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Online donations: how it should work on your website

Online donations let supporters give once or regularly in a few steps.

Who needs it

It comes up most for non-profits and charities.

Ways to build it

Use a donation block or feature in your website platform.

Embed a dedicated fundraising platform for campaigns and regular giving.

Where the website stops

The website hands over when the payment provider confirms the gift.

The visitor journey

Step by step, and what the website must do

  1. 1

    Chooses an amount or frequency

    Suggested amounts and a regular giving option are offered.

  2. 2

    Enters details

    Only details needed for the receipt are requested.

  3. 3

    Pays

    Payment completes without leaving the page where possible.

  4. 4

    Receives a receipt

    The receipt includes the details your organisation needs to provide.

Information to collect

Form fields and why each is needed
FieldWhy it is needed
Name and emailFor the receipt.

Where the website hands over: The website hands over when the payment provider confirms the gift.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can a website platform take donations?

Some can. Squarespace lists a Donation block on all plans.[1]

Should we offer regular giving?

Regular giving gives a more predictable income, so make it an easy option on the form.

Where should the donate button go?

In the header on every page, with a short form on a dedicated donate page.

Beyond the website

Failed payment follow-up and reconciliation for regular giving are handled by Clever Ops.

Business automation solutions (Clever Ops)
How we work together

Two ways to get started

Website Subscription

Your website, fully managed — no big upfront cost.

We design, build, host, maintain and keep improving your site for one simple monthly fee.

  • Custom-designed & built for your brand
  • Hosting, security & maintenance included
  • Ongoing edits & content updates
  • Continuous SEO & performance improvements
  • Scale up or down as you grow

Fixed Project

A one-off custom build you own outright.

A defined scope and a single fixed quote — delivered once, and yours to keep.

  • Bespoke design & development
  • Defined scope & timeline
  • You own the website & code
  • Optional care plan after launch
  • Custom-quoted to your needs

Sources

  1. [1] Squarespace Pricing Plans and Features. Checked 9 October 2026.

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