it a strong option for international fundraising campaigns.

Features

  • Accepts payments via PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers.
  • Recurring donation support with flexible intervals.
  • Donor management system with detailed reporting and analytics.
  • Multicurrency and multilingual support for global campaigns.
  • Embeddable donation forms and pop-ups for any page.

Price

  • Free to set up with a 1.5% platform fee per donation (plus standard payment processor fees).
  • Premium plans are available with advanced features like text-to-give, CRM integrations, and lower fees.

Advantages

  • Perfect for nonprofits with international audiences.
  • Supports modern payment options for donor convenience.
  • Easy to integrate into existing WordPress websites.
  • Strong donor management and reporting tools.

PayPal Donations

PayPal Donations is a simple yet effective WordPress Donation Plugin that allows nonprofits and individuals to accept contributions directly through PayPal. It is lightweight, easy to install, and requires minimal configuration, making it a practical solution for organizations that want to start collecting funds quickly.

Features

  • Adds a customizable PayPal donation button to posts, pages, or sidebars.
  • Supports multiple currencies for global donors.
  • Option to set default donation amounts or let donors choose.
  • Shortcodes and widgets for flexible placement.
  • Mobile-friendly donation process.

Price

  • Completely free plugin available on WordPress.org.
  • No additional fees apart from standard PayPal transaction charges.

Advantages

  • Extremely easy to set up, even for beginners.
  • The trusted PayPal brand increases donor confidence.
  • Works globally with multiple currencies.
  • Lightweight plugin that doesn’t slow down websites.

WP Crowdfunding

WP Crowdfunding is a feature-rich WordPress Donation Plugin designed for fundraising campaigns and peer-to-peer contributions. Built on top of WooCommerce, it allows nonprofits and individuals to launch crowdfunding-style donation drives directly from their WordPress websites.

Features

  • Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns with multiple contributors.
  • WooCommerce integration for handling payments and orders.
  • Supports PayPal, Stripe, and other WooCommerce gateways.
  • Campaign goal tracking with progress bars and donor lists.
  • Frontend submission for user-driven fundraising campaigns.

Price

  • Free version available with basic features.
  • Premium plan starts at $149/year, including advanced features like Stripe Connect, email notifications, and detailed reports.

Advantages

  • Ideal for crowdfunding-style donation campaigns.
  • Scales easily for large fundraising projects.
  • Uses WooCommerce, making it highly customizable.
  • Encourages community participation with peer-to-peer fundraising.

Fundraising for WooCommerce

Fundraising for WooCommerce is a premium WordPress Donation Plugin built specifically for WooCommerce users. It transforms your online store into a fundraising platform, allowing you to collect donations alongside regular product sales. This makes it a perfect fit for nonprofits, charities, and businesses that want to integrate fundraising into their eCommerce operations.

Features

  • Seamless integration with WooCommerce checkout.
  • Set fundraising goals with progress bars and real-time updates.
  • Supports fixed or flexible donation amounts.
  • Option to run multiple fundraising campaigns at the same time.
  • Customizable donation messages and thank-you notes.

Price

  • Available as a premium plugin on CodeCanyon for a one-time fee of $30 (regular license).
  • Includes 6 months of support and updates, with extended support available at an extra cost.

Advantages

  • Perfect for WooCommerce-powered websites.
  • Allows donations and product purchases in one transaction.
  • Easy to customize for different campaigns.
  • Cost-effective compared to other premium plugins.

Donation Thermometer

Donation Thermometer is a unique WordPress Donation Plugin that visually tracks fundraising progress using a thermometer-style graphic. This simple but engaging approach helps motivate donors by showing how close a campaign is to reaching its goal, making it especially effective for time-bound or target-driven fundraisers.

Features

  • Customizable thermometer graphic that updates in real-time.
  • Shortcode support for easy placement on any page or post.
  • Adjustable colors, labels, and goal amounts.
  • Supports multiple campaigns with unique thermometers.
  • Lightweight and compatible with most WordPress themes.

Price

  • Completely free plugin available on WordPress.org.
  • No additional fees beyond your regular payment gateway charges.

Advantages

  • Visually appealing way to inspire more donations.
  • Simple setup with no complex configurations.
  • Works alongside other donation plugins for added impact.
  • Great for schools, charities, and community fundraising campaigns.

Stripe Donations for WordPress

Stripe Donations for WordPress is a lightweight WordPress Donation Plugin that allows nonprofits and organizations to collect donations directly through Stripe. It is designed for users who want a fast, secure, and mobile-friendly donation system without unnecessary extras.

Features

  • Simple setup with Stripe API integration.
  • Supports one-time and recurring donations.
  • Mobile-optimized donation forms for smartphones and tablets.
  • Customizable donation forms with preset or flexible amounts.
  • PCI-compliant for secure transactions.

Price

  • The plugin is free to download and use.
  • Only standard Stripe transaction fees apply (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction in most regions).

Advantages

  • Secure and reliable payment processing via Stripe.
  • Easy to configure, even for beginners.
  • Responsive design ensures donations work across all devices.
  • Zero additional costs beyond Stripe fees.

Types of Donation Plugins: Free vs Premium Options

When exploring WordPress Donation Plugins, you’ll notice both free and premium options, each offering different benefits depending on your organization’s needs.

Free Donation Plugins are ideal for small nonprofits, personal fundraisers, or community projects with limited budgets. These plugins usually include core features such as one-time donations, PayPal integration, and basic form customization. Examples like PayPal Donations or Donation Thermometer provide a quick, cost-effective way to start collecting funds. However, free versions may lack advanced features like recurring donations, multiple payment gateways, or in-depth donor management.

Premium Donation Plugins, on the other hand, are designed for organizations aiming to scale their fundraising efforts. They often include features like recurring giving, peer-to-peer fundraising, CRM integrations, advanced reporting, and priority support. Plugins such as GiveWP and WPForms Donation Add-on fall into this category, with pricing that ranges from affordable annual plans to more advanced enterprise-level packages.

The choice depends on your campaign size and goals. If you’re just starting, a free plugin can help you build momentum. For nonprofits expecting steady or global contributions, investing in a premium plugin ensures long-term growth, professional management, and donor satisfaction.

Advantages of Using WordPress Donation Plugins for Online Fundraising

Integrating WordPress Donation Plugins into your website provides several strategic benefits for nonprofits, charities, and fundraising campaigns. Here are five key advantages:

  1. Cost-Effective Fundraising – Many plugins are free or reasonably priced compared to third-party platforms that charge high transaction fees. This ensures more of your donations go directly to your cause.
  2. Improved Donor Experience – Plugins allow you to create user-friendly, mobile-responsive donation forms. With features like preset amounts, recurring options, and multiple payment gateways, donors can contribute quickly and conveniently.
  3. Automation and Efficiency – Donation plugins automate repetitive tasks such as generating receipts, sending thank-you emails, and recording donor information. This reduces administrative burden and frees up time for strategic initiatives.
  4. Scalability and Flexibility – From small community projects to global campaigns, donation plugins can grow with your organization. Add-ons and premium upgrades make it easy to expand functionality as your needs evolve.
  5. Transparency and Trust – Features like goal tracking, progress bars, and detailed reports enhance transparency. Donors can see how funds are being used, which builds trust and encourages repeat contributions.

These advantages make donation plugins a vital tool for modern fundraising in 2025.

Best Practices to Maximize Donations with WordPress Plugins

Simply installing a WordPress Donation Plugin is not enough; how you set it up and present it can significantly impact the success of your fundraising campaigns. Following best practices ensures your donation process is both efficient and persuasive.

First, keep donation forms simple. Long or complicated forms often discourage potential donors. Ask only for essential details while offering preset donation amounts to make giving easier. Second, optimize for mobile devices. With most online donations happening through smartphones, a mobile-friendly form is crucial.

Third, offer multiple payment methods. By supporting PayPal, Stripe, credit cards, and even regional gateways, you accommodate donors from around the world. Fourth, use goal trackers and progress indicators. Visual elements like thermometers or progress bars motivate donors by showing how close you are to achieving your target.

Lastly, engage donors after the contribution. Automated thank-you emails, receipts, and updates about campaign progress encourage long-term relationships and recurring support.

When applied together, these practices help nonprofits maximize donations, build donor trust, and ensure a seamless giving experience.

WordPress Donation Plugin

Final Thoughts: Future of Online Fundraising with WordPress Donation Plugins

The landscape of online fundraising is evolving quickly, and WordPress Donation Plugins are at the center of this transformation. As more donors prefer digital contributions over traditional methods, nonprofits must adapt to meet expectations for speed, security, and transparency.

Looking ahead, these plugins are likely to become even more advanced. We can expect deeper integrations with CRM systems, AI-driven donor analytics, and automated engagement tools that personalize donor experiences. Enhanced security features and wider support for cryptocurrency and digital wallets may also expand the ways people give.

For nonprofits, the advantage lies in flexibility. Whether you’re running a small community initiative or managing global campaigns, WordPress donation solutions provide scalable tools to handle growth. They reduce administrative overhead while empowering organizations to connect with donors worldwide.

The key takeaway is simple: adopting the right plugin is not just about collecting money—it’s about building sustainable, long-term relationships with supporters. With the right strategy, nonprofits can leverage donation plugins to boost fundraising efforts, create transparency, and inspire continued giving in 2025 and beyond.

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