---
title: VCEDC Stripe Donation Plugin Integration
type: article
created: '2026-04-05'
updated: '2026-04-05'
source_docs:
- raw/2025-10-30-vcedc-website-meeting-98145876.md
tags:
- stripe
- wordpress
- donations
- vcedc
- integrations
layer: 2
client_source: null
industry_context: null
transferable: true
---

# VCEDC Stripe Donation Plugin Integration

## Overview

The VCEDC website's Donate page requires a Stripe plugin to enable direct online donations. This integration was identified during the October 2025 staging review and is assigned to AAG (Melissa) as part of the pre-launch build-out.

**Client:** [[wiki/clients/vcedc/_index|VCEDC]]
**Project:** [[wiki/clients/vcedc/projects/website-rebuild|VCEDC Website Rebuild]]
**Related meeting:** [[wiki/clients/vcedc/meetings/2025-10-30-staging-review|Staging Review & Content Strategy — Oct 30, 2025]]

---

## Requirements

- A WordPress-compatible Stripe plugin must be installed on the staging/production site.
- The plugin should allow visitors to make direct donations from the Donate page without leaving the site.
- If the plugin carries a licensing fee, the fallback is a simple button linking out to an external Stripe-hosted donation page.

---

## Implementation Notes

### Plugin Selection

- A free WordPress Stripe plugin is the preferred approach (e.g., WP Simple Pay free tier, Give WP, or similar).
- The plugin will authenticate against VCEDC's existing Stripe account — VCEDC must provide API credentials or grant access.
- Tracey Pilsner previously used Stripe with AAG for a women's event, confirming an existing Stripe account is in place.

### Fallback Option

If the chosen plugin requires a paid license:
- Use a standard CTA button on the Donate page that links to a Stripe-hosted payment link.
- This preserves donation functionality without plugin overhead.

---

## Status

| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Plugin identified | ⬜ Pending |
| Plugin installed on staging | ⬜ Pending |
| Stripe account credentials obtained | ⬜ Pending |
| Donate page connected and tested | ⬜ Pending |

---

## Action Items

- [ ] Install Stripe donation plugin on WordPress staging site — **@Melissa Cusumano**
- [ ] Obtain Stripe account credentials or access from VCEDC — **@Melissa Cusumano / @Tracey Pilsner**
- [ ] Test end-to-end donation flow before launch — **@Melissa Cusumano**

---

## Decision Log

**Oct 30, 2025** — During staging review, Kathy Schmitz confirmed the Donate page needs a live payment integration. Stripe was selected based on prior use at VCEDC events. A free plugin is the first-choice implementation; a linked button is the fallback if cost is a barrier. Decision made by Melissa Cusumano and Kathy Schmitz.