Title: DonateOcean – Donation Suite
Author: Easy Payment
Published: April 30, 2026
Last modified: May 4, 2026
---
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# DonateOcean – Donation Suite
By [Easy Payment](https://profiles.wordpress.org/easypayment/)
[Download](https://downloads.wordpress.org/plugin/donateocean-donation-suite.1.0.1.zip)
* [Details](https://wordpress.org/plugins/donateocean-donation-suite/#description)
* [Reviews](https://wordpress.org/plugins/donateocean-donation-suite/#reviews)
* [Installation](https://wordpress.org/plugins/donateocean-donation-suite/#installation)
* [Development](https://wordpress.org/plugins/donateocean-donation-suite/#developers)
[Support](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/donateocean-donation-suite/)
## Description
**DonateOcean** is a WordPress PayPal donation plugin for nonprofits, charities,
churches, schools, and fundraising organizations.
Accept one-time and recurring donations, send automated tax receipts, manage donors,
track fundraising campaigns, and let supporters manage their own subscriptions through
a secure self-service portal. All features are included in the GPL release, with
no separate premium add-ons.
Every donation is confirmed by **webhook-verified payment**: PayPal’s servers notify
your site directly, so donations are recorded even if the donor closes their browser
before the redirect completes. If a webhook delivery is delayed or temporarily unavailable,
the plugin retries verification and updates the donation record once confirmation
is received from PayPal.
#### Why nonprofits choose DonateOcean
* **No paid tier, no upsells** — every feature shipped is available to every user;
you only pay PayPal’s standard processing fees
* **Built for fundraising** — campaigns, goals, tributes, anonymous giving, and
offline donations in one place
* **Webhook-backed reliability** — donations are recorded even when the browser
callback drops
* **Donor self-service** — donors manage their own subscriptions through a secure
magic-link portal, no WordPress account required
* **GDPR-aware** — includes tools that assist with personal data export, erasure,
and retention workflows
#### Core features
* **PayPal Orders API v2** — credit card, debit card, and PayPal balance
* **Webhook-verified payments** — every donation confirmed by PayPal signature
* **Recurring donations** — monthly and annual PayPal Subscriptions with admin
controls
* **Donor self-service portal** — donors manage subscriptions via secure magic
link
* **Four display modes** — inline, modal, widget, and full-page donation forms
* **Fundraising goals** — progress bar with manual or automatic amount tracking
* **Campaign date gating** — schedule campaign open and close dates
* **Tribute donations** — “In honor of” and “In memory of” giving
* **Anonymous donations** and **optional fee coverage**
* **Automated HTML receipts** and **PDF receipt downloads**
* **Year-end tax summaries** for each donor
* **Full admin suite** — donations list, detail page, donor profiles, dashboard
widgets
* **CSV export** — up to 10,000 records with all metadata
* **Manual donations** — record cash, check, and bank transfer donations
* **Full and partial refunds** via the PayPal Captures API
* **Dispute management** with automatic tracking and alerts
* **Custom roles** — Donation Viewer (read-only) and Donation Manager
* **Capability-checked admin actions** — refunds, settings changes, exports, and
manual donation entry are all gated by WordPress capability checks
* **GDPR compliant** — personal data export, erasure, and retention
* **Accessible donation form** — keyboard-navigable controls and screen-reader-
friendly labels and validation messages
* **Gutenberg block** with all settings as Inspector Controls
* **Translation ready** with a complete `.pot` file
* **Zero runtime dependencies** — no Composer or npm required
#### Integrations
Each integration is disabled by default and only activates after credentials are
entered.
* **Mailchimp** — auto-subscribe donors to your mailing list
* **Constant Contact** — auto-subscribe donors on donation completion
* **ActiveCampaign** — add donors to your CRM and email lists
* **Brevo (Sendinblue)** — auto-subscribe with optional double opt-in
* **Zapier** — trigger 5,000+ app workflows on donation events
* **Slack** — receive rich donation notifications in any channel
* **Twilio SMS** — get text alerts for donations, refunds, and disputes
* **Google Sheets** — log every donation to a spreadsheet automatically
#### Shortcodes
Add the donation form to any page or post:
```
[donadosu_donation]
```
Examples:
```
[donadosu_donation campaign="building-fund" goal_amount="50000" goal_current="auto"]
[donadosu_donation display_mode="modal" donation_mode="both" fee_coverage="1"]
[donadosu_donation amounts="25,50,100,250" min_amount="10" button_text="Donate Now"]
```
Add a self-service subscription management portal:
```
[donadosu_donor_portal]
```
Donors enter their email, receive a secure magic link (valid for 30 minutes), and
can view or cancel their active subscriptions. No WordPress account required.
Full shortcode and block attribute documentation is available in the plugin settings
help tab.
#### Translations
DonateOcean is fully translation-ready and ships with a complete `.pot` file. Community
translations are welcome through the WordPress.org translation platform once it
is available for this plugin.
### External Services
This plugin relies on third-party services to process payments and (optionally)
sync donor data to external systems. Each service is described below, including
what it is, when data is sent to it, what data is sent, and links to its Terms of
Service and Privacy Policy. The plugin only contacts a service when the relevant
feature is configured by an administrator; optional integrations remain inactive
until their credentials are entered on the plugin settings page.
**PayPal (required for online donation processing)**
PayPal is the payment processor that handles every online donation. Without PayPal
credentials, the plugin cannot accept online donations; manual (offline) donations
recorded in the admin are the only exception.
* What it is: PayPal’s REST API (Orders v2, Subscriptions v1, Webhooks) and the
PayPal JavaScript SDK used to render the payment buttons.
* When data is sent: each time a visitor initiates a donation (order creation),
completes payment (order capture), creates or manages a subscription, when an
administrator issues a refund, and whenever PayPal posts a webhook event that
the plugin verifies.
* Endpoints contacted: `https://api-m.paypal.com` (Live mode) or `https://api-m.
sandbox.paypal.com` (Sandbox mode). The PayPal JavaScript SDK is loaded from `
https://www.paypal.com/sdk/js` on any page that renders the donation form.
* Data sent: donation amount, currency, frequency (one-time or recurring), donor
name, donor email, billing address (when provided), shipping address (when provided),
campaign identifier, and the order or subscription identifier.
* PayPal Terms of Service: https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-
full
* PayPal Privacy Statement: https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/privacy-full
**Optional integrations**
* **Mailchimp** — an email marketing service. When enabled, the plugin contacts`
https://.api.mailchimp.com/3.0/` on each completed donation to add the donor
to the configured audience. Data sent: donor name, donor email, and the Mailchimp
list ID. Terms of Service: https://mailchimp.com/legal/terms/ — Privacy Policy:
https://mailchimp.com/legal/privacy/
* **Constant Contact** — an email marketing service. When enabled, the plugin contacts`
https://api.cc.email/v3/` on each completed donation to subscribe the donor to
the configured list. Data sent: donor name, donor email, and the Constant Contact
list ID. Terms of Service: https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/terms — Privacy
Policy: https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/privacy-center
* **ActiveCampaign** — a CRM and email marketing service. When enabled, the plugin
contacts the administrator-supplied ActiveCampaign account URL on each completed
donation to add the donor as a contact and attach them to the configured list.
Data sent: donor name, donor email, and the ActiveCampaign list ID. Terms of
Service: https://www.activecampaign.com/legal/ — Privacy Policy: https://www.
activecampaign.com/legal/privacy-policy
* **Brevo (Sendinblue)** — an email marketing service. When enabled, the plugin
contacts `https://api.brevo.com/v3/` on each completed donation to subscribe
the donor to the configured list (optionally with double opt-in). Data sent:
donor name, donor email, and the Brevo list ID. Terms of Service: https://www.
brevo.com/legal/termsofuse/ — Privacy Policy: https://www.brevo.com/legal/privacypolicy/
* **Twilio SMS** — a cloud-based SMS service. When enabled, the plugin contacts`
https://api.twilio.com/2010-04-01/` to send a text message to the administrator-
configured notification phone number when a donation, refund, or dispute event
occurs. Data sent: the administrator’s notification phone number, the Twilio “
from” phone number, and an SMS body containing the donation amount, currency,
and campaign name. No donor personally identifiable information is sent by default.
Terms of Service: https://www.twilio.com/legal/tos — Privacy Policy: https://
www.twilio.com/legal/privacy
* **Google Sheets** — Google’s spreadsheet service. When enabled, the plugin contacts`
https://oauth2.googleapis.com/token` to authenticate with a service account,
then `https://sheets.googleapis.com/v4/spreadsheets` to append a row on each
completed donation. Data sent: donation date, amount, currency, donor name, donor
email, campaign, and donation identifier, written to the administrator-supplied
spreadsheet. Terms of Service: https://policies.google.com/terms — Privacy Policy:
https://policies.google.com/privacy
* **Slack** — a team messaging service. When enabled, the plugin contacts the administrator-
supplied Slack incoming-webhook URL on each completed donation to post a notification
message. Data sent: donation amount, currency, campaign name, and (if the administrator
has not disabled it in settings) the donor name. Terms of Service: https://slack.
com/terms-of-service/user — Privacy Policy: https://slack.com/trust/privacy/privacy-
policy
* **Zapier** — a workflow automation service. When enabled, the plugin contacts
the administrator-supplied Zapier webhook URL on each donation event (completed,
refunded, subscription created, subscription cancelled) to trigger a Zap. Data
sent: the donation payload including amount, currency, frequency, donor name,
donor email, campaign, event type, and donation identifier. Terms of Service:
https://zapier.com/legal — Privacy Policy: https://zapier.com/privacy
The plugin does not send any data to DonateOcean servers or to any analytics or
telemetry service.
### Data Storage
Donation records, donor profiles, and plugin settings are stored locally in the
site’s WordPress database. Payment processing is handled by PayPal; full card details
are never stored on the site server by the plugin. PDF receipts are generated on
demand and are not retained on the server after delivery.
### Privacy
DonateOcean stores donor information (name, email, billing address, donation history)
in your WordPress database as post meta. No donor data is transmitted to the plugin
author.
The plugin integrates with the WordPress core privacy tools to fulfill data subject
requests:
* **Personal data export** — a donor’s complete giving history can be exported
via **Tools > Export Personal Data**.
* **Personal data erasure** — a donor’s personally identifiable information can
be erased via **Tools > Erase Personal Data**, while preserving anonymized aggregate
financial records.
* **Automatic retention** — administrators can configure automatic erasure of donor
PII after a set number of months.
* **Uninstall cleanup** — before deleting the plugin, administrators can opt in
from the settings page to remove all DonateOcean data from the WordPress database.
For details on data shared with third-party services (PayPal and optional integrations),
see the **External Services** section above.
## Blocks
This plugin provides 1 block.
* Donation Suite Form Embed a PayPal donation form anywhere on your site.
## Installation
#### Automatic installation
1. In your WordPress admin, go to **Plugins > Add New**.
2. Search for **DonateOcean**.
3. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**.
4. Go to **DonateOcean > Settings** in the admin menu.
5. Enter your PayPal API credentials (Client ID and Secret).
6. Save settings — the plugin attempts to register the PayPal webhook endpoint automatically.
7. Add `[donadosu_donation]` to any page or use the **DonateOcean Form** Gutenberg
block.
#### Manual installation
1. Download the plugin ZIP file from the WordPress Plugin Directory.
2. In WordPress admin, go to **Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin**.
3. Upload the ZIP file and click **Install Now**.
4. Activate **DonateOcean** through the Plugins screen.
5. Follow steps 4–7 from the automatic installation instructions above.
#### Getting your PayPal API credentials
1. Log in to the [PayPal Developer Dashboard](https://developer.paypal.com/).
2. Navigate to **Apps & Credentials**.
3. Create a new REST API app or select an existing one.
4. Copy the **Client ID** and **Secret** for your chosen environment (Sandbox or Live).
5. Paste them into the DonateOcean settings page and save.
We recommend testing with Sandbox credentials before switching to Live mode.
## FAQ
### How do I accept PayPal donations on WordPress?
Install DonateOcean from the WordPress Plugin Directory, enter your PayPal API credentials(
Client ID and Secret) on the settings page, and place the `[donadosu_donation]`
shortcode on any page or use the DonateOcean Gutenberg block. The plugin attempts
to register the PayPal webhook automatically, so completed donations are recorded
even if the donor closes their browser before the redirect completes.
### Is DonateOcean free?
Yes, and there is no paid tier. Every feature shipped in the plugin is available
to every user under the GPLv2 or later license. There are no locked features, premium
add-ons, or upsells from the plugin author. The only cost of using the plugin is
PayPal’s standard payment processing fees, which are paid directly to PayPal.
### Does this work for nonprofits, churches, charities, and schools?
Yes. DonateOcean is designed for any 501(c)(3), registered charity, religious organization,
school, or community fundraising group. It supports tax-deductible receipts with
your organization name, tax ID, and a customizable tax disclaimer; tribute donations(“
In honor of” / “In memory of”); and recurring giving for sustaining donors.
### How do I add a donate button to WordPress?
Place the `[donadosu_donation]` shortcode on any page or post, or insert the **DonateOcean
Form** block in the Gutenberg editor. You can also choose between four display modes—
inline, modal popup, sidebar widget, or a dedicated full-page form — to match your
site’s design.
### How do I set up recurring donations?
Recurring donations are enabled by default. In the Donation Experience settings,
choose which frequencies to offer (one-time, monthly, annual, or all three) and
which is selected by default. Donors can manage or cancel their own subscriptions
through the donor portal — no WordPress account needed.
### Which payment methods are supported?
The plugin processes payments through PayPal, which supports PayPal balance, credit
cards, debit cards, and local payment methods available in the donor’s country.
It uses PayPal’s Orders API v2 and optionally supports Advanced Credit and Debit
Card Fields for direct card entry without leaving your site.
### Can I test donations before going live?
Yes. Enable Sandbox mode in the plugin settings and enter your PayPal Sandbox API
credentials to test donations, receipts, webhooks, and refunds before switching
to Live mode.
### Do I need to configure the PayPal webhook manually?
No. The plugin automatically registers the webhook endpoint with PayPal when you
save your API credentials. If automatic registration fails (for example, on a localhost
environment), you can configure it manually in your PayPal Developer Dashboard and
paste the Webhook ID into the plugin settings.
### Does the plugin send donation receipts automatically?
Yes. When a donation is completed, the plugin sends an HTML receipt email to the
donor and a notification email to your organization. Receipts include your organization
name, tax ID, and a customizable tax disclaimer. Administrators can also download
a PDF receipt from the admin panel.
### Can I issue refunds from WordPress?
Yes. On the donation detail page, administrators can process full or partial refunds
via the PayPal Captures API. The donation status updates automatically and the refund
is recorded in the status history timeline.
### Can I record offline donations like cash and checks?
Yes. Go to **DonateOcean > Add Manual Donation** to record cash, check, bank transfer,
or other offline donations. These appear in all reports, CSV exports, and donor
profiles alongside PayPal donations.
### Is the plugin GDPR compliant?
Yes. DonateOcean integrates with the WordPress core privacy tools for personal data
export and erasure requests. You can also configure automatic data retention to
erase donor personally identifiable information after a set number of months.
### Can donors manage their own subscriptions?
Yes. Place the `[donadosu_donor_portal]` shortcode on any page to create a self-
service subscription management portal. Donors enter their email, receive a secure
magic link valid for 30 minutes, and can view or cancel their active subscriptions.
### Is donor data secure?
Donor information is stored as WordPress post meta and is protected by WordPress’s
built-in security model. The plugin uses PayPal webhook signature verification,
nonce verification for all authenticated requests, and capability checks for all
admin operations.
## Reviews
There are no reviews for this plugin.
## Contributors & Developers
“DonateOcean – Donation Suite” is open source software. The following people have
contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
* [ Easy Payment ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/easypayment/)
[Translate “DonateOcean – Donation Suite” into your language.](https://translate.wordpress.org/projects/wp-plugins/donateocean-donation-suite)
### Interested in development?
[Browse the code](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/donateocean-donation-suite/),
check out the [SVN repository](https://plugins.svn.wordpress.org/donateocean-donation-suite/),
or subscribe to the [development log](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/log/donateocean-donation-suite/)
by [RSS](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/log/donateocean-donation-suite/?limit=100&mode=stop_on_copy&format=rss).
## Changelog
#### 1.0.1
* Improved – Donation block.
#### 1.0.0
* Initial public release.
## Meta
* Version **1.0.1**
* Last updated **6 days ago**
* Active installations **Fewer than 10**
* WordPress version ** 6.0 or higher **
* Tested up to **6.9.4**
* PHP version ** 7.4 or higher **
* Tags
* [donate](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/donate/)[donations](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/donations/)
[fundraising](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/fundraising/)[nonprofit](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/nonprofit/)
[paypal](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/paypal/)
* [Advanced View](https://wordpress.org/plugins/donateocean-donation-suite/advanced/)
## Ratings
No reviews have been submitted yet.
[Your review](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/donateocean-donation-suite/reviews/#new-post)
[See all reviews](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/donateocean-donation-suite/reviews/)
## Contributors
* [ Easy Payment ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/easypayment/)
## Support
Got something to say? Need help?
[View support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/donateocean-donation-suite/)