1. Install and activate
Install Donor Merchant like any plugin: in your WordPress dashboard go to Plugins → Add New, search for Donor Merchant, install and activate. (Installing from a ZIP? Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.) Activation creates the donor database tables and adds a Donor Merchant menu to your admin sidebar.
2. Set your basics
Open Donor Merchant → Settings → General and set:
- Organization name — appears on the form and in receipts.
- Email address — the sender for receipts and where notifications go.
- Currency and suggested amounts (e.g.
25,50,100,250). - Recurring giving and fee recovery toggles — both on by default.
3. Connect a payment gateway
Under Settings → Payments, connect at least one gateway:
- Stripe — cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and recurring giving. Start with test mode.
- PayPal — one-time gifts via PayPal Smart Buttons.
4. Put the form on a page
Edit any page and add the Donation Form block, or paste the shortcode:
[donor_merchant]More placement options in Shortcodes & blocks.
5. Make a test donation
With Stripe in test mode, use card number 4242 4242 4242 4242, any future expiry, any CVC. Submit a donation and confirm the full loop: the gift appears under Donor Merchant → Donations, the donor record is created, and the receipt email arrives.
6. Go live
Switch Stripe to Live mode with your live keys, set up the webhook (recommended — required for recurring renewals to be logged), and you're accepting real donations.