When you’re running an ecommerce store, finding ways to connect with customers is key to building loyalty and increasing sales. One of the growing trends in the ecommerce world is offering donation options during the shopping experience. By integrating a donation app into your Shopify store, you not only give your customers a chance to support a good cause but also boost your store’s credibility and engagement.
But which donation apps should you consider? We’ve narrowed it down to the 9 best Shopify donation apps. These apps are easy to integrate, customizable, and can align with the causes that matter to you and your customers. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large ecommerce store, these apps can help you do good while boosting customer loyalty and increasing your average order value (AOV).
Shopify merchants have downloaded over 25 million apps from the Shopify App Store. (source)
Why Use Donation Apps on Shopify?
As ecommerce continues to evolve, so do consumer expectations. Customers today are more inclined to support brands that align with causes they care about. This is where donation apps come in handy. Integrating a donation feature into your Shopify store can significantly impact your business in various ways:
1. Boost Brand Loyalty
People feel good when they contribute to a cause, and when your store facilitates that, they’re more likely to come back. Customers appreciate knowing that their purchases are making a difference. This not only increases brand loyalty but also strengthens your store’s reputation as a socially responsible business
2. Improve Customer Trust
Offering a transparent, easy-to-use donation option builds trust with your customers. They know exactly where their money is going, which can enhance their confidence in your brand. Many apps, like Give & Grow Donations and Virtue, offer transparent tracking of donations and detailed reports that can be shared with your customers
3. Increase Sales and Average Order Value (AOV)
Interestingly, many Shopify store owners have found that offering a donation option can directly impact their bottom line. When customers are encouraged to donate, especially through “round-up at checkout” features or promotions tied to donations, they often end up spending more. Apps like Givz have been shown to increase AOV by allowing customers to give back while making a purchase
4. Simplified CSR Initiatives
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be complicated, but donation apps make it easier. Whether you’re supporting local charities, environmental causes, or global non-profits, these apps allow you to seamlessly integrate giving into your Shopify store. This not only simplifies CSR efforts but also makes your brand stand out in a crowded market
Read More:8 Best Shopify Support Ticket Management Apps
Top 9 Shopify Donation Apps
1. Easy Donation
Easy Donation simplifies the donation process by allowing customers to make contributions directly from the cart or checkout pages. With its user-friendly setup and versatile donation options, it’s ideal for stores that want to encourage philanthropy without hassle.
Key Features:
- Donation options at cart and checkout.
- Option to create standalone donation pages.
- Customizable donation receipts.
- Allows multiple donation causes.
- Available on Shopify Plus for checkout donations
Pros:
- Easy setup and integration.
- Customizable donation amounts.
- Can run multiple donation campaigns.
Cons:
- Limited functionality in the free plan.
- Requires Shopify Plus for some features.
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $6.99/month.
User Review: Users praise Easy Donation for its flexibility in setting up donation pages and its ability to integrate smoothly into the shopping experience
Rating: 4.7/5
2. Give & Grow Donations by Pledge
Give & Grow lets your customers round up their purchases or contribute directly to causes through product sales. It provides real-time impact tracking and donation receipts, making it easier for stores to showcase their charitable efforts.
Key Features:
- Round-up donations at checkout.
- Supports product-based donations.
- Real-time impact calculator.
- Transparent donation tracking and reporting.
- Automates donation receipts
Pros:
- Excellent for transparent donation tracking.
- Offers multiple ways for customers to donate.
- Builds customer trust through real-time impact data.
Cons:
- Limited free options.
- Some users report occasional glitches in tracking.
Pricing: Free to install; additional charges may apply.
User Review: Give & Grow is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface and transparency in donation processing
Rating: 4/5
3. DonateMate
DonateMate treats donations like products, allowing store owners to customize their donation pages and make the process seamless for customers. It supports both online and offline donations, integrating smoothly with Shopify POS.
Key Features:
- Customizable donation pages.
- Offline and online donation support.
- Integrates with Shopify POS.
- Post-checkout donation options
Pros:
- Supports complex donation campaigns.
- Easy to install and manage.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons:
- Limited customization options for donation amounts.
- Some advanced features are only available on paid plans.
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10/month.
User Review: Users appreciate DonateMate’s easy setup and the ability to integrate donations across various sales channels
Rating: 4.7/5
4. Givz Donation Driven Marketing
Givz allows stores to replace discounts with donation incentives, giving customers a reason to spend more while contributing to a cause. It’s perfect for stores that want to increase AOV without cutting into profits through discounts.
Key Features:
- Donation incentives instead of discounts.
- Boosts conversions and average order value (AOV).
- Customizable donation campaigns.
- Real-time donation tracking and reporting
Pros:
- Increases AOV without offering discounts.
- Aligns well with brands focused on social causes.
- Easy to set up and manage.
Cons:
- Premium pricing.
- Limited free features.
Pricing: Starts from $19/month.
User Review: Users highlight Givz as a game-changer for driving conversions and enhancing brand loyalty without relying on traditional discounting
Rating: 5/5
5. One Tree Planted at Checkout
This app is focused on sustainability, allowing customers to donate $1 to plant a tree with every purchase. It’s an excellent option for eco-conscious brands looking to support reforestation efforts.
Key Features:
- $1 tree planting donation at checkout.
- Reforestation efforts with global partners.
- Transparent impact tracking
Pros:
- Great for promoting environmental sustainability.
- Simple and affordable donation option.
- No hidden charges.
Cons:
- Limited to environmental causes.
Pricing: Free to install; $1 per tree donated.
User Review:
Users love the simplicity of One Tree Planted and the positive environmental impact it provides
Rating: 4.8/5
6. Virtue
Virtue integrates donations directly into your Shopify store, supporting over 40,000 international charities. Its advanced features allow for customer engagement, including storytelling and round-up donations.
Key Features:
- Supports over 40,000 causes.
- Customer storytelling and engagement features.
- Round-up donations at checkout.
- Detailed impact tracking
Pros:
- Wide selection of causes to support.
- Excellent for customer engagement.
- Offers donation matching options.
Cons:
- Advanced features only available on higher-priced plans.
Pricing: Free to install; additional charges may apply.
User Review: Virtue is praised for its user-friendly interface and broad range of charity support options
Rating: 5/5
7. Share The Love by W3
Share The Love allows customers to donate a specific amount or percentage of their order value to causes of their choice. The app also provides a detailed analytics suite for tracking donations.
Key Features:
- Customer-chosen donation amounts or percentages.
- Detailed donation tracking by order or date.
- Store owners manage donation payments
Pros:
- Full control over donations.
- Comprehensive analytics.
- Easy to set up.
Cons:
- Store owners must manually send payments to charities.
Pricing: Starts from $9/month.
User Review:
Users appreciate the control Share The Love offers and its detailed tracking features
Rating: 4.5/5.
8. Donate Source
Donate Source provides a simple way for stores to collect donations without relying on third-party payment processors. It also offers customizable donation receipts and real-time analytics for tracking donations.
Key Features:
- Direct donation collection without third-party processors.
- Customizable donation receipts.
- Real-time donation analytics
Pros:
- Easy donation collection process.
- Customizable and detailed tracking options.
- Multiple language translations.
Cons:
- Basic customization options.
Pricing: Free plan available; starts at $2.99/month.
User Review: Users find Donate Source to be an efficient and straightforward solution for collecting donations
Rating: 4.8/5
9. Shop for Good
Shop for Good allows you to set up multiple charitable campaigns, including round-up donations, percentage-based donations, or fixed-amount donations with every purchase. It’s a powerful app for boosting social responsibility while enhancing store performance.
Key Features:
- Multiple donation options (round-up, fixed amount).
- Real-time campaign tracking.
- Rewards for customers who donate (e.g., discounts).
- Detailed analytics.
Pros:
- Versatile donation options.
- Enhances customer loyalty.
- Provides comprehensive analytics.
Cons:
- Some features are only available in the premium plan.
Pricing: Free to install; additional charges apply.
User Review: Users report higher conversions and customer satisfaction when using Shop for Good to facilitate donations
Rating: 4.7/5.
How to Choose the Right Donation App for Your Store
With so many options available, choosing the best donation app for your Shopify store can be a bit overwhelming. The right app largely depends on your business goals, the types of causes you want to support, and the user experience you wish to offer. Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice.
1. Integration Ease
Look for apps that integrate seamlessly with your existing Shopify setup. Some apps, like Easy Donation and Give & Grow, are extremely easy to install and set up, requiring no coding skills. These apps usually have drag-and-drop functionalities or work directly with Shopify’s native features.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for advanced customization, apps like DonateMate or Shop for Good may offer more flexibility but could require some initial setup. Ensure that the app you choose fits well with your store’s theme and checkout flow.
2. Customization Options
If you want to provide a personalized experience to your customers, opt for apps with customizable donation options. Share The Love by W3 allows customers to choose how much they want to donate or select a percentage of their total order to go toward a charity. Apps like Virtue and Givz offer additional customization features, such as storytelling campaigns, allowing you to better engage customers
3. Supported Causes and Charities
Consider the causes that resonate with your brand and your customers. Some apps, like Virtue, allow you to support thousands of charities, making it ideal for businesses that want to offer their customers a wide range of options. Others, like One Tree Planted at Checkout, are more focused on specific causes, such as environmental sustainability
If your store wants to support a specific charity or cause, look for apps like Donate Source, which lets you choose exactly where donations will go
4. Impact on Sales
Donation apps can have a positive effect on customer loyalty and sales. Givz and Shop for Good are perfect examples of how donation-driven marketing can increase your average order value (AOV). These apps allow you to replace discounts with donation incentives, encouraging customers to spend more while contributing to a good cause.
5. Pricing and Features
Many apps offer free plans with basic features, but premium plans often include advanced capabilities. For instance, Give & Grow Donations offers more customization and tracking options on its paid plans, while DonateMate provides tax support and Shopify POS integration on higher-tier plans.
Make sure to evaluate your budget and determine what features you really need before committing to an app. Some apps may have a low upfront cost but charge additional fees based on donation amounts.
6. Tracking and Reporting
Transparency is key when it comes to donations. Choose an app that offers detailed reporting and tracking so you can monitor how much is being donated and where it’s going. Shop for Good and Virtue both offer comprehensive analytics and impact tracking. This not only builds trust with your customers but also allows you to measure the success of your campaigns.
7. Customer Support and Reviews
Lastly, check out the reviews and customer support options for each app. Some apps, like DonateMate, are known for their excellent customer support, offering quick responses and helpful guides. Positive user feedback can be a strong indicator of an app’s reliability and ease of use.
FAQ Section
Can these apps integrate easily with my existing Shopify store?
Yes, most Shopify donation apps are designed for seamless integration. Many apps like Easy Donation and Give & Grow offer drag-and-drop functionality, meaning no technical expertise is required for setup. Some apps, like DonateMate, may require minimal configuration, especially if you’re integrating it with Shopify POS. Ensure that the app aligns with your store’s theme for a smoother experience.
Are there any tax implications for adding a donation feature to my store?
Yes, when collecting donations through your Shopify store, it’s essential to keep track of donations for tax purposes. Apps like Give & Grow and DonateMate provide automated tax receipts for donations, simplifying the process for both the store owner and the customer. Always consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re meeting any legal requirements related to charitable contributions.
How can I track the success of my donation campaigns?
Many apps provide detailed analytics and tracking features. Virtue and Shop for Good allow you to monitor how much has been donated, which products are generating donations, and the overall impact of your campaigns. Real-time tracking and reporting features make it easier to see which campaigns are resonating with your customers.
Is it better to let customers choose the charity or have a set cause?
It depends on your store’s strategy. Letting customers choose the charity can increase engagement and provide a personalized experience, as seen in apps like Share The Love by W3. However, if your brand aligns strongly with a particular cause (like environmental sustainability), apps like One Tree Planted at Checkout allow you to focus on a single, impactful initiative
Can I offer rewards to customers who donate?
Yes, some apps allow you to reward customers for their generosity. Shop for Good, for example, offers customers discounts or other perks when they make a donation. This can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty while supporting a charitable cause.
Do donation apps affect store performance or loading speed?
Most donation apps are lightweight and designed to run smoothly within the Shopify ecosystem. However, like any app, it’s always a good idea to test its performance on your site to ensure it doesn’t negatively affect loading times. If you’re running a store with heavy traffic, consider apps with a reputation for performance, such as Easy Donation
Can I run multiple donation campaigns at once?
Yes, many apps support running multiple donation campaigns simultaneously. For example, Shop for Good allows you to create different campaigns throughout the year, and Virtue supports multiple causes at once. This is useful if you want to offer variety or respond to current events with real-time campaigns.
Conclusion
Incorporating donation apps into your Shopify store not only helps support important causes but can also enhance customer loyalty and boost sales. Customers today are more likely to engage with brands that demonstrate social responsibility. By choosing the right donation app, you can make it easier for your customers to give back while shopping, improving your brand’s image and increasing Average Order Value (AOV) at the same time.
When selecting the best app for your store, consider key factors like ease of integration, supported causes, customization options, and the ability to track donations in real time. Apps like Give & Grow and Shop for Good offer robust tracking features and versatile donation methods, making them ideal for stores looking to maximize both social impact and sales Meanwhile, apps like One Tree Planted and Virtue are perfect for stores focused on specific causes, such as environmental sustainability
Whether you’re running a small ecommerce store or managing a large-scale Shopify business, donation apps provide an easy way to enhance your brand’s corporate social responsibility efforts, attract socially conscious customers, and foster long-term loyalty. By offering customers a simple way to contribute, your store can make a positive impact while continuing to grow.
