Thinking about supporting a nonprofit through ShopGiv? Here are honest, plain-language answers to the questions people ask most. Share this page with anyone who's on the fence.
The basics
Is it free for me?
Yes — completely. Downloading the app is free, and you never pay anything extra. You shop at the same businesses, at the same prices, you already would. The donation comes from the business, not from your wallet.
So how does shopping turn into a donation?
When you shop at a participating business through ShopGiv, that business sends a small donation to the nonprofit you picked. You shop like normal; the business gives back on your purchase. That's the whole model: your everyday spending quietly funds a cause you care about, at no cost to you.
Do I pay more for products if I use ShopGiv?
No. Same business, same price. ShopGiv doesn't add a fee or a markup. The only difference is that your purchase now generates a donation.
Where does the money actually go?
To the nonprofit you choose. When you set up the app, you pick the organization you want to support, and donations from your shopping go to them. You can see your impact add up over time.
Getting started
How do I start?
Three steps, about ten seconds:
- Download the ShopGiv app (or scan a nonprofit's QR code).
- Pick the nonprofit you want to support.
- Shop at participating businesses like you normally do.
That's it. From then on, your shopping gives back automatically.
Can I change which nonprofit I support?
Yes. You're never locked in — you can switch the nonprofit you support whenever you like.
Which businesses participate?
A growing list of local and community-minded businesses. You'll see participating businesses in the app, and the list keeps growing as nonprofits recruit the businesses they work with. If your favorite shop isn't on there yet, tell them about it — or tell your nonprofit, who can recruit them.
The "is there a catch?" questions
What's the catch?
There isn't one for you. The businesses choose to give back because it brings them community-minded customers. You get to support a cause for free; the business gets customers; the nonprofit gets funded. Everybody wins — that's the design.
Is my information safe?
ShopGiv takes your privacy seriously. Your personal shopping details aren't put on display, and nonprofits see aggregate impact — not your individual purchase history. See the privacy policy for the full details.
Is this a charity I'm donating to, or a business?
ShopGiv is the platform that connects supporters, businesses, and nonprofits. The donations go to the nonprofit you choose. ShopGiv just makes the connection work so your everyday shopping can fund real causes.
Going further
How can I help my nonprofit even more?
- Pick them and shop — the single most important thing.
- Tell your friends. Share your nonprofit's page or QR code. More supporters means more donations.
- Ask businesses to join. If you love a local shop that isn't participating, let them (or your nonprofit) know.
- Become an ambassador. Many nonprofits run ambassador programs with their own share links — ask yours.
I run a nonprofit — how do I get listed?
Start with the 30/60/90-day plan, then list your nonprofit. It's built to be self-serve.
Still have questions? Visit the main FAQ or contact us — we're happy to help.