Did you know mobile giving has skyrocketed by a staggering 205% in recent years? With SMS open rates soaring to an impressive 98%—and 90% of texts read within just 30 minutes—text-to-give campaigns have become a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising.
What was once reserved for large organizations with big budgets is now accessible, affordable, and very effective for nonprofits of all sizes. Whether you're rallying support for a giving day, boosting your monthly donor drive, or recruiting passionate volunteers, text-to-give empowers you to connect with supporters where they spend the most time—on their phones.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to set up a text-to-give campaign that delivers results. From choosing the right platform to crafting messages that inspire action, you'll get a step-by-step roadmap—and I’ve included a free downloadable resource to make implementation even easier.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Text-to-Give Platform
Your text-to-give campaign’s foundation lies in the platform you choose. Look for features that prioritize ease of use, security, customization, integration, and donor connection. For added value, consider platforms offering multi-channel donation options (credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay), branded donation forms, and detailed reporting tools to refine your future campaigns
Step 2: Choosing a Campaign Keyword and Shortcode
Your keyword is the heart of your text-to-give campaign. The best keywords are simple, relevant, and action driven. Think of something that's easy to spell, hard to forget, and directly tied to your mission. Keywords like ‘SAVEPETS,’ ‘HELPKIDS,’ or ‘ENDHUNGER’ are powerful because they’re straightforward and inspire immediate action. Avoid special characters, acronyms, or anything that could confuse your audience.
Pair your keyword with a 5-digit shortcode—the number supporters will text. These shortcodes are a game-changer for mobile fundraising, making it faster and easier for donors to take action. For instance:“Text ‘DONATE’ (your keyword) to 12345 (your shortcode).”
Step 3: Creating Mobile-Friendly Donation Pages
The success of your text-to-give campaign hinges on having a seamless, mobile-friendly donation page. Why? Because a streamlined and branded donation experience builds trust and motivates donors to complete their contributions. Research shows that branded donation pages consistently see higher response rates as they reinforce your nonprofit’s mission with a cohesive, professional look.
When designing your donation page, focus on simplicity and user experience. Keep the layout clean and distraction-free, and include only the essential fields: name, payment information, and donation amount.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed thank-you page. This is your chance to express genuine gratitude and reinforce the donor's impact. A thoughtful thank-you page not only leaves a lasting impression but can also encourage future engagement.
Step 4: Crafting Impactful Text Messages
When it comes to text fundraising, brevity is key. You have only seconds to grab attention, so make every word count! Start with a compelling opener that hooks your audience, follow up with a clear call-to-action, and briefly highlight why their support matters right now.
Personalization is your secret weapon—keep messages authentic and true to your nonprofit’s unique voice. Supporters are more likely to respond when your message feels genuine and heartfelt.
If your platform supports MMS, take it a step further with visuals! A powerful image or a short video can bring your cause to life, creating an emotional connection that drives engagement. A picture really is worth a thousand words when it comes to inspiring action.
🎉 BONUS: Need ideas? Download our sample text messages to jumpstart your campaign and save time!
Step 5: Building Your Text List and Staying Compliant
To reach supporters via Text-to-Give, start by collecting phone numbers. Add an SMS consent checkbox to your email sign-ups, event registrations, and donation forms. This makes opting in easy while supporters are already engaged.
Boost opt-ins by offering small incentives like exclusive updates, early event ticket access, or raffle entries. These perks make joining your text list feel valuable and deepen supporters’ connection to your mission.
Compliance is crucial. Before texting, you must register with your mobile carrier to ensure smooth delivery. Platforms like Click & Pledge, integrated with Twilio, simplify this process—and their Impact Access Program even offers a $500 kickstart credit!
Remember, obtaining explicit consent isn’t just a legal requirement—it builds trust. Always include an opt-out option (e.g., texting “STOP”) to give supporters control. And be thoughtful about timing—stick to business hours (8 AM–9 PM) to show respect and follow best practices.
Step 6: Promote Your Campaign Everywhere
Maximize your reach by sharing your Text-to-Give information across all your channels. Add it to your website, social media posts, email newsletters, and even your email signature.
Go offline, too! Feature your campaign on signs, posters, billboards, event banners, and include a QR code for instant access to your donation page. This makes it easy for supporters to take action.
Leverage your network by asking loyal supporters, volunteers, and team members to spread the word. Their personal endorsement boosts credibility and extends your campaign’s reach. For example, I partnered with a football team to share our shortcode and keywords during games—get creative, the possibilities are endless!
Step 7: Monitor and Adjust Your Campaign
To ensure your Text-to-Give campaign hits its full potential, track key metrics like open rates, click-throughs, and donation amounts. These insights help you understand what’s working—and what isn’t.
Take it a step further with A/B testing: experiment with different message timings, styles, or donation asks to see what resonates most with your audience. Sometimes, even a small tweak can drive a big improvement in engagement and results.
Remember, optimization is an ongoing process. Regularly reviewing and refining your strategy ensures your campaign stays impactful and delivers the results your nonprofit needs.
Step 8: Say Thank You and Build Loyalty
Gratitude goes a long way in fostering lasting donor relationships. Set up automated thank-you messages to be sent immediately after each donation—real-time appreciation shows donors they’re valued and makes a lasting impression.
Don’t stop there! Keep donors engaged by sharing updates on how their contributions are making a difference. Whether it’s through emails, social media, or newsletters, showing the tangible impact of their support reinforces their importance to your mission and inspires future giving.
Remember, a heartfelt “thank you” isn’t just polite—it’s the foundation of strong donor loyalty.
📺Want to see exactly how it all comes together? Check out our latest YouTube video, where we provide a complete walkthrough of setting up and running a Text-to-Give campaign. You’ll get insider tips, practical examples, and everything you need to get started.
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