Fundraising Efforts Has Entered the Chat 💬

Welcome to the world of multi-channel fundraising with SMS texting! If you’re just now considering adding SMS texting to your fundraising efforts, you’re in for a treat. While other organizations have been leveraging an impressive 98% open rate from SMS marketing campaigns, it’s time for you to step up and move beyond the average email open rate of 42.35%. Consider adding SMS texting to your fundraising efforts, before your next multi-channel campaign!

Picking Up the Slack

Relying solely on traditional channels like email or direct mail has its limitations. These methods often fall short in terms of immediacy and engagement. SMS texting can complement these channels, offering a direct line to your donors’ hearts and minds. Imagine sending a quick text about a matching gift opportunity or a brief reminder before an event—these timely messages can turn passive interest into active participation.

Where does SMS texting fit into all of this?

I know what you are thinking—there are always going to be a hundred different reasons to not get started. That’s why multi-channel fundraising is so great, it is never too late to open another channel for your donors to give. Imagine sending out a quick text about a matching gift opportunity. Donors can respond in real-time, turning their generosity into action at the precise moment inspiration strikes. Or picture the power of sending a brief and informative reminder before an event. Just a quick tap on their phone, and suddenly they are closer to your mission and your community.

Getting Started

Oh, sure, what about getting all these phone numbers to start sending text messages? That is the best part! Sending your first SMS campaign can be worked into your next matching gift or GivingTuesday direct mail, email, and social media campaigns. Something like a buck-slip insert or a short message included in your digital messaging will inform your donor base that you are now accepting donations via SMS texting. While there are a couple of ways of doing this, it is important to pick the best method that meets your organization’s needs:

1. Text-to-Give:

This method would require the donor to text a keyword to a specific number that is related to the predetermined campaign, but instead of being redirected to a donation page, they agree to a set donation amount that is then added to their phone bill and eventually passed along to your organization. This method is typically used by nonprofits who meet a minimum fundraising requirement of $500,000 and pay an application fee.

2. Text-to-Donate:

Is a great option for organizations and is currently being used by nonprofits of all sizes. Similar to Text-to-Give, the Donor is prompted, for example, to text “DONATE” to a phone number instead of a short code number, then once the donor opts-in they are sent a reply with a URL to your organization’s online donation form to complete their transaction using a credit card, or other approved payment method specified by that donation form, allowing the donor to choose a donation amount and frequency.

Both practices are great places to start collecting phone numbers and encourage donors to opt-in to this new channel of communication. However, Text-to-Donate is more versatile and provides more opportunities to communicate with your donor base. Having another avenue to share your beautiful and easy to use donation form, is currently unmatched, because let us not forget that 98% open rate the industry is seeing from text messaging campaigns.

What do you say?

Will you be using SMS texting in your next multi-channel fundraising campaign? Still not sure how to get started—that’s okay! Our team is here to help your organization build a custom fundraising package, guaranteed to see growth and donor sustainability—partner with us today!