If there was a fast, free way to increase visibility to your nonprofit’s donation page, would you do it?

Google has recently released a feature that connects Google users with a nonprofit’s donation page via the knowledge panel (the box that appears on the right-hand side of search results that tells you a business’s phone number or hours of operation).

In Google’s The Keyword blog, Google product manager Prem Ramaswami says about this new feature, “We’ve seen people’s generosity throughout 2017, especially in times of crisis and need. And earlier this year, we made a commitment to continue to bring the best of our people, products, and philanthropy to make an impact and help create opportunity for everyone.”

Think about how this can translate to hard numbers for your nonprofit. For most of our nonprofit clients, Google search is their top source of traffic. So, when people are searching for your nonprofit, they can now get to your donation page in just one click. The Google donate button is an easy, free way for nonprofits to boost donations.

How the Button Works

Clicking the donate button will open a pop-up box that allows users to either write in a donation amount, or click recommended donations of $10, $50, or $250. Then, users can enter their credit card information to complete the transaction.

Google ensures that all donations made on their platform is securely transferred to your nonprofit, using a third party donation platform called “Network for Good.” Don’t worry if your nonprofit doesn’t have a Network for Good profile. Network for Good will send a check to your nonprofit’s address on Guidestar.

How to Set it Up

Now for the fine print. Donations are open to all nonprofits in the United States with valid 501(c)(3) status that are members of Google for Nonprofits. All organizations must be registered with the local TechSoup partner in their country and be validated as a nonprofit organization. (TechSoup is an organization that helps Google facilitate software donations for nonprofits, charities, and NGOs.) In order to register for TechSoup, you have to register your NGO. Unfortunately, that means governmental entities or organizations, hospital or health care organizations, and school, academic, or universities are not accepted.

To ensure that your nonprofit’s donation check will get to the correct address, make sure your organization is listed in the Guidestar database.

Finally, click “enroll” under Google Search and One Today on your Google for Nonprofits account to complete the enrollment.

So, to review, boost your nonprofits’ donations in 3 easy steps:

1. Register with Google for Nonprofits
2. Update your Guidestar account
3. Enroll your nonprofit under Google Search and One Today

Check out this user-friendly guide on the steps to setting up a Google Donate button for more information on how to get started.