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: ^[1]
Project: ^[2]
Related meeting: ^[3]

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

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.