QR Codes

Find out what QR codes are, how Macmillan uses them and how you can use them when fundraising for Macmillan.

What are QR codes?

A QR code (quick response code) is just like a barcode. Your phone can scan this code using your camera, which takes you to a webpage. This will help you to donate without needing cash.

For example, if you use the camera on your phone to scan the below QR code you will be taken to the Macmillan donation page:

A QR code that takes you to the Macmillan donation page

You may be familiar using QR codes for the NHS’ Track and Trace system. These have helped alert people if they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.

How Macmillan are using QR codes

Coffee Morning

QR stickers in our World’s Biggest Coffee Morning packs help make donating as accessible and easy as possible. The QR code then links to your very own Coffee Morning fundraising page, which you can set up when you register. You can also print out a copy of your QR code to use as a poster, which will help encourage cashless donations.

Macmillan QR code connector

Using your QC code is a quick and easy way to promote your event for Macmillan and, encourage supporters to donate. Whether you use our simple Macmillan QR code, or one that you have set up yourself, you can add the QR code to your posters* by using the Macmillan Design Editor.

*To remove the existing QR code from a product and replace it with your own, you'll need to be logged into your be.Macmillan account.

New designs

Every new design has a QR code capability. This means you can link your poster, flyer or invitation to a specific webpage of either cancer information, a campaign, or an online fundraising page.

The QR codes you see on each design will take you to either Macmillan’s online cancer information, financial help or donate pages. You have the choice to upload your own or keep it as it is.

Our QR code connector shows the steps to take when uploading a new QR code to your own account. Make sure you register and log in first.

JustGiving and QR codes

Through your JustGiving page

There are two main QR codes which you can use with JustGiving when you are fundraising for Macmillan.

The Macmillan JustGiving Page

If you are fundraising through JustGiving but not for a specific event, you may want to direct your supporters to the Macmillan page on JustGiving.

Promoting your own personal JustGiving page

If you have your own personal JustGiving page set up, then creating your unique QR code is easy.

All you need to do is add/qrcode to the end of the url of your page. This will then allow you to share the QR code with your supporters. It will take them directly to your page.

Visit JustGiving for more information on how to do this

Moving from cash to QR

The pandemic has led to fewer people using or carrying cash. The increased popularity of online donations across all age groups means that it’s now more important than ever that we make it easy as possible for people to donate in the ways that they want to.

People’s confidence and familiarity with QR codes has improved because of the NHS track and trace system. They provide a quick and easy way for people to donate online, making them an ideal option to donate to charities.