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Office of
Development

How to Create Direct Links to Your Online Giving Page

How to Create Direct Links to Your Giving Page

Direct links are a powerful tool for guiding donors straight to your department’s giving page online. These links can be especially effective when generating customized QR codes for your fundraising campaigns. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create and use direct links to enhance your department’s fundraising efforts.

Step 1: Work with the Office of Development

To make your direct link more user-friendly, you can collaborate with the Office of Development to create a customized, shortened URL for your department. This is especially helpful when you plan to share the link via printed materials or QR codes.
Contact the Office of Development for assistance in setting up your custom URL.

Step 2: Understand the Base Link Structure

The base link for direct donations is:

https://vault.andrews.edu/vault/app/pages/advancement/login/development?&desg=DESIGNATION CODE&solc=SOLICITATION CODE&only=Y OR N

This link includes three customizable elements that allow you to direct donors to specific giving pages and track the effectiveness of your campaigns: &desg=, &solc=, and &only=. 
 

Step 3: Customize the Link

1. Fundraising Designation Code (&desg=)

The &desg= parameter identifies the specific fund or project that donations will support.
Example: If your department’s designation code is 12345, your link should look like this:
&desg=12345
You received your fundraising designation code via email when your fundraising designation was initially set up.
Tip: If you cannot find your designation code, contact the Office of Development for assistance.

2. Solicitation Code (&solc=) (Optional)

The &solc= parameter helps track the specific appeal or solicitation that prompted the donation.
Example: If you have a solicitation code ABC123, your link should look like this:
&solc=ABC123
Note: This field is optional. If you want to use solicitation codes for tracking, request a solicitation code from the Office of Development.

3. Visibility Option (&only=Y or N)

The &only= parameter controls whether donors can see other fundraising options when they use your giving link.

  • Set &only=y to display only your department’s fundraising designation.
  • Set &only=n to allow donors to view other available designations as well.

Example: To ensure donors only see your department’s giving page, use:
&only=y

Step 4: Finalize Your Link

Once you’ve added the necessary parameters, your final link should look something like this:

https://vault.andrews.edu/vault/app/pages/advancement/login/development?&desg=12345&solc=ABC123&only=y
This customized link can now be shared via email, social media, or printed materials.

You can also use it to create a QR code, making it easier for potential donors to access your giving page with a quick scan.

 

Step 5: Test Your Link

Before sharing your link, test it to ensure it directs donors to the correct page and that all parameters are working as expected.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need assistance with setting up your direct link or obtaining designation and solicitation codes, please reach out to the Office of Development:

  • Email: development@andrews.edu
  • Phone: 269-471-3359
     
Office of Development