Comprehensive Guide to Text Message Fundraising in 2025

Introduction to Text Message Fundraising

In today’s nonprofit landscape, it seems like there are endless ways to fundraise. From black-tie gala dinners to family-friendly fundraisers, there are a lot of options when it comes to raising money for your charity. Here at Paybee, we know all about fundraising; it’s what we do. 

However, with technology constantly evolving and shaping the way we live our lives, it only makes sense that it would become a powerhouse when it comes to fundraising as well. After all, it’s estimated that 98% of Americans own a cell phone, with people scrolling through news, social media, and personal or work-related emails almost 150 times per day. 

Text Message Fundraising (or SMS Fundraising) is one of the most direct and engaging ways to communicate with potential donors. People carry their phones with them the majority of the time and are more likely to open a text message than an email, which can easily get lost in the shuffle or end up in a junk mail folder. Current statistics indicate that nearly 95% of text messages are opened, compared to a 12% open rate for emails. Those are huge numbers that are hard to ignore when trying to capture people's attention, especially when it comes to time-sensitive issues like disaster relief or fast-approaching fundraiser deadlines. Not to mention, current trends in AI technology are making text message donations more customized, tailoring donation requests by connecting users with their particular interests.

Whether your nonprofit is looking to solicit donations, spread awareness about an ongoing campaign, or inform supporters about the results of a recent fundraiser, text message fundraising is fast and simple to use, not to mention it’s changing how people donate, which particularly resonates with younger generations who are glued to their phones and prefer to donate online and at their convenience.

At a glance, here are the top five reasons your nonprofit should consider text message fundraising: 

Top 5 Reasons Nonprofits Use Text Message Fundraising

• Accessibility—Reach donors anywhere, anytime.
  
  
• High Open Rates—Up to 90% of text messages are opened by the recipient
  
  
• Speed—Instant delivery and donation capability.
  
  
• Personalization—AI tools tailor content to donor interests.
  
  
• Easy, On-The-Go Giving—Ideal for today’s on-the-go donors.

Accessibility—Reach donors anywhere, anytime.

High Open Rates—Up to 90% of text messages are opened by the recipient

Speed—Instant delivery and donation capability.

Personalization—AI tools tailor content to donor interests.

Easy, On-The-Go Giving—Ideal for today’s on-the-go donors.

What Is Text Message Fundraising?

While text messaging is now a part of everyday life, not everyone is familiar with the concept of text messaging as a way to fundraise for charity.

Text message fundraising, also known as donation texting or mobile giving, allows donors to send a keyword (“GIVE” or “DONATE,” for example) to a short numeric code associated with a charity. Once the donor enters the code, they either have a specific amount charged directly to their phone bill, or they will receive a link to a donor form where they can tap their card or fill out their information and enter the amount they would like to give.

Text message fundraising platforms allow donors to make one-time gifts, contribute during live events or campaign drives, and even set up recurring donations for ongoing support. This kind of flexibility gives donors the option to give in the way that works best for them; donating how much they want, how often they want and from wherever they want, all with easy to use SMS messaging. 

Here’s a look at different types of text message fundraising campaigns, complete with sample SMS messages and ideal cases in which to use them:

Type

SMS Example

Best Use Case

Emergency Appeals

“Urgent: Flood relief needed. Text AID to 12345 to send a $25 donation today.”

Disaster response with urgent fundraising required

One-Time Donations

“Support your local animal shelter. Text PAWS to 70707 to donate $20 now!”

Quick fundraising drives or special occasions

Recurring Donations

“Thanks for your gift! Reply MONTHLY to make this a $10/month recurring donation.”

Looking for regular giving and donor commitment. 

Event-Based Appeals

“We're at the gala! Text GIVE to 12345 to donate during tonight’s program.”

Fundraising during live events

These examples show how text message fundraising can be tailored to fit different needs at different times. By choosing the right approach, your nonprofit can connect with donors in meaningful ways and boost support with just a few taps on a smartphone. 

Benefits of Text Message Fundraising for Nonprofits

With people more connected to their phones than ever before, text message fundraising is quickly becoming a powerful tool for nonprofits. Here are a few of the biggest reasons why nonprofits are turning to text messaging to drive donations and make a bigger impact.

High Open Rates: 98% of text messages are read, with most being seen just moments after they’re received. Compare that to the average 20% open rate for emails, and it’s easy to see why more nonprofits are turning to text messaging when it comes to reaching out for support.

Faster Donation Rates: When it comes to mobile fundraising, you get instant results. There’s no need to log onto a particular website, create user accounts, or fill out lengthy donor forms. This means that donors are much more likely to donate in the spur of the moment, and that your charity is likely to see results much faster than with traditional forms of fundraising. This can be a huge benefit to nonprofits looking to raise funds in times of crisis or during time-sensitive campaigns where every minute counts.

Appeals to Younger Donors: Younger generations, in particular Millennials and Gen Z’ers, have, essentially, grown up with smartphones, making mobile communication the most effective way to reach that particular demographic. Using text message fundraising not only increases the chances that your message will be seen but also boosts the likelihood that younger supporters will respond and donate, considering many prefer the convenience and simplicity that online giving provides. 

Stronger Donor Connections: Mobile fundraising makes it easy to stay connected with supporters after they give by sending personalized thank-you messages, progress updates, and more. Sending a timely thank-you is important when it comes to showing appreciation to your supporters and helps build long-term relations long after they’ve answered the call (or in this case the text) and increases the likelihood they’ll answer again in the future. 

Complements Other Campaigns: Text message fundraising also works well alongside email, social media, and live events. You can send a quick SMS reminder before a livestream, follow up an email with a donation link, or display a text-to-give number at in-person events like galas or silent auctions. Using multiple channels helps reinforce your message, reach donors wherever they are, and boost overall engagement and donations.

Strategies for Effective Text Message Fundraising

As we’ve seen, with an extremely high open rate, there’s a good chance that your mobile fundraising message will be seen by the recipient. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn’t some strategy involved in converting a message recipient into an actual donor. Here are some simple strategies to help you make the most out of your text message fundraising campaign. 

Keep it simple: Text messages should be straightforward and to the point. There’s not a lot of room to work with and recipients may glaze over messages that are too long. Keep it short, clean and concise, with easy-to-understand language and a strong call to action that leaves the recipient feeling like they should reply and donate on the spot.

Know Your Audience: It might be tempting to send one generic message to your entire list, but when it comes to mobile giving, donor segmentation is one of the most effective strategies you can use. Segmentation means dividing your donor base into smaller groups based on their shared interests, behaviors, or giving history. This lets you tailor your messages to each group, making the message feel more personal—and increasing the chances that donors not only read your message but also follow through with a donation.

Time It Right: Timing is everything with text-based fundraising. Instead of hitting send as soon as your message is ready, schedule it for when your audience is most likely to see it. Studies have shown that people are most active on their phones in the early morning, around lunch, and in the evening—basically, during their downtime. Sending messages during these windows increases the chances your text will be noticed and decreases the chances it’ll get buried in a sea of notifications.

Make it Easy: Your message should include a short keyword or code or a clear donation link that will take them directly where they need to be to donate. Donors want to get from point A to point B with as few clicks as possible; you don’t want to lose potential donors because the process was too complicated or took too long. 

Use Tools and Tutorials to Your Advantage: If your team is new to text message fundraising and isn't quite sure how or where to start, be sure to use step-by-step tutorials and video guides to get you up and running. The majority of the text fundraising platforms have all the information you need and support staff should you run into any problems along the way. 

To help you stay organized and on track, here’s a simple checklist for launching your text fundraising campaign. While text messaging platforms do most of the work for you, it’s never a bad idea to be organized and make sure you’re on schedule so as to avoid any last-minute hiccups.

Text Message Fundraising Campaign Checklist

Text Message Fundraising Trends in 2025

Text message fundraising has picked up serious momentum in 2025. With mobile giving now a key part of most campaigns, nonprofits are leveraging tools that make texting smarter, faster, and more personalized. Here are two standout trends this year:

• Smarter, More Personal Messages: AI is making it easier for nonprofits to connect with donors in a more thoughtful, personalized way. Instead of sending the same message to everyone, organizations can use data—like past donations or specific interests—to customize texts. The result? Messages that feel more relevant and are more likely to get a response.

Smarter, More Personal Messages: AI is making it easier for nonprofits to connect with donors in a more thoughtful, personalized way. Instead of sending the same message to everyone, organizations can use data—like past donations or specific interests—to customize texts. The result? Messages that feel more relevant and are more likely to get a response.

Example: “Hi Sarah! You helped fund clean water last year. Want to support a new well project? Reply YES to learn more.”

• Chatbots: Chatbots have come a long way from basic FAQ responders and phone menu systems. Today’s chatbots can hold full conversations, update donor information, and even send instant donation receipts. These automated “assistants” save nonprofits time and money while providing donors with quick, around-the-clock support. 24/7 assistance is key.

Chatbots: Chatbots have come a long way from basic FAQ responders and phone menu systems. Today’s chatbots can hold full conversations, update donor information, and even send instant donation receipts. These automated “assistants” save nonprofits time and money while providing donors with quick, around-the-clock support. 24/7 assistance is key.

Example: A donor texts, “Update my address,” and the chatbot guides them through the process instantly—no staff required.

• Mobile Wallet & One-Click Giving: Not only are people donating online, they’re paying online, and as we move closer and closer to a cashless society, nonprofits are keeping up by integrating digital wallet applications like ApplePay, Venmo, and Google Pay directly into their text messaging campaigns. No more filling out forms or entering card data; you can go directly from “text message received” to “donation received” with just a couple of taps. Convenience is key.

Mobile Wallet & One-Click Giving: Not only are people donating online, they’re paying online, and as we move closer and closer to a cashless society, nonprofits are keeping up by integrating digital wallet applications like ApplePay, Venmo, and Google Pay directly into their text messaging campaigns. No more filling out forms or entering card data; you can go directly from “text message received” to “donation received” with just a couple of taps. Convenience is key.

Example: A donor receives a text: “Help feed 10 shelter dogs today. Tap to give $10.” With one tap, the donation is processed through Apple Pay, from start to finish in a matter of seconds.

• Action-Based Text Campaigns: As the name implies, action-based text campaigns involve texts being automatically sent to prospective donors based on their present or past behavior or during a key moment in your campaign. Perhaps they attended an event last night and you’d like to follow up, or maybe they’ve signed up for your online newsletter. These aren’t blast messages that are sent to a number of people at the same time. They’re specialized and personal, which usually leads to improved donor engagement, plus they’re automated so there’s no need to keep track of who did what and where and why. 

Action-Based Text Campaigns: As the name implies, action-based text campaigns involve texts being automatically sent to prospective donors based on their present or past behavior or during a key moment in your campaign. Perhaps they attended an event last night and you’d like to follow up, or maybe they’ve signed up for your online newsletter. These aren’t blast messages that are sent to a number of people at the same time. They’re specialized and personal, which usually leads to improved donor engagement, plus they’re automated so there’s no need to keep track of who did what and where and why. 

Example: It’s the one-year anniversary since a donor supported your cause; they could receive a text that says, “Hi Allyson! It’s been a year since your first donation—thank you! If you would like to support the shelter once again, please text YES to donate.”

Real-Time Results & Quick Changes: With today’s modern text message fundraising platforms, you can get instant feedback on how your campaign is tracking in real time. This means you know right away how many people are opening your messages, when they’re opening them and how many are responding and giving. This gives your nonprofit insight into what’s working and what isn’t and gives you the opportunity to make changes and improve response. Maybe donors aren’t connecting with your message or maybe they tend to respond more in the evening hours than during midday. Making changes on the fly can make all the difference when it comes to converting message recipients into donors making real contributions.

Example: Sending a text message asking for a $25 pledge may not be tracking and resulting in fewer than expected responses. Changing the request amount to $10 could have a more positive response. The text messages you send out aren’t set in stone and your appeal can be changed at any time. 

Challenges in Text Message Fundraising

Texting can be a great way to reach donors fast, but it does come with challenges. Whether it’s legal compliance, managing costs, or just getting people to sign up, here are the three most common issues—including some ways your nonprofit can work through them.

• Regulatory Compliance. With mobile fundraising, you need to ensure that your campaign is in compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The TCPA states that you can't just randomly send out messages; you need to have direct permission first, and people have to be able to opt out at any time. Failing to follow the rules can result in not only fines for your nonprofit but also a loss of donor support. 
• Best practice: Be upfront. Make sure people know what they’re signing up for, and include “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” in every message.

Regulatory Compliance. With mobile fundraising, you need to ensure that your campaign is in compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The TCPA states that you can't just randomly send out messages; you need to have direct permission first, and people have to be able to opt out at any time. Failing to follow the rules can result in not only fines for your nonprofit but also a loss of donor support. 

Best practice: Be upfront. Make sure people know what they’re signing up for, and include “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” in every message.

• Platform and Carrier Costs: Sending texts might seem like an inexpensive way to fundraise at first glance, but costs can add up. Carriers charge per message, and most platforms add on fees—especially for extras like keywords or automation tools. If you're running a larger campaign, those costs can get out of hand. 
• Best practice: Be focused. To keep things manageable, start with a smaller audience—target donors who are most likely to respond. And look for texting platforms that offer special pricing for nonprofits.

Platform and Carrier Costs: Sending texts might seem like an inexpensive way to fundraise at first glance, but costs can add up. Carriers charge per message, and most platforms add on fees—especially for extras like keywords or automation tools. If you're running a larger campaign, those costs can get out of hand. 

Best practice: Be focused. To keep things manageable, start with a smaller audience—target donors who are most likely to respond. And look for texting platforms that offer special pricing for nonprofits.

• Getting People to Opt In: People are cautious about giving out their private data these days, especially their phone number—and for good reason. Many people may live their lives online but still want to keep their personal information to themselves.

Getting People to Opt In: People are cautious about giving out their private data these days, especially their phone number—and for good reason. Many people may live their lives online but still want to keep their personal information to themselves.

Best practice: Make it special. give them a clear reason to sign up. Let them know they’ll get early access to updates, urgent alerts, or special behind-the-scenes info they won’t see anywhere else. A little exclusivity can make all the difference.

Best Text Messaging Services for Nonprofits

Text messaging can be one of the fastest and most efficient ways to raise funds, and while it can be used as a standalone way to fundraise, it can be even more effective when used in conjunction with other fundraising efforts like galas, auctions, or peer-to-peer campaigns. 

However, it’s important that you’re using the right service for your needs, as they’re not a “one size fits all” kind of deal. Some are suited for large fundraisers; others are better suited for smaller campaigns or nonprofits that are just starting out. Here's a look at some of the best text messaging services around and what they have to offer: 

Paybee: Paybee is best suited for nonprofits that are hosting live, virtual, or hybrid events and incorporates a “text-to-give” model as opposed to the “text-to-donate” model. Difference here is that with Paybee there is no keyword to send out or reply to; instead, Paybee sends out a donation link, which is perfect for live events, allowing donors to give without getting up from their table. Paybee also creates QR codes, which can be strategically placed throughout the venue, on marketing materials, or promoted online, which adds even more convenience to donors looking to make an instant donation whenever and from wherever they would like during an event. 

• Built for nonprofit events (live, virtual, or hybrid)
  
  
• Uses text-to-give (sends donation links, no keyword needed)
  
  
• Provides QR codes for quick giving
  
  
• Easy to use; minimal tech skills needed
  
  
• Best for: Galas, auctions, and event-based fundraising
  
  
• Pricing: Event-based

Built for nonprofit events (live, virtual, or hybrid)

Uses text-to-give (sends donation links, no keyword needed)

Provides QR codes for quick giving

Easy to use; minimal tech skills needed

Best for: Galas, auctions, and event-based fundraising

Pricing: Event-based

Twilio: If you’re running a large nonprofit or have someone who is particularly tech-savvy on your team, then Twilio may be the right option for you. Twilio was developed with companies, developers, and apps in mind and, as such, is very flexible and gives you the components that you need to create your own customized messaging platform. Whether you’re looking to send text messages to 100 people or 10,000, Twilio can do that—just be sure you have someone on your team with tech “know-how” or decent programming and/or skills.

• Custom-built platform for tech-savvy teams
  
  
• You build your own text system
  
  
• Great for large-scale campaigns
  
  
• Not nonprofit-specific, but flexible
  
  
• Best for: Large organizations with good tech support
  
  
• Pricing: Pay-as-you-go

Custom-built platform for tech-savvy teams

You build your own text system

Great for large-scale campaigns

Not nonprofit-specific, but flexible

Best for: Large organizations with good tech support

Pricing: Pay-as-you-go

Textedly: Textedly is an easy-to-use mass texting platform that allows you to send bulk messages, reminders and updates with little setup or technical know-how required. With Textedly, you can receive your texting number, and then subscribers sign up by texting a keyword, which puts them on the mailing list. With the service, you can send out mass texts, appeals, or event reminders on the spot or schedule messages to be sent out on a schedule. Textedly, however, was not created with nonprofits in mind, so you will have to incorporate a link in your messages in order to receive donations. 

• Easy to set up and use
  
  
• Supporters opt in by texting a keyword
  
  
• Send mass texts, schedule messages, share donation links
  
  
• Doesn’t include built-in donation forms—you add your own
  
  
• Best for: Small nonprofits or basic campaigns
  
  
• Pricing: Monthly plans, affordable

Easy to set up and use

Supporters opt in by texting a keyword

Send mass texts, schedule messages, share donation links

Doesn’t include built-in donation forms—you add your own

Best for: Small nonprofits or basic campaigns

Pricing: Monthly plans, affordable

SimpleTexting: Like Textedly, SimpleTexting is an easy-to-use and easy-to-set-up platform used for mass texting, but it offers a few additional features. It includes basic tracking and analytics that let you see who’s opening your messages, clicking your links, and at what time they’re engaging. You also get access to helpful automation tools, like welcome messages and follow-ups, and quick and responsive customer service. These added features can be a big help if you’re trying to fine-tune your messaging and boost donor engagement over time.

• • Like Textedly, but with more automation and tracking
  • Can send auto-responses, welcome messages, follow-ups
    
  • Includes link tracking and basic donor analytics
  • Best for: Groups looking for easy texting plus automation
  • Pricing: Monthly plans
    
    

• Like Textedly, but with more automation and tracking
• Can send auto-responses, welcome messages, follow-ups
  
• Includes link tracking and basic donor analytics
• Best for: Groups looking for easy texting plus automation
• Pricing: Monthly plans
  
  

MobileCause: MobileCause is a mobile fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits. It uses a “text-to-donate” model, allowing supporters to give quickly by texting a keyword and receiving a link to your donation form. The platform also helps you track your campaign performance and manage donor information as you go. These features are especially useful for long-term fundraisers or ongoing campaigns where you want to engage recurring donors and monitor results over time. 

• Uses text-to-donate with custom keywords (e.g., “Text GIVE to 41444”)
  
  
• Includes event tools, donation forms and donor tracking
  
  
• Designed for year-round giving
  
  
• Best for: Organizations looking to stay connected with donors and raise money year-round
  
  
• Pricing: Mid- to high-monthly plans
  
  

Uses text-to-donate with custom keywords (e.g., “Text GIVE to 41444”)

Includes event tools, donation forms and donor tracking

Designed for year-round giving

Best for: Organizations looking to stay connected with donors and raise money year-round

Pricing: Mid- to high-monthly plans

Success Stories of Text Message Fundraising

Text messaging hasn’t only become one of the main ways we stay in touch with each other; it’s also become one of the main ways nonprofits are raising money for their respective charities. Here are some tangible, real-world examples of how text message fundraising campaigns are making big differences for charities around the world:

1. American Red Cross—Haiti Earthquake Relief

During crises like the Haiti Earthquake back in 2010, donations were needed and were needed fast. The American Red Cross launched a shortcode campaign where all donors needed to send a text “HAITI” from their smartphones, with an automatic $10 donation being added on to the users' phone bills. The campaign was launched within hours of the earthquake and within just 24 hours, over $5 million was raised, with over $32 million being raised within a month. 

2. Feeding America—Hunger Action Month

Every September, Feeding America, a US-based nonprofit network of food banks, runs an SMS mobile giving fundraiser as part of their campaign to raise funds and awareness about food insecurity and hunger issues in the US. The mobile giving campaigns typically involve a keyword like “FEED,” which brings users to the donation page where they can donate as little as $10 with all proceeds going to food banks, meal donations, and advocacy and awareness programs. The campaign has raised up to $1 million in just a few weeks and has made a huge difference in the lives of those who may be struggling to keep food on the table.

3. Wood Green Animal Shelters (UK)—Animal Shelter Relief

Wood Green is a well-known animal shelter in the United Kingdom that cares for homeless and abandoned cats and dogs. During Christmas 2010 they launched a “text-to-donate” campaign where supporters could text “FEED” or “HUNGRY” to a shortcode that they promoted not only in shelters but in busy train stations as well. As a result, Wood Green received over 600 donations in the first three months, with almost half of those donations coming in from the train station posters within the first two weeks. Almost 19% of the initial supporters opted to donate on a recurring basis, which resulted in the nonprofit raising over $15,000 in donations over the course of two years that went directly to the charity to help care for dozens, if not hundreds, of furry, four-legged friends who have nowhere else to go. 

These three campaigns demonstrate that text message fundraising can be highly effective and make a huge difference if executed properly. With easy-to-use interfaces, cross-promotion with other forms of social media, and simple but effective keywords, mobile fundraising can boost your fundraising goals to a whole new level by just pressing a few buttons on a smartphone. 

Bringing It All Together: Your Text Fundraising Recap

In today’s mobile-driven age, it seems like everyone has their smartphone within reach at all times—and nonprofits have taken notice. Text message fundraising isn’t just a passing trend; it’s become a reliable and powerful tool for connecting with supporters and collecting donations in real time.

With open rates that far surpass traditional email, SMS fundraising dramatically boosts the chances of your message being seen—and acted on. With just a few taps, donors can send funds directly to your organization. No long forms to fill out. No more waiting around for confirmation emails or waiting on tax receipts in the mail. 

Whether you’re responding to a crisis, hosting a one-time fundraiser, or running an event-based appeal, text messaging streamlines the entire giving process. It allows supporters to contribute at any time, from anywhere, with minimal effort. For today’s on-the-go donors, that level of convenience can make all the difference—and for nonprofits, it means more opportunities to drive impact and yield instant results in the moments that matter most.

Why It Works

• High Visibility: Texts get opened—quickly. Most messages are seen within minutes.
  
  
• Easy to Act On: Mobile links make donating quick and painless.
  
  
• Built for Engagement: Messages feel personal and timely and are great for building relationships that could turn a one-time supporter into a recurring donor.
  
  
• Flexible Uses: From urgent appeals to event invites or thank-you notes, SMS does it all.
  
  

High Visibility: Texts get opened—quickly. Most messages are seen within minutes.

Easy to Act On: Mobile links make donating quick and painless.

Built for Engagement: Messages feel personal and timely and are great for building relationships that could turn a one-time supporter into a recurring donor.

Flexible Uses: From urgent appeals to event invites or thank-you notes, SMS does it all.

 Smart Strategies for Better Results

Success with text fundraising doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from knowing your audience and choosing the right tools.

• Segment your lists: Not every donor needs the same message. It’s better to start small and know your audience than to blast out a generic message that might not hit the mark.
  
  
• Use trusted platforms: Platforms like Paybee, Textedly, MobileCause, and Twilio can help manage messages, track performance, and stay compliant. Look at the size, budget and tech-savviness of your organization to find the best fit for your organization.
  
  
• Send at the right time: Mornings, evenings, campaign kickoffs, and during live events tend to get the best results.
  
  
• Keep it short and clear: A simple message with a strong call-to-action beats a long one every time.
  
  
• Automate wisely: Welcome texts, donation receipts, and reminders help keep people in the loop without extra work.
  
  
• Track what works: Watch your click and response rates so you can adjust as you go. Keep an eye on what you’re doing right and what could be improved on. It’s easy to adjust on the fly and can make all the difference.
  
  

Segment your lists: Not every donor needs the same message. It’s better to start small and know your audience than to blast out a generic message that might not hit the mark.

Use trusted platforms: Platforms like Paybee, Textedly, MobileCause, and Twilio can help manage messages, track performance, and stay compliant. Look at the size, budget and tech-savviness of your organization to find the best fit for your organization.

Send at the right time: Mornings, evenings, campaign kickoffs, and during live events tend to get the best results.

Keep it short and clear: A simple message with a strong call-to-action beats a long one every time.

Automate wisely: Welcome texts, donation receipts, and reminders help keep people in the loop without extra work.

Track what works: Watch your click and response rates so you can adjust as you go. Keep an eye on what you’re doing right and what could be improved on. It’s easy to adjust on the fly and can make all the difference.

Key Takeaways

• Set clear goals and build your SMS plan around them. Have a plan
  
  
• Make it mobile-friendly—from the message to the donation page. SMS fundraising is all about simplicity and making the process as seamless as possible for recipients. Make it easy.
  
  
• Respect your donors’ time and privacy with clear opt-ins and easy opt-outs. Be compliant.
  
  

Set clear goals and build your SMS plan around them. Have a plan

Make it mobile-friendly—from the message to the donation page. SMS fundraising is all about simplicity and making the process as seamless as possible for recipients. Make it easy.

Respect your donors’ time and privacy with clear opt-ins and easy opt-outs. Be compliant.

Now’s the Time to Start

Text message fundraising isn’t just for big campaigns or big budgets. It’s one of the most effective, direct ways to connect with your supporters—anywhere, anytime. With the right tools and a solid plan, you can turn short messages into long-term impact.

Want more ideas to help you get started?
Check out Paybee’s blog for strategies, examples, fundraising ideas and tools that nonprofits are using to grow.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the best platforms for text message fundraising?

When it comes to choosing the best platform for text message fundraising, it really depends on your nonprofit’s size, budget, and the features you need. Top options include Paybee, MobileCause, Twilio, Textedly, and SimpleTexting. Each platform offers something different, so it’s worth taking the time to compare and find the one that’s the best fit for your organization.

How do you ensure compliance in text message fundraising?

To stay compliant with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), nonprofits must get clear, written permission from donors before sending texts. Always include an easy opt-out option like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe,” and use platforms that help manage consent to avoid getting into any trouble.

How long does it take to set up a text message fundraising campaign?

Setup time can range from a few hours to a few days, depending on the platform you’re using and the needs of your campaign. Platforms like Paybee, Textedly, or SimpleTexting offer quick setup with ready-to-use tools, while more advanced tools like Twilio give you lots of flexibility but may take a bit more time and tech know-how to get everything going.

How can nonprofits increase donor opt-in rates for text message fundraising?

People can be wary when it comes to opting to get involved in text message fundraising. To boost opt-ins, explain that there’s value in signing up—like receiving exclusive updates or urgent alerts—and make sure the sign-up process is quick and easy. Adding a sense of exclusivity often encourages people to subscribe.

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