How to set up donations on Twitch for nonprofits

Good news: it doesn’t have to be. This guide will walk you through everything step by step, from setting up your Twitch channel to choosing the best way to collect donations. Whether you're using PayPal, Twitch Bits, or third-party tools, we’ll make it simple.

Let’s get you set up, the easy way.

Why donations matter for Twitch streamers and nonprofits

Twitch might look like just a place to stream games or chat, but it’s really a space where communities grow—and donations help make that possible. For streamers, donations mean you can spend more time doing what you love without relying only on ads or sponsorships. Even a few dollars here and there can add up fast and help cover things like equipment, time, and creative ideas.

For nonprofits, Twitch opens a door to a whole new audience. People on Twitch are already used to supporting creators they care about. So when they see a cause they connect with, they’re ready to give. It’s not just about the money—it’s about meeting people where they are and building real, lasting support.

How to set up donations on Twitch in a few easy steps

Getting donations on Twitch doesn’t have to be technical or overwhelming. Whether you're a streamer or part of a nonprofit team, you can set everything up without needing to be a tech expert. These steps will walk you through the most common ways to get started, so you can focus on what matters most—connecting with your community.

Step 1: Create an account and set up your Twitch channel

First things first—you’ll need a Twitch account. If you haven’t made one yet, head to twitch.tv and hit the “Sign Up” button. Choose a username that fits you or your organization, and don’t forget to upload a profile picture that feels personal and recognizable.

Once you’re in, go to your channel dashboard. This is your home base. From here, you can customize your stream info, set up panels, and add links—like your donation button. Keep your channel clear, welcoming, and easy to navigate. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just authentic.

Step 2: Add your PayPal.Me link for fast donations

One of the easiest ways to start accepting donations is through PayPal. If you don’t already have a PayPal account, you’ll need to create one—it’s quick and free. Once you’re signed up, you can make a PayPal.Me link, which is a personal donation page you can share anywhere.

To create yours, go to paypal.me  and follow the prompts. Once your link is ready, copy it.

Now head back to your Twitch channel dashboard. Scroll down to the About section and click Edit Panels. Create a new panel, give it a title like “Support the Stream” or “Donate,” and paste your PayPal.Me link there. You can even add a small image or button that says “Donate Now” to make it pop.

That’s it. You’re officially ready to accept PayPal donations. It’s simple, it works on both desktop and mobile, and best of all—it puts the control in your hands.

Step 3: Enable Bits and cheering inside Twitch

Twitch has its own built-in way to support streamers called Bits. Viewers buy Bits and use them to “cheer” during your stream. It’s like a fun, interactive tip jar. Each time someone cheers, you earn money—and viewers love seeing their cheer pop up on screen.

To use Bits, you’ll need to be a Twitch Affiliate or Partner. If you’re not there yet, don’t worry—just keep streaming and building your audience. Once you qualify, Twitch will notify you and walk you through enabling Bits.

Here’s how to enable them once you're eligible:

1. Go to your channel dashboard
2. Click Affiliate Settings (or Partner Settings)
3. Turn on Cheering with Bits

Once it’s live, Twitch users can start cheering right away. You'll see the Bits cheered during streams and track your total earnings over time.

Bits are especially great because they work inside the Twitch platform—no extra tools or links needed. And for nonprofits? Bits can be a fun way to engage younger supporters who already understand how cheering works.

Step 4: Set up a third-party Twitch donation tool

While PayPal and Bits are great starting points, sometimes you need more features—like tracking donations, customizing messages, or setting up goals. That’s where third-party Twitch donation tools come in.

Platforms like Streamlabs, Donorbox, or Zeffy are built to help you manage donations more smoothly. They connect with your Twitch account and let you create a more interactive experience. For example, Streamlabs can show alerts when someone donates, while Donorbox can help nonprofits send receipts or run full campaigns.

Here’s how to set one up (we’ll use Streamlabs as an example):

1. Create an account at Streamlabs.com
2. Connect your Twitch account
3. Add your payment processing method (like PayPal or credit card)
4. Customize your donation page and alerts
5. Grab the link to your page and paste it into your Twitch panels

It only takes a few minutes to set up, but it can make a big difference. Your viewers get a smoother donation experience—and you get better tools to track and grow your support.

Step 5: Add a donation button to your Twitch channel

Now that your donation link is ready—whether it’s PayPal, Streamlabs, or another tool—you’ll want to make it easy for viewers to find. The best way to do that is by adding a donation button right on your Twitch channel.

Here’s how:

1. Go to your channel dashboard
2. Scroll to the About section and click Edit Panels
3. Create a new panel and give it a title like “Donate” or “Support the Stream”
4. Upload a small image or button graphic (you can find free ones online or make your own)
5. Paste your donation link into the panel’s description or set the image to link directly

This button is the first thing people will see when they visit your page, so keep it clear and simple. Make sure it stands out without being pushy.

You can even test it yourself to make sure it works. Click the link from a viewer’s perspective to check that everything feels smooth. A working, friendly-looking donation button can go a long way in encouraging support.

Best practices to boost Twitch donations and keep supporters engaged

Setting up donations is just the start. If you want people to actually give—and keep giving—you’ll need to make it feel fun, personal, and rewarding. Here are a few simple things you can do to encourage more support without feeling pushy.

Use custom alerts to celebrate donors live

When someone donates, let them know you saw it and you appreciate it. With tools like Streamlabs or OBS, you can set up custom alerts that pop up on screen when a donation comes in. Add a sound effect, show their name, or even display a little message they included. It turns donations into moments your whole community can cheer for.

Set donation goals and show progress on screen

People love helping you reach a goal—especially if they can see it happening in real time. Use a goal tracker overlay on your stream to show how close you are to your target, whether it’s for new gear, charity work, or just keeping the stream alive. It helps make every dollar feel like it’s part of something bigger.

Thank your donors during and after streams

A quick shoutout goes a long way. Say thank you out loud when someone gives, and follow up after the stream too—maybe with a DM or a post on social media. Gratitude builds loyalty, and when donors feel seen, they’re more likely to give again.

Build a hall of fame for top contributors

You can dedicate a panel on your channel or even a screen slide in your stream to highlight your top supporters. A donation leaderboard or hall of fame makes people feel special and can even spark some friendly competition.

Partner with other Twitch users for charity streams

Collabs aren’t just for games—they’re great for fundraising too. Team up with other streamers or organizations to run a joint event. You’ll reach new audiences, raise more money, and create energy that’s hard to match solo.

Going beyond: Use Twitch for nonprofit fundraising campaigns

Twitch isn’t just for gamers—it’s a growing space for nonprofits to tell their story, connect with new supporters, and raise real money. People on Twitch already believe in community. That makes it a powerful space for causes that want to meet people where they’re already spending their time.

One of the best ways nonprofits can use Twitch is through fundraising campaigns or live events. These might be charity streams, Q&As with your team, behind-the-scenes content, or even casual check-ins to share progress and goals. The format is flexible—you don’t have to be a pro streamer to make an impact.

Visual content ideas to improve donation performance

A few well-placed visuals can make a big difference when it comes to getting donations. People respond faster when they can see what’s happening—whether it’s a goal bar filling up or a simple thank-you alert popping on screen.

Here are some easy visual ideas that make giving feel more real (and more fun):

Donation flow diagrams
Show people how their donation works. A quick graphic with steps like “Give → Support Project → See Impact” can help viewers understand where their money goes. It builds trust and clears up any confusion.

Goal progress bars
Add a progress bar right on your stream or overlay. It could be for a specific cause, monthly expenses, or an event total. Watching the bar move gives viewers a reason to chip in—and feels like they’re part of the win.

Animated alerts for donations
When someone gives, make sure they get a moment of recognition. Use tools like Streamlabs to set up animations, sounds, or messages that pop up during your stream. Even a simple “Thanks, Jamie!” can turn a small gift into a big moment.

Screenshots and overlays
Show off your campaign page or donor leaderboard with clean screenshots. If you're using a third-party tool, you can take a quick snapshot and explain what people are looking at. It helps build comfort and gets rid of any hesitation.

Short videos or loops
Add a quick video to your Twitch panels or socials showing how to donate. It could be just a screen recording of where to click. Simple, helpful, and saves you from explaining the same thing over and over.

Visuals aren’t about being fancy—they’re about being clear. Make it easy, make it real, and people will step up.

From streaming to impact

Twitch is powerful on its own—but when you’re ready to grow, track, and manage your donations more seriously, you need a system that works with you, not against you. That’s where Harness comes in.

Harness isn’t just another donation tool—it stands out among charity fundraising platforms as a full-service solution built to help nonprofits and changemakers raise more with less stress. We help you create a personalized donation page that looks great and works smoothly, whether your audience comes from Twitch, your website, or even a text message.

But it doesn’t stop there. Harness gives you the tools to track donations in real time, manage your supporters, and build recurring giving programs—turning one-time donors into lifelong supporters. And if you don’t want to handle it all alone? You won’t have to. Our team becomes an extension of yours, offering expert guidance every step of the way.

Whether you’re running one campaign or planning for long-term growth, Harness is here to help you make the most of every stream, every supporter, and every dollar.

Frequently asked questions

Can Twitch streamers accept donations without being a Partner or Affiliate?

Yes, absolutely. Even if you're not a Twitch Affiliate or Partner yet, you can still collect donations using tools like PayPal, Streamlabs, or Donorbox. These don’t require any special Twitch status—just a channel and a donation link.

What’s the difference between Twitch Bits and direct PayPal donations?

Twitch Bits are used inside the Twitch platform. Viewers buy Bits and cheer during streams, and you earn revenue from that. PayPal donations, on the other hand, are direct payments that go straight to you, often with fewer platform fees.

How can I promote my Twitch donation link effectively?

Place it somewhere visible—like in your Twitch panel, stream overlay, or chat commands. Mention it naturally during streams when it makes sense, and make sure it’s easy to click and understand. A simple “Support the stream” message works well.

Is there a fee for accepting donations through Twitch or third-party tools?

Yes, most platforms charge small processing fees. Twitch takes a cut from Bits, and PayPal or donation tools may charge transaction fees (usually around 2–3%). It’s a good idea to read each tool’s policy so you know what to expect.

What’s the best donation tool for nonprofits on Twitch?

It depends on your needs, but if you’re looking for more than just a donation button—like recurring giving, donor tracking, and personalized support—Harness is a great choice. It’s built specifically for nonprofits that want to grow sustainably.

Can I accept cryptocurrency donations on Twitch?

Yes, some third-party platforms like Donorbox or Zeffy support crypto donations. Just make sure to add the right wallet address or use a platform that handles it for you.

How do I update or delete a donation button?

Go to your Twitch channel dashboard, scroll to the About section, and click Edit Panels. From there, you can change your donation link, update the image, or remove the button entirely. It only takes a few clicks.