Plugins for project site for donations

  • Merf

    (@markfoeller)


    6 years, 2 months ago

    I am a complete newbie with NO experience with WordPress or setting up a website of any kind (although I have read the basic information on the Support pages, and a “For Dummies” book on WordPress).
    I’m part of a recently-organized nonprofit that was established to help fund capital projects (such as constructing or completing a church building) for Baptist churches in foreign countries (initially concentrating on the Philippines).
    We would like to create a website (using WordPress) showcasing information about the various church projects, and soliciting donations for those projects. I anticipate that each project will have an associated video (likely posted on YouTube and embedded on our site).
    Looking for any suggestions or tips (themes? plug-ins? ideas? etc.) before I get started. Some thoughts: Each project will have a number (for ease of reference by users, since there may be, for example, 4 different “Lighthouse Baptist Church”es amongst our projects). We will also probably categorize them by country (and possibly province) and church name. Site must be enabled to accept donations (ideally through credit card or ACH bank transfer), and I would REALLY like to include some kind of thermometer or other gauge with each project that shows the fundraising goal for that project, amount raised (and confirmed!) so far, and amount remaining. Will also need to collect donor information so we can email donation receipts, and also so we can email updates on each project to those who supported it (or expressed interest in following it). We would also post updates (with photos or videos) for each project, on the site. Finally, we’d like to make it easy to interact with social media (sharing a certain project, following the Facebook page of the church for project XX, etc.).
    Just looking for some advice on which way I should swim once I jump into the WordPress pool. THANKS for any help or suggestions you can provide!

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • lisa

    (@contentiskey)

    check into GiveWP.com (a plugin) — lots of good resources

    Hi Mark,

    Welcome to the world of WordPress! If you are on LinkedIn you might also consider joining one of the WordPress groups. I recommend the group “WordPress” owned by Mr. WordPress himself Matt Mullenweg. It’s another resource for you.

    As for themes, plugins etc. my opinion follows the adage you get what you pay for. While there are many solid free themes available, you want to choose one that has been vetted by the WordPress community. I like premium (paid) themes from developers that have been around awhile and are continually supported. The same for plugins. There are scores of sound free plugins available on the www.ads-software.com but you have to selective. Don’t grab every plugin available. When it comes to videos make sure you host them on a video site such as Youtube and then embed them on your site.

    You also need to consider hosting and site security. There are numerous excellent WordPress hosting companies. WpEngine is probably the best (and most expensive). Bluehost offers free hosting to 501(c)3 non-profits.

    Who is building your website? Are you using an in-house team or outsourcing it? If you are outsourcing you might want to consider utilizing pro bono resources and post your project on a site like taprootplus.org or catchafire.org.

    For donations you might want to look at https://www.salsalabs.com. I currently work with an organization that uses them for email list management and donation support. They’re not free but are affordable for small non-profits. They have a WordPress site and you can embed their forms and relevant components easily.

    Tim

    Thread Starter Merf

    (@markfoeller)

    Thanks for the suggestions, Tim (and Lisa). I will check out your suggestions!

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • The topic ‘Plugins for project site for donations’ is closed to new replies.