Shopify for Nonprofits: A Complete Guide

Running a nonprofit isn't easy. You're juggling fundraising, donor relationships, and your mission - all while trying to stretch every dollar. Now, you're hearing about Shopify for nonprofits is a possibility. But isn't that for online stores? Well, yes and no.

More and more nonprofits are turning to Shopify to boost their online presence and simplify their operations.

In this guide, we'll cut through the jargon and explore how Shopify can actually work for organizations like yours. We'll look at:

• Shopify pricing plans for NPOs
• How to get started with Shopify for nonprofits
• Practical ways to make the most of the platform

Whether you're tech-savvy or not, stick with us - we'll break it all down in here. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of whether Shopify makes sense for your nonprofit's goals.

What is a Nonprofit Organization?

Source: Canva

A nonprofit organization is a legal entity dedicated to advancing a social cause or providing a public benefit. Unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits reinvest any revenue surplus into their mission rather than distributing it to shareholders.

Think of your local animal shelter, a food bank, or even a big organization like the Red Cross. Their main goal? To help people, animals, or causes they care about.

Nonprofits operate on a unique model, relying primarily on donations, grants, and fundraising events to support their activities. Their success is measured not in profits but in the impact they make on their chosen cause.

However, nonprofits face several distinct challenges:

• Limited financial resources and constant fundraising needs
• Intense competition for donor attention and support
• Difficulty in quantifying and communicating impact effectively
• Complex regulatory requirements to maintain tax-exempt status
• Balancing mission fulfillment with operational sustainability

Despite these hurdles, nonprofits play a crucial role in addressing societal needs and driving positive change in communities worldwide.

Their ability to adapt to these challenges often determines their long-term success and impact.

What is Shopify NPO?

Source: Canva

Shopify NPO is a specialized version of the Shopify platform designed specifically for nonprofit organizations. It offers a suite of tools to help charities and other nonprofit groups establish a strong online presence and streamline their operations.

What sets Shopify NPO apart? For starters, it provides discounted pricing for eligible organizations, making powerful eCommerce tools more accessible. However, the benefits extend far beyond cost savings.

Here's how Shopify NPO can benefit your nonprofit:

• Simplify online donations: Create a user-friendly system for supporters to contribute easily.
• Facilitate merchandise sales: Set up an online store to sell branded items and generate additional revenue.
• Manage fundraising events: Use the platform to organize and promote your events efficiently.
• Improve operational efficiency: Automate routine tasks to save time and resources.
• Enhance supporter engagement: Utilize built-in marketing tools to maintain strong connections with your donor base.

Who Is Eligible to Be a Part of Shopify NPO?

To be eligible for Shopify NPO, organizations typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Be officially registered as a nonprofit or charitable organization
• Possess valid tax-exempt status
• Operate with a clear charitable or community-focused mission

It's important to note that Shopify evaluates each application individually. Meeting these criteria doesn't guarantee acceptance, but it does provide a good starting point.

For qualifying organizations, Shopify NPO can be a valuable asset in expanding reach, increasing impact, and achieving mission-driven goals more effectively.

In the upcoming section, we will discuss more about Shopify nonprofit plans and the features offered in each one.

Shopify Plans for NPO: A Breakdown

Let's dive into Shopify for nonprofit plans. Shopify website offers two main options: NPO Lite and NPO Full. Each plan has its own set of features and costs, tailored to fit different nonprofit sizes and needs.

Shopify Nonprofit Pricing Plans

Here is a detailed breakdown of the two Shopify nonprofit pricing plans:

NPO Lite

NPO Lite shares some features with the standard Shopify Basic plan. It also includes several enhancements specifically for nonprofits.

The Starter Pack Cost: $29 per month

What you get:

• Lower transaction fees: Enjoy a reduced 1% transaction fee when using third-party payment providers compared to the 2% charged on the Basic plan.
• Competitive credit card rates: Benefit from lower credit card rates when using Shopify Payments.
• Donation acceptance: Accept donations through Shopify Payments if your organization is a registered charity in the US or Canada.
• Unlimited staff accounts: Manage your store efficiently with an unlimited number of staff members.
• Real-time carrier shipping: Access real-time shipping rates for efficient order fulfillment.

NPO Full

This plan builds upon the NPO Lite features and offers additional benefits.

Cost: $99 per month

What you get:

• No transaction fees: Enjoy zero transaction fees when using third-party payment providers, maximizing your fundraising efforts.
• Even lower credit card rates: Benefit from even lower credit card rates compared to the NPO Lite plan.
• Unlimited staff accounts: Manage your team efficiently with an unlimited number of staff members.
• Donation acceptance: Accept donations through Shopify Payments if your organization is a registered charity in the US or Canada.
• Real-time carrier shipping: Access real-time shipping rates for efficient order fulfillment.

Shopify Nonprofit Discount

To further support nonprofits, Shopify offers a 10% discount on annual plans for both NPO Lite and NPO Full. By committing to an annual plan, you can save money and focus on growing your nonprofit's impact.

To qualify for the discount, your organization must meet the eligibility criteria for Shopify NPO and choose an annual billing cycle.

Choosing the Right Shopify Plan for Your Nonprofit

Selecting the right Shopify plan is key to your nonprofit's online success.

Let's break it down by organization size:

Small Nonprofits

• NPO Lite is usually the best fit
• Budget-friendly option
• Offers essential features to get started online

For small nonprofits or those new to eCommerce, NPO Lite provides a solid foundation. It's cost-effective and includes the basic tools needed to establish your online presence without overwhelming you with complex features.

Medium-Sized Nonprofits

• Start with NPO Lite
• Be prepared to upgrade to NPO Full as you grow
• Additional features become more valuable as your online presence expands

Medium-sized organizations often find themselves at a crossroads. While NPO Lite may suffice initially, the growing demands of your online operations might soon call for an upgrade. Keep an eye on your transaction volumes, and staff needs to determine when it's time to switch to NPO Full.

Large Nonprofits

• NPO Full is typically the best choice
• Advanced features offer significant benefits
• Cost savings on fees can offset the higher monthly price

For established nonprofits with complex needs, NPO Full offers:

• Professional reporting tools
• Lower transaction fees
• Enhanced capabilities for large-scale campaigns and fundraising events

Remember, flexibility is key. Shopify allows you to switch between plans as your organization evolves, ensuring you always have the right tools at your disposal to maximize your impact.

Getting Started with Shopify for Nonprofits

Setting up a Shopify store for your nonprofit is an exciting journey. Let's walk through the process step-by-step, ensuring you make the most of Shopify's nonprofit program.

Step 1: Create a Shopify Account

Source: Shopify

Begin by signing up for a regular Shopify account without selecting a specific plan. This allows you to explore the platform and start building your store while your nonprofit application is being processed.

It's a great opportunity to get a feel for Shopify's features without committing to a particular plan.

Read more: 20 World Best Business Opportunities To Try In 2024

Step 2: Apply for the Shopify NPO Program

Source: Shopify Help Center

Once you've got the basics of your store set up, it's time to apply for the NPO program. Gather the necessary documentation to prove your nonprofit status and submit your application through Shopify's dedicated channel.

You can reach out to Shopify’s support team for this. Be patient during this process, as Shopify reviews these applications on a case-by-case basis.

Step 3: Start Customizing (While You Wait)

Source: St. Jude Gift Shop

While awaiting approval, begin customizing your store. Choose a theme that aligns with your nonprofit's brand, add products or donation options, and set up basic store settings.

However, avoid making significant investments until your application is approved.

Step 4: Finalize Your Store (Post-Approval)

Once approved, you can finalize your store setup. This might involve adjusting features based on your approved nonprofit plan or making final tweaks to your store's design.

Now's the time to implement any necessary changes and prepare for launch!

After approval, Shopify will offer you specific pricing options tailored to your nonprofit's needs.

• When selecting your plan, consider starting small and scaling up as your nonprofit grows.
• Focus on essential features that directly support your mission, and choose a plan that can accommodate your organization's future growth.

Customizing Your Store to Reflect Your Mission

Your online store is more than just a sales platform – it's a digital representation of your nonprofit's mission. Here's how to make it shine:

• Tell your story: Use your store to share your nonprofit's mission, impact, and values.
• Optimize for all devices: Ensure your store looks great on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Use high-quality visuals: Showcase your cause with compelling images and videos.
• Create clear calls-to-action: Guide visitors towards donating, volunteering, or purchasing merchandise.
• Keep it simple: A clean, uncluttered design often works best for nonprofits.

Each step you take is an investment in your organization's future success, so don't rush the process. With patience and attention to detail, you'll create an online presence with Shopify NPO that effectively supports and amplifies your nonprofit's mission.

Best Shopify Nonprofit Apps to Use

Shopify offers several apps designed to help nonprofit and charitable organizations maximize their impact. Let's explore four popular options that can enhance your charitable efforts:

• Sprout: Plant Trees Grow Sales

Source: Shopify App Store - Sprout

Sprout. a Shopify store app, combines eco-consciousness with customer engagement. This app allows merchants to integrate tree planting into their business model.

Key features:

• Automated tree planting for sales, reviews, or email signups
• Multi-platform marketing across your store
• Support for multiple currencies and languages
• Customizable impact displays (badges, counters, widgets)

Pricing: No monthly fees. The first 50 trees are free, after which $0.43 is charged per tree.

• ShoppingGives

Source: Shopify App Store - ShoppingGives

ShoppingGives helps businesses easily add charitable giving to their online stores. It takes care of the complex parts, letting you focus on growing your business while making a positive impact.

Key features:

• End-to-end donation management for 501(c)3 nonprofits
• 100% of donations sent to supported organizations
• Customizable giving strategies by product or variant
• Omnichannel support for both online and offline (POS) donations
• Actionable data for budget allocation and marketing personalization

Pricing: Free trial available. Paid plans start at $29/month.

• Shop for Good Donation App

Source: Shopify App Store - Shop for Good Donation App

Easy Donation lets you add charity options to your Shopify store. It's a simple way to support causes and build stronger connections with your customers.

Key features:

• Round-up donations at checkout
• Reward donations with discounts or gifts
• Percentage-based donations on specific products or collections
• Flat-amount donations through product pages, checkout, and in-store POS
• Compliance and distribution services for donations

Pricing: Free plan and trial available. Paid plans start at $299/month.

• Easy Donation

Source: Shopify App Store- Easy Donation

Easy Donation adds a customizable option to collect donations on your Shopify store. It works for businesses, charities, and religious groups, making fundraising simple.

Key features:

• Flexible donation widgets for your site
• Create standalone donation pages
• Connect with any charity worldwide
• Multi-language support
• Custom receipts and detailed reports

Pricing: Starts from $6.99/month. Free trial available.

5 Tips for Shopify for Charities In 2024

As we move into 2024, nonprofits using Shopify have more opportunities than ever to make a significant impact. Here are five key tips to help your organization thrive:

Make the Best of Online Fundraising

Integrate third-party payment providers or donation apps (only the popular ones) like PayPal Giving Fund to streamline the giving process. Create compelling donation pages with clear language and powerful visuals. Offer incentives or exclusive content to boost engagement. Experiment with recurring donation options to ensure a steady income stream.

Tell Your Story In the Best Possible Way

Use your Shopify store to share your mission and impact. Blend text, images, and videos to create an emotional connection with visitors. Highlight beneficiary stories to demonstrate the real-world effects of donations.

Build Strong Donor Relationships

Personalize communication using donor data to send targeted messages and acknowledge contributions. Offer exclusive perks like donor-only events or behind-the-scenes content. Use email marketing to nurture relationships through regular updates. Engage actively on social media to share stories and connect with supporters.

Maximize Your Shopify Investment

Utilize Shopify's analytics to track key metrics like conversion rates and customer lifetime value. Optimize product pages with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and clear calls to action. Experiment with different marketing channels to find what works best for your organization.

Provide Exceptional Service

Respond promptly to inquiries and resolve issues efficiently. Use Shopify features to manage donor information and preferences. Consider implementing a loyalty program to recognize and reward repeat donors.

Remember, success on Shopify isn't just about technology – it's about how you use it to further your mission.

Conclusion

As we wrap up, let's refocus on the heart of your mission. Shopify for nonprofits isn't just about digital tools; it's about amplifying your real-world impact.

Consider:

• How your Shopify nonprofit store can better reflect the lives you're changing
• Ways to use Shopify for charities features to showcase your community impact
• Strategies to leverage Shopify NPO tools to engage supporters as partners in your cause

Remember, while Shopify's nonprofit pricing may influence your choices, the true value lies in how effectively you use the platform to further your mission.

Key actions to take:

• Regularly reassess if your Shopify nonprofit setup aligns with your evolving goals
• Explore how Shopify nonprofit pricing options can be optimized for your specific needs
• Use Shopify features to bridge the gap between your digital presence and real-world impact

Stay curious, remain adaptable, and never lose sight of the change you're working to create.

Your next step? Reconnect with your 'why,' then turn back to your Shopify store and make it a true extension of your mission.