How services like PayPal and CanadaHelps.org can handle donations for you.
Non-Profits feel they need to have the the big companies donate the large cardboard cheque to be able to operate. You really don't! Although the big cheques are nice, they are few and far between. So, what's the answer? Rely on your community.
Your community is your backbone. For the most part, they know you or at least can understand your cause. Get them to pitch in more-cultivate it!