How do I create a Square donate button?

Log in to Square Dashboard, go to Payments > Payment Links, and click Create Link. Choose 'Accept a donation,' add a title and description, then save. Square generates a shareable link, QR code, and an embeddable buy button you can add to your website. With ChurchRaise you can skip this entirely — giving pages are built in and automatically process through your connected Square account.

What is a Square donation link?

A Square donation link is a shareable URL that lets anyone send a donation up to $5,000. You create it from the Square Dashboard under Payment Links. It supports one-time and recurring donations, custom fields, and donation goals. ChurchRaise giving pages work the same way but add fund selection, recurring tithe management, and automatic giving statements.

Does Square offer nonprofit or church discounts?

No. Square charges the same processing fees for nonprofits and churches as for any business: 2.6% + $0.10 per tap/dip/swipe in person, 2.9% + $0.30 online, and 3.5% + $0.15 for manually keyed transactions. There is no monthly fee. ChurchRaise does not add any additional fees on top of Square's processing rates.

Can I accept recurring donations with Square?

Square supports basic recurring payments through payment links, but it lacks tithe-specific features like pledge tracking, fund allocation, and annual giving statements. ChurchRaise adds full recurring giving management on top of Square — donors can set up weekly, biweekly, or monthly gifts to specific funds, and you get automated statements at year-end.

What are Square's donation processing fees?

Square charges 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person tapped, dipped, or swiped donations. Online donations via payment links cost 2.9% + $0.30. Manually keyed card transactions are 3.5% + $0.15. There are no monthly fees, setup fees, or contracts. ChurchRaise adds no additional platform fees — you only pay Square's standard processing rates.

How is ChurchRaise different from using Square alone?

Square is a payment processor — it moves money. ChurchRaise is a church growth platform that connects to Square and adds everything churches need: branded giving pages, fund management, pledge campaigns, team fundraisers, tax-ready giving statements, donor tracking, digital bulletins, a website builder, and 9 AI ministry assistants. Square handles the transaction; ChurchRaise handles the church experience around it.

Can I use Square and ChurchRaise together?

Yes. ChurchRaise integrates directly with Square as a payment processor. Connect your Square account during setup and all donations processed through ChurchRaise giving pages are handled by Square. You keep your existing Square account, hardware, and fee structure — ChurchRaise simply adds the church-specific layer on top.

Do I need a website to accept Square donations?

No. Square provides shareable payment links and QR codes that work without a website. ChurchRaise goes further — it includes a free church website builder and digital bulletins where giving pages are built in. You can also share giving links via text, email, or printed QR codes.

Can Square generate giving statements for tax purposes?

No. Square provides transaction receipts and sales reports, but it cannot generate IRS-compliant charitable contribution statements. ChurchRaise generates year-end giving statements automatically — branded with your church's logo, customizable by date range, and deliverable by email or print.

Square + ChurchRaise

Accept donations with Square — plus giving pages, statements, and more

Q: Can I use Square to accept donations for my church?

Yes. Square lets churches accept donations online via payment links and donate buttons, and in person via the Square Reader or POS app. There is no special nonprofit account — you sign up the same way any business does. ChurchRaise connects to your Square account and adds giving pages, recurring donation management, giving statements, fund tracking, and donor management on top.

Square handles the payment. ChurchRaise handles everything else. Connect your Square account and get branded giving pages, recurring donation management, fund tracking, tax-ready statements, and AI stewardship insights — all free for churches.

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Can I use Square to accept donations for my church?

Yes — and you can do much more than Square alone allows. Square is a payment processor that lets churches accept donations online via donation links and donate buttons, and in person via the Square Reader or POS terminal. ChurchRaise connects directly to your Square account and adds the church-specific tools Square doesn't offer: branded giving pages with fund selection, recurring tithe management, pledge campaigns, team fundraisers, donor tracking, and IRS-compliant giving statements. There are no additional platform fees — you only pay Square's standard processing rates (2.6% + $0.10 in person, 2.9% + $0.30 online).

Everything Square doesn't do for churches

Square moves money. ChurchRaise adds giving pages, statements, fund management, and AI insights on top.

Square donate button alternative

Create branded giving pages that process through Square. Better than a basic donate button — donors choose funds, set recurring gifts, and see your church branding.

Shareable donation links

One permanent link for all your giving. Share in emails, texts, bulletins, or on screens. Works exactly like a Square donation link but with fund selection and recurring options.

Recurring giving management

Donors set up weekly, biweekly, or monthly gifts to specific funds. Manage all recurring donations in one dashboard — something Square alone can't do for churches.

Tax-ready giving statements

Generate IRS-compliant contribution statements automatically. Customize by date range, add your branding, and email or print. Square doesn't offer this.

Fund management

Organize giving into funds — general, building, missions, benevolence, and more. Set goals, track progress, and report by fund. All donations route through Square.

Donor and people management

Track every donor's giving history, contact info, and engagement. Square gives you a basic customer directory — ChurchRaise gives you a full people management system.

QR code giving

Generate QR codes for lobby screens, printed bulletins, or posters. Congregants scan and give in seconds. Payments process through your Square account.

Pledge campaigns

Run pledge campaigns where members commit to give over time. Track progress against goals and send reminders. All processed via Square.

AI stewardship insights

AI assistants analyze giving trends, draft thank-you messages, and suggest stewardship strategy. Get insights without digging through spreadsheets.

AI-powered stewardship insights

ChurchRaise includes 9 AI ministry assistants. The giving stewardship assistant analyzes donation trends, drafts personalized thank-you messages, suggests stewardship campaign ideas, and helps you understand donor engagement — without spreadsheets or manual reporting.

FAQ

Square donations FAQ

Common questions about using Square for church donations.

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