Why Text Messaging Is a Game-Changer for Nonprofit Fundraising
In a world where digital noise is louder than ever, nonprofits are always looking for ways to cut through the clutter and connect with supporters in meaningful, immediate ways. That’s why SMS campaign are one of the most powerful tools in a nonprofit’s fundraising toolkit.
With sky-high open rates, fast response times, and increasingly affordable platforms, SMS campaigns are helping nonprofits raise more money, mobilize faster, and build stronger donor relationships. Here’s everything you need to know about why texting works, how to do it right, and what’s next in nonprofit mobile messaging.
What Is an SMS Fundraising Campaign?
An SMS (short message service) campaign is a way to send mass text messages to your nonprofit’s supporters. Think of it like an email blast, but more likely to get opened. These messages come straight to your supporters’ phones and can include donation appeals, event reminders, advocacy actions, or simple thank-you notes.
With the rise of tools that support two-way texting and rich media content, thanks to new tech like RCS, the humble text message is transforming into a full-service engagement channel.
Why Text Messaging Works for Nonprofits
Let’s look at the data:
99% open rate for text messages (compared to ~30% for emails).
90% of texts are read within 3 minutes.
Donors are more likely to act after receiving a text vs. an email or direct mail.
Texting is cost-effective with prices starting at just a penny per message.
Mobile donations are on the rise with 28% of all online gifts coming from mobile.
Texting isn’t just another marketing channel. It’s the channel if you want to connect fast, build trust, and see results.
Best Practices for Running an SMS Fundraising Campaign
1. Segment Your Lists
Not every message is right for every supporter. Tailor your messages by interest, such as volunteering, advocacy, event attendance, or previous donation history. SMS is personal, so treat it that way.
2. Make Your Message Personal
Use merge tags like first names and reference past actions when possible. People want to feel known, not blasted.
3. Craft a Clear, Urgent Call to Action
Your message should have one job, like it’s getting a donation, RSVP, or signature. Be clear, direct, and time-sensitive. For example:
"🚨 Urgent: Help shelter 20 families tonight. Donate $25 now → [link]"
4. Use a Mobile-Responsive Donation Form
If someone clicks your link from their phone, the form they land on must be mobile-friendly.
5. Respect the Channel
Only send SMS messages when it's urgent, timely, or highly relevant. Overuse will lead to opt-outs. Think: last-minute appeals, event updates, or high-impact thank-you messages.
Beyond Fundraising: Creative Ways to Use SMS
Texting isn’t just for donations. Here are other ways nonprofits are using SMS to deepen engagement:
Advocacy Actions: Urge supporters to sign petitions or contact their representatives.
Event Promotion: Share ticket links or RSVP reminders.
Real-Time Updates: Send reminders, weather-related changes, or urgent alerts.
Donor Cultivation: Send personalized thank-you messages or impact videos.
Surveys & Feedback: Quickly gather opinions or testimonials through mobile-friendly forms.
The Rise of RCS: The Future of Nonprofit Messaging
Get ready for a new era in mobile messaging. Rich Communication Services (RCS) is supported on both Android and iPhones. With RCS, nonprofits can send interactive messages with:
Images, videos, and carousels
Verified sender branding
Action buttons (like “Donate Now” or “RSVP”)
Real-time engagement features like typing indicators and read receipts
Think of RCS as having a mini-website inside your supporters’ messaging app. It's fast, visual, and incredibly engaging. Nonprofits using RCS have seen over 50% increases in donation conversions compared to traditional SMS.
Generational Appeal: Why Texting Works for Everyone
Worried that older donors won’t respond to text messages? Think again.
88% of baby boomers own smartphones, and nearly a third are open to monthly texts from charities.
Millennials and Gen Z are highly responsive to mobile messaging and giving, and make up the fastest-growing segment of donors.
SMS helps nonprofits bridge generational gaps by meeting all donors where they already are: on their phones.
Overcoming Common Hurdles
Getting started with texting doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s how to address common concerns:
"It’s not in our budget." Texting is one of the lowest-cost fundraising tools available.
"We don’t have the staff." SMS messages are short, easy to write, and can often be repurposed from email content.
"We’re not sure if it will work." Start with a small campaign or A/B test and scale from there.
"Our list is too small." If you’ve collected mobile numbers from donors with consent, you may be more ready than you think.
Ready to Get Started?
Here’s your next step:
Choose an SMS platform that integrates with your CRM or fundraising platform.
Plan a pilot campaign around a key moment like Giving Tuesday or year-end giving.
Track your results, such as response rates, click-throughs, donations, and iterate.
Texting is no longer just “nice to have.” It’s becoming essential for nonprofits that want to connect, engage, and grow in a mobile-first world.
SMS fundraising is fast, personal, and cost-effective. With innovations like RCS, the potential is only growing. Whether you’re running a one-day giving campaign, launching a petition, or thanking donors for attending an event, text messaging puts your message where it matters most: in the palm of your supporters’ hands.
Don’t wait for the future of fundraising. Start texting today.