Implementing Text-to-Give Campaigns
Text-to-Give (also called SMS giving) is a fundraising method that allows people to make a donation by sending a text message from their mobile phone. It’s fast, convenient, and ideal for engaging supporters in the moment—whether they’re at an event, reading your newsletter, or scrolling on social media.
Think of it like this: instead of filling out a donation form on a website, someone can text a keyword to a short phone number (like 707070), and boom—they receive a link to donate or the amount is billed directly to their phone plan (depending on your platform).
Why Should You Use It?
Instant giving: Perfect for live events or time-sensitive appeals.
No friction: Donors don’t need to pull out their credit cards or visit your website.
High engagement: Great for younger or mobile-first audiences.
Data collection: Capture phone numbers to invite further engagement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up a Text-to-Give Campaign
1. Choose a Platform
You’ll need to work with a provider that offers SMS donation services. Start with platforms like:
Give Lively (free for nonprofits)
Qgiv
OneCause
Donorbox
MobileCause
Make sure the platform is:
Secure (compliant with data and donation security standards)
User-friendly for both donors and your team
Customisable, letting you choose keywords and messaging
Integrated with your CRM or email platform, if possible
2. Set a Clear Goal
Define exactly what you’re raising funds for:
Emergency appeal?
End-of-year campaign?
Event-specific donation drive?
Tie the ask to a tangible outcome. Example:
“Text PLANTTREES to 88802 to donate $10 and help plant 5 native trees.”
3. Create Your Keyword and Shortcode
Keyword: A short, memorable word donors will text. E.g., WATER, TREES, HOPE.
Shortcode: The number donors will text the keyword to. Your platform provides this.
Pro tip: Test the process yourself so you know what the donor experience feels like.
4. Craft the Donor Experience
Think through the entire flow:
What does the auto-reply say?
Where are they redirected (e.g., to a secure donation form)?
Will they get a thank-you message after donating?
Example workflow:
Donor texts “GIVE” to 707070
They receive a reply: “Thanks for supporting clean water projects! Click here to donate: [link]”
They click the link, donate, and see a thank-you page
A follow-up text thanks them and shares impact
5. Promote Everywhere
Text-to-Give works best when it’s integrated across your comms channels:
Events: Slideshows, emcees announcing it, signage
Social Media: Reels, TikToks, and Stories (“Try this now!”)
Email newsletters: Add the call-to-action to footers or campaign blasts
Website pop-ups or homepage banners
QR codes: Link to the SMS action (most platforms support this)
6. Follow Up and Steward
Don’t just collect donations—build relationships.
Send a personal thank-you via SMS or email
Share impact stories within 7–10 days: “Here’s what your $25 did.”
Ask them to join your email list or monthly giving program
Invite them to future events or to volunteer
7. Measure and Optimise
Track performance metrics like:
Number of texts received
Conversion rate (texts → completed donations)
Average donation amount
Repeat participation in follow-up campaigns
A/B test your messages and keywords to learn what works best.
Important Considerations
Always make sure your SMS campaigns are compliant with local laws around marketing, data, and privacy (e.g., opt-out options must be available).
Test on multiple phone carriers and devices before going live.
Train your team or volunteers to help promote and explain the process at events.
Key Takeaway:
Text-to-Give is an incredibly powerful tool that removes barriers between intent and action. With the right setup, storytelling, and follow-up, it can become one of your highest-converting, lowest-friction fundraising tools—especially during live events or campaign pushes.
Want help choosing a platform or designing your campaign? Book a Power Hour and let’s strategise together.