How Shopify Provides Value for Nonprofit Websites

Nonprofits aim to serve a greater cause. Unlike traditional businesses, they don't seek to generate revenue or profit. This fundamental difference means most nonprofit websites don't use the Shopify platform–or even consider it.

Shopify is synonymous with selling products or services. But it can also serve as a marketing engine. This article highlights how Shopify can help nonprofits improve internal efficiencies, streamline website donations, and engage with a larger audience. We'll also discuss how Shopify provides more opportunities for growth than platforms like WordPress or Squarespace.

Shopify and Nonprofits

Nonprofits often build websites on WordPress. Compared to Shopify, the WordPress platform requires a lot of development support and plugin maintenance. Shopify also provides tools to manage digital marketing activities and analytics.

The intuitive interface helps nonprofits focus less on website development and more on connecting with supporters. Shopify integrates with solutions like Fundraise Up as well, which is a tool that helps streamline website donations.

You can either integrate an app or use more of a holistic fundraising platform for your donation process. Some platforms that don’t have apps like WordPress or Squarespace will require additional coding. We recommend Fundraise Up with Shopify, but other solutions worth considering include Classy, Give Butter, Funraise, Zeffy, and Bloomerang.

Benefits of Shopify for Nonprofit Websites

When updated with modifications and integrations, Shopify is still an easy-to-maintain platform. It leverages a vast app ecosystem and has a sleek interface. The platform allows lean teams to focus on the mission, fundraising, and campaigns.

Shopify can be adjusted to support a nonprofit by hiding the shopping cart and integrating a payment donation system. (Of course, if you are also selling goods, you can keep the shopping cart button - or integrate a donation system that leverages the cart) Through Shopify, nonprofits can build automation with little technical experience, which can help them track donations. This ability benefits groups with limited staff, experience, or time to devote to development. 

With Shopify, nonprofits can also connect with a network of experts for advice on additional functions. There are a variety of free apps to test, which is helpful for those on a tight budget. Shopify's popularity and brand recognition provide an extensive online support community. Endless resources are available, all free of charge. 

Nonprofit Sites with Success on Shopify

Many nonprofits are using Shopify successfully. Examples of nonprofit sites on Shopify that also leverage Fundraise Up include Provision Promise and Dwell with Dignity. Provision Promise provides personal care items to those in need. Dwell with Dignity helps families in need with essential supplies to give them a fresh start in a new home. 

Wagster Dog Treats provides all-natural dog treats produced and packaged by those working to overcome homelessness. Their Shopify-hosted website is easy to navigate. It features a user-friendly purchasing experience and a referral program. 

Ornaments for Orphans sells ornaments to benefit African children and their families. Their Shopify website beautifully showcases its products and simplifies the checkout process.

Shopify Nonprofit Plans

Choosing a platform depends on cost, and Shopify is a step ahead. The platform offers specialized pricing plans for nonprofit organizations. They can choose from two options: NPO Lite and NPO Full.

NPO Lite is comparable to Shopify's Basic plan in terms of cost. It offers nonprofits additional features that aren't on the traditional plan. These include lower transaction fees and credit card rates. Users can create unlimited staff accounts and get support for up to three locations. It also comes with many features in a standard Shopify plan.

NPO Full is higher in cost but offers a broader range of capabilities. Users pay no transaction fees and lower credit card rates. They can have unlimited staff accounts and support for up to four locations. This option also includes many other features with a standard Shopify plan. 

Both NPO options offer a 10 percent discount for choosing annual billing. Nonprofits can customize either option to meet their unique needs. 

Note that you will need to reach out to Shopify to get the nonprofit pricing after you sign up. Get started with Shopify here.

Shopify and Nonprofits: Joined in a Mission That Matters

Many nonprofits do not consider Shopify because it's designed for selling goods. Yet, the platform has so much to offer to further the mission of nonprofit groups. Simplified fundraising and donation processes and custom tools help streamline operations and donations.

Shopify also has content creation and blogging functionality that helps nonprofits tell their story and engage a larger audience. Publishing survey data, reports, and blog articles is simple with Shopify. Nonprofits can leverage this easy-to-use platform to help scale content creation and improve internal efficiencies. 

The Shopify Community has endless knowledge, and someone is always eager to help. With benefits tailored for nonprofits, Shopify can significantly impact growth with a low budget. Shopify's cost-effective solutions make it a trusted partner in your mission.

Note: We are a Shopify Plus Partner and member of their affiliate program.