What is SMS fundraising?

SMS fundraising is a method where nonprofits and charitable organizations solicit donations via text messages. Supporters can quickly and easily donate by sending a specific keyword to a designated number. The donation amount is either added to their phone bill or deducted from their mobile credit, making it a convenient way for individuals to contribute to causes they care about.

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Why use text message fundraising?

Time is the most valuable asset, which is why the last thing people want to deal with is filtering through their endless emails. SMS fundraising allows for more personalized approaches, perfect for donation collection.
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Statistics of SMS fundraising

  • 62% of donors would rather get a text to donate.

  • Fundraising efforts using texting services achieve a 45% response rate.

  • 50% of local searches are done on mobile devices, which means most of your donors will see your messaging.

  • 49% of donors are looking for an instant response from you, which is easily accomplished via SMS.

  • 40% of your donors would instead communicate via texting than the phone.

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Benefits of text message donations for nonprofits

There are countless benefits of text messaging a fundraising letter. Above all, the power of a texting service for SMS donations will increase your overall participation.

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  • Set an automatic thank you letter for funding support.

  • Fundraising direct messaging provides a more personal touch to your attempted outreach.

  • Send a custom fundraiser invitation.

  • Launch a fundraising event welcome letter.

  • 82% of text messages are read within five minutes.

  • Text easy to follow donation links, giving your donors ultimate visibility to your cause.

Fundraising text message examples

Promote your mailing list and ask them to join.

Send a thank you.

Ask if they have any feedback.

Let donors know where their money is going.

Ask if they know someone they can refer.

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(855) 397 6679
Hi, Jennifer!

We have a super exciting mailing list filled with all of our latest fundraising efforts and causes. Would you be interested in joining our mailing list to hear more?

Reply YES to opt-in or NO to opt-out.

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(855) 397 6679
Thank you so much for donating, William!

We know you have lots of causes to choose from, which is why we’re thankful you chose us!

We’d love to hear any feedback you have about our organization and how you think we can improve our impact.

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(855) 397 6679
Good morning, Annabelle!

Did you have any feedback regarding our recent donation outreach?

I’d love to hear more about what you think of us so far.

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(855) 397 6679
Hello, Floyd!

Your recent donation of $[dollar amount] is going to help the children of St. Anthony’s Church have hot meals this Christmas Day.

We can’t thank you enough for making this dream come to life!

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(855) 397 6679
Hi, Rhianna.

Thank you again for your recent donation.

Do you have any contacts you think might be interested in our cause? I’d love to reach out to them directly and introduce myself.

Promote your mailing list and ask them to join

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Send a thank you

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Ask if they have any feedback

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Let donors know where their money is going

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Ask if they know someone they can refer

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How to write a donation letter through SMS

Always include relevant information and remember to be personable with your texting services. Find a way to connect with each of your donors by reaching out to them on a more personal level.

Some donors may still prefer to receive donation information via email, so you can effectively use SMS to build your email marketing campaigns.

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Writing the perfect fundraising template

It’s easy to get started with a donation texting program. Here’s how:

1.

Decide on your text marketing platform

If you’re finding your email marketing efforts get lost in the shuffle, don’t be surprised. The average donor receives 121 emails per day and far fewer texts. Up to 82% of text messages are read within five minutes, making texting much more effective.

2.

Start to upload your current contacts

Once you have chosen a platform, it’s time to upload the current contacts you have from your existing mailing list. As you enter them in, you can begin sending out your targeted messages right away.

3.

Start by creating a fundraising template

Templates are helpful because you can edit them as you need. This specific texting service will act as a generic message. For example, you can set up a thank you for your donation template to go out anytime funds are received.

4.

Figure out your campaign keyword

A campaign keyword is used for donors to opt-in to your SMS marketing list. Ideally, you will need to choose a campaign keyword that is short and sweet.

5.

Get your keyword out there

After you have figured out your campaign keyword you need to get it out there to the people. Start talking about it ASAP and get your SMS fundraising kick started.

6.

Start sending out your text messages

Start your fundraising text messaging right away as you begin building your texting list.

Helpful resources for fundraising texting services:

SMS marketing guide
Write a great thank you letter for funding support
Know when the best time to send SMS donation texts
Thoughtful text messages to inspire your donors
Create fundraising event welcome letter text message templates
Grow your SMS donation subscriber list
Creative SMS marketing campaigns for each fundraiser
Learn about SMS compliance for fundraising

Create a fundraising template

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[Insert Name], it’s been a while. Could I give you a call to see what’s been holding you back from participating in our most recent fundraising events?
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We are adding a weekly toy drive this December where we will feature one new cause per week. Click here for more details and to find out how to get involved.
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Welcome to our fundraising family. We are thrilled to have you joining us. Do you know about all the upcoming events we have going on this fall?
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You’re scheduled for a meeting at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 23rd.
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We’re so happy you joined us yesterday. Would you be interested in setting up a one-on-one meeting to discuss any feedback about our fundraising efforts?

Holidays are around the corner - do you know what our donation schedule looks like this year?

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Compliant sms fundraising campaigns

There are countless benefits of text messaging services for fundraising. Remember to abide by texting laws when utilizing these services. Only message people who have provided their consent for your text messaging services otherwise, you may be faced with legal issues.

More about SMS marketing

Here is what you need to include in fundraising text information while staying compliant:

  • State that you'll never send non-charity-related information

  • Explain how often they will receive messages

  • Make sure consumers know it is a secure text

  • Provide them with clear instructions for opting out

Get started texting today

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