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I added a "donate" button to a free to use website I run. After its first use, PayPal proceeded to freeze my account because I "recently declared your organisation to be non-profit or started receiving donations".

I was very unimpressed, mostly because there was absolutely no indication that adding a "donate" button would do this

The first Google result for "paypal donate button" gives this page:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donate-intro-outs...

It clearly states: This button is intended for fundraising. If you are not raising money for a cause, please choose another option. Nonprofits must verify their status to withdraw donations they receive

I think it's unfair to blame a company for enforcing policies which they're completely open about, especially when it's a policy you could read after mere seconds of research.



Yeah when I put together a donation site for a small (not-501(c)(3)) org some years ago, I was tempted to use donations but while reading the docs realized I just wanted payments. That site still operates, although thankfully I'm no longer involved, because PayPal still makes me nervous.




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