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5 effective ways to use text giving to raise more money

Text Giving

When it comes to raising funds quickly and effectively, text giving has become a go-to strategy for nonprofits, churches, and even schools. While the idea of giving through text has become more popular, the reality is that not all organizations maximize its potential. In this article, we’ll dive into how text giving works, common pitfalls, how to track and monitor its success, and how it can change the way organizations connect with donors.


The Appeal and Simplicity of Text Giving

The reason for text giving‘s appeal is simple: people have their phones with them constantly. By removing barriers to donate, such as mailing checks or filling out long online forms, text donations provide an easy and instant way to contribute. However, the simplicity of text giving can sometimes lead organizations to assume that it’s a “set it and forget it” tool, rather than an element of a comprehensive fundraising strategy.

Using text donations effectively means that nonprofits need to challenge some of the current practices around this tool and think about how they might improve their approach.


Common Challenges of Text Giving

One major challenge with this type of giving is donor engagement. Unlike face-to-face or even online donations, the interaction in a text donation is often brief. Many organizations mistakenly believe that because text donations are convenient, they’re also fully engaging. However, without follow-up and a plan to build relationships, text donations can become one-off contributions rather than sustainable support.

Another common issue is donor trust. Text-based interactions feel quick, but that can sometimes leave donors wondering if their donation reached its intended destination. This is why clear communication is essential for text giving success. People need confirmation of their donation and an understanding of where their money will be used.


How to Set Up Effective Text Giving Campaigns

While many organizations implement text giving simply by setting up a shortcode and sharing it, there are more strategic approaches to consider. Here are some essential steps for creating a text giving campaign that truly resonates with donors:

  1. Create a Compelling Call to Action: A powerful text donation campaign begins with a call to action that makes people want to give. Why is this campaign important, and how will their donation make a difference? Instead of generic messaging, share something specific and timely that shows donors the immediate impact.
  2. Test Your Message: Not every message will resonate equally. Consider A/B testing different calls to action and text language to see what gains the most traction. For example, “Text GIVE to 12345 to help families recover from the storm” might be more effective than “Text to give today!” Personalizing these messages can boost engagement.
  3. Offer Transparency and Updates: People want to know where their donation is going. Send updates about how their contributions have made an impact, which can help turn a one-time donor into a recurring supporter. This approach not only builds trust but encourages future giving.
  4. Make It Interactive: Encourage two-way communication if possible. Some organizations use text messaging not only to receive donations but also to ask for feedback or thank donors with a personal message. By making text giving interactive, donors feel more connected to the cause.
  5. Educate Donors on Security: Ensuring your donors feel safe giving through text is essential. Educate them on the security features in place for the text donation process, such as encryption and secure payment processing.

Tracking and Measuring the Impact of Text Giving

Tracking the success of text giving campaigns is crucial for understanding what works and what doesn’t. This also allows for adjustments and improvements in future campaigns. Use analytics tools to track not only the amount donated but also data like the timing of donations, the geographic distribution of donors, and the overall engagement rate.

Consider these tips to monitor the effectiveness of your text giving campaign:

  • Regularly Review Data: By keeping an eye on donation data, you can adjust your strategies as needed. For example, if donations spike after a specific message type, continue to refine your calls to action to match what your donors respond to most.
  • Follow Up with Surveys: After each campaign, send a brief survey to your text donors to understand their experience. This feedback can be valuable in refining the process and addressing any concerns.
  • Utilize Donor Management Software: Many CRMs and donor management systems now include tracking for text donations. Use these tools to segment donors and track recurring donations, so you know who to target for future campaigns.

Why Text Giving May Challenge Traditional Fundraising

Traditional fundraising often focuses on major donors or organized campaigns, which are valuable but sometimes limited in reach. By implementing text giving, organizations can reach a wider and more diverse audience, making it possible to receive smaller donations from a larger base. This “micro-donation” approach adds up over time and can create a significant impact.

A common best practice in fundraising is to focus on major gifts, but text giving challenges that idea by proving that small donations from many people can be equally effective. The power of text giving is that it leverages accessibility and convenience, encouraging people who might not otherwise donate to become contributors.


Exploring New Ideas for Text Giving Success

Thinking outside the box can improve your text giving campaigns. Instead of relying on one-off campaigns, try these innovative ideas:

  • Host an Event with Real-Time Giving: Events are an excellent opportunity to engage people in real-time. By showcasing live donation results on a screen or app, attendees can see how their contributions are making an immediate impact.
  • Use Text Giving for Monthly Giving Campaigns: Many organizations use text giving for one-time campaigns, but it can also be used to encourage monthly donations. Remind donors of the ongoing impact they can make by signing up for a recurring text donation.
  • Create a Giving Challenge: Set a goal and challenge your donors to reach it together. For example, “Help us raise $10,000 this weekend through text donations!” By creating urgency and a community goal, you can make giving feel more like a group effort.

“In today’s fast-paced world, making giving easy can be the key to engagement.”


Why Nonprofit Freelancers is Your Resource for Giving Strategies

If you’re looking to take your text giving to the next level, visit NonprofitFreelancers.com. With expert guidance on how to implement, track, and optimize your text donation campaigns, Nonprofit Freelancers offers resources to maximize your nonprofit’s fundraising potential. Their team can help you craft messaging, target donors effectively, and build sustainable text giving strategies that increase donor retention and long-term support.


Final Thoughts on Giving through Texts

When executed with careful planning, this type of giving can be one of the most effective tools for nonprofit fundraising. It provides instant access to donors and creates opportunities for engagement that are harder to achieve through traditional methods. The real key lies in going beyond the initial donation request. By prioritizing transparency, interaction, and strategy, nonprofits can harness the power of text giving to build lasting relationships and drive ongoing support. Remember that successful text donation campaigns require continuous testing, feedback, and adaptability. The potential to reach new donors and engage existing ones is within reach for nonprofits that are willing to innovate and invest in a comprehensive approach.


Additional Resources:

  1. Nonprofit Tech for Good – Text-to-Give Fundraising
  2. Charity Digital – Mobile Fundraising Tips
  3. Classy – Text Fundraising Best Practices
November 4, 2024