How Do You Write a Fundraising Text: 10 Easy Steps

Published on
January 16, 2025

How do you write a fundraising text and why is it useful? Fundraising text messages are a great way to raise money for your cause and to connect with potential donors. They are short, personal, easy to send, and highly effective at reaching your audience. SMS fundraising has emerged as a game-changing strategy for nonprofits and causes of all sizes. 

Let’s explore the world of mobile fundraising with 10 best practices to write a fundraising text to drive donations. We will also look at text templates that you can quickly adapt to your fundraising needs – from emergency appeals to event promotions. 

How do you write a fundraising text: Best practices

Think about the last time you checked your email. Compare that to how quickly you read your most recent text message. Big difference, right? Text messages create a quick and personal connection that’s hard to miss. They cut through the clutter of crowded email inboxes and busy social media feeds, delivering your message straight into someone’s hand. 

80% of people check their SMS within 5 minutes of reading them. This makes texting perfect for urgent appeals, time-sensitive campaigns, and engaging donors quickly and effectively. 

Here are the 10 best practices to write effective text messages that resonate with your audience and drive donations. 

1. Create a sense of urgency

Successful fundraising often relies on creating a sense of urgency. Donors are more likely to act when they feel their contribution is immediately needed. 

Some successful ways to write urgent fundraising appeals are:

  • Use real deadlines and genuine opportunities (matching gifts, year-end campaigns)
  • Share progress updates (“We’re just $1,543 away from our goal”)
  • Implement countdown language for time-sensitive campaigns.
  • Never manufacture false urgency, as it damages donor trust.

2. Keep it short and sweet

Text messages are not the place for long-winded appeals. Your appeal message has to have the biggest punch in the fewest words possible. Remember these guidelines:

  • Keep texts under 160 characters so they don’t get automatically divided into two texts when receiving.
  • Make a single, clear ask.

Example: “Maria, we’re providing emergency shelter to 50 families displaced by the flood. Your $25 gift provides a night of safety. Can you help?” 

Read Also: 9 SMS Marketing Best Practices to Boost Conversions 

3. Make it trackable

Data-driven fundraising requires proper tracking mechanisms, such as fund accounting. Nonprofit Information states that by separately tracking revenues and expenses for each fund, organizations can demonstrate how donor contributions are utilized. An approach is vital not only for creating detailed financial reports to meet donor or grant requirements but also for monitoring fund restrictions and ensuring accurate financial statements.  

Tracking Essentials: 

  • Use analytics-enabled URL shorterners.
  • Monitor click-through rates.
  • Track conversation paths.
  • Analyze geographic data. 
Callhub’s URL shortener and tracker help shorten long URLs for easy text sharing, track link performance with metrics like click-through rates, and analyze data to optimize your campaign for better results. 
how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-callhub-url-shortener
CallHub’s URL shortener and tracker in action

4. Use a variety of texting tools in your fundraising text messages

Different scenarios call for different approaches to fundraising. Whether mass texting or peer-to-peer texting, knowing when to use which texting tool is the key to maximum effectiveness. 

  • Peer-to-peer (P2P texting): Best for personal connections, complex conversations, and major donor outreach. Leverage two-way conversation to engage with donors.
  • Mass Texting: Ideal for rapid, wide-reaching communications and emergency fundraising. Reach thousands of donors with the click of a button.
Did you know that Callhub lets you send bulk SMS and MMS to all your contacts through an automated mass texting service? Well, now you do. 

Read Also: 2025’s Best Bulk Text Messaging Software: A Comparison Guide 

5. Leverage rich media with MMS

Did you know that FreakOut, in collaboration with Neilsen and Hyundai, conducted extensive research on the effectiveness of rich media and banner ads? 

The study showed that rich media, such as images, GIFs, and videos, outperformed banner ads, with click-through rates (CTRs) up to 267% higher. Use posters, videos, and GIFs to engage with donors via text.

CallHub allows organizations to use this power with Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS), including images, HD videos, GIFs, and other visual content. This feature facilitates more engaging and impactful communication with supporters. 

6. Write like you are talking to a friend

Authenticity inspires donors. Your copy needs to feel warm, personal, and authentic-not corporate, canned, or worse- automated.

  • Use a conversational, friendly tone. 
  • Share specific impact stories. 
  • Include concrete details (“1,200 warm beds provided”)
  • Express genuine emotions and gratitude. 
  • Be transparent about needs and impact.

Example: “James, remember the homeless shelter you helped fund last month? Thanks to supporters like you, we’ve provided 1,200 warm beds. We’re running low on supplies again – could you help with another $15?” 

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-write-like-you-are-talking-to-a-friend

7. Know your voice

A consistent voice builds trust and recognition. The messaging voice should:

  • Align with organization values.
  • Keep messaging professional yet approachable.
  • Use consistent terminology across channels.
  • Regular voice audits to ensure consistency.
  • Create templates while maintaining personalization. 

8. Time your message strategically

Timing can play a huge role in your ability to raise funds. Remember these factors:

  • Send messages between 9 AM and 8 PM local time. 
  • Consider payroll days and the fiscal period ends.
  • Align with giving days and relevant events.
  • Account for time zones.
  • Celebrate donor anniversaries to build engagement.  

Read more: The Most Optimum Times to Send Nonprofit Text Blasts

Be aware of TCPA regulations (Telephone Consumer Protection Act)

This regulation, implemented in 1991, helps protect your organization and your donors by: 

  • Get clear permission from the donor. 
  • Includes clear opt-out instructions.
  • Maintains consent records.
  • Identifies your organization in messages. 

Read Also: TCPA Regulations Text Messages: Your Guide for A2P Texting 

9. 10 DLC registration

Ten-digit long code (10DLC) registration is now essential for legitimate text fundraising. Process includes:

  • Registering with a messaging provider.
  • Completing brand verification.
  • Registering use cases.

Maintain carrier compliance for better deliverability. 

P.S.: At CallHub, we help you get 10DLC registration to keep messages reliable, spam-free, and a trusted channel for the public. 

Here is a complete guide to A2P 10DLC compliance for texting. 

How do you write a fundraising text: Text templates for every fundraising situation.

Every successful fundraising campaign starts with the right message. Here are some text templates to help you turn your supporters into dedicated donors. 

1. General template for fundraising appeal

A general fundraising appeal template is great for your fundraising requests. Use these as your initial fundraising requests.

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-general-template-for-fundraising-appeal

“[Name], join our community of supporters and help  [Organization Name]’s mission. Donate now: [Link].”

“Join hands for [cause]! Donate to [Organization Name]. Your contribution makes a real difference: [Link].”

Meet [Name], [Organization Name] needs your support to [briefly state her story]. Donate today: [Link].” 

2. Text template for creating urgency.

For time-sensitive causes or deadlines, use these templates to create a sense of urgency to encourage donors to act swiftly. 

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-text-template-for-creating-urgency

“Urgent: [state the impact] is at risk. Donate today to make a difference: [Link].”

“Don’t Delay! Our campaign ends tomorrow. Donate today to make a difference: [Link].”

“Every child deserves a chance. Your donation will provide [Benefits]. Donate now and give hope: [Link].”

3. Text templates for matching gifts. 

Use these templates to inform donors about matching gift opportunities and encourage them to double their impact with their donations. 

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-text-templates-for-matching-gifts

“Make Your Gift Count! Your donation will be matched, helping us [State the Impact]. Donate now: [Link].”

“Dear [Name], Donate Now and Double Your Impact thanks to our matching gift program. Donate Today: [Link].”

“Matching Gift Opportunity! Take advantage of this limited-time matching gift offer. Donate now:[Link]

4. Text templates for Giving Tuesday

Use these templates to encourage donors on Giving Tuesday, highlighting the specific opportunity to support your cause on this global day of giving. 

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-templates-for-giving-tuesday

“It’s Giving Tuesday! Help us provide [Service] to those in need. Your donation today will make a direct impact. Donate now: [Link].”

“Hi [Name], it’s Giving Tuesday! [Organization Name] is just [$X] away from our goal. Your donation can help make a real difference in [Cause].”

“Dear [Name], this Giving Tuesday, your donation helps provide [Benefits]. Every dollar counts. Change lives today: [Link].”

5. Text templates for end-of-year giving

End-of-year giving helps remind donors about the impact their donations can have before the year ends. These templates are ideal for maximizing support during this critical time. 

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-text-templates-for-end-of-year-giving

“Dear [Name], make your tax-deductible gift by Dec 31! Support [Cause] with your donation. Every contribution matters. Donate now: [Link].”

“Leave your mark on 2024 and help [Organization Name] shape a future in 2025. Donate now before the year ends: [Link].”

“Hi [Name], the clock is ticking! As we close the year, your donation will help us achieve [Specify Goal]. Donate today and Make a difference: [Link].”

6. Text templates for sharing donation forms

A donation form template is perfect for simplifying the donation process. Share it with your supporters to make it easy for them to contribute and support your cause. 

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-text-templates-for-sharing-donation-forms

“Hi [Name], join our monthly giving family to make a lasting impact. Help us [Goal] today. Donate here: [Link].”

“Dear [Name], your support means the world to us. To donate, please complete the form here: [Link]. Your gift will help us [Specify Cause].”

“We appreciate your generosity, [Name]. Please click the link to fill out the donation form and support [Specify Cause]: [Link].”

7. Text templates for text to donate

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-text-templates-for-text-to-donate

A text-to-donate template makes it quick and easy for supporters to give through their phones. Use these templates to encourage donations via text message. 

“Want to make a difference? Text [Keyword] to [Number] to donate and help our [Specify Cause]. Your contribution makes all the difference!”

“Support [Specify cause] and donate today. Every dollar counts and helps us [Specify impact]. Text [Keyword] to [Number] and  make a difference now!” 

“Dear [Name], Text [Keyword] to [Number] to give and support [Specify Cause]. Your generosity can change everything! 

8. Text templates for thanking donors

A thank you message template is a great way to show appreciation to your donors. Use these to convey your gratitude and emphasize the difference their contribution is making. 

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-text-templates-for-thanking-donors

“Hi [Name], your $50 gift provided meals for 20 children this week. Thank you for your support—it helps us continue our mission. We’re so grateful!”

“Thank you for being a part of our cause! Your donation is helping us [Specify Benefit], and we appreciate your support and commitment to [Organization Name].”

“Thank you for your donation to [Cause]! Your generosity helps us [Goal]. We’re grateful for your support in improving the world!”

9. Text templates for follow-up

A follow-up text template is ideal for keeping donors informed and engaged. Use these to provide updates and show the ongoing impact of their support. 

how-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-text-templates-for-follow-up

“Hi [Name], because of you, we’re making a real difference. Your support has helped us [Specify Impact]. We’re so excited for what’s ahead.” 

“We at [Organization Name] are grateful for your gift! Here’s what your donation has helped accomplish so far: [Specify Impact]. Excited to share more soon.” 

“Thank you for standing with us, [Name]! Your contribution is making real progress toward our goal, and we’ll keep you updated on what’s next.” 

10. Text templates for sharing updates. 

Use these templates to keep your supporters informed on progress, milestones, and the impact of their contributions. 

How-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-text-templates-for-sharing-updates

“Dear [Name], We’re grateful for your recent donation! We’d love to share more about the impact you’re creating. Check out our latest update here: [Link].” 

“Hi [Name], One year of your support has helped us [Specify Impact], and we couldn’t wait to share the good news with you! Stay tuned for more updates.” 

“Join us for our Donor Appreciation event on [Date] at [Time]! Celebrate your impact and connect with supporters. RSVP here: [Link]. See you there!” 

11. Text template for re-engaging donors.

A re-engagement template helps reconnect with former donors. Use these to highlight their past contributions and encourage them to support your cause again. 

How-do-you-write-a-fundraising-text-message-text-template-for-re-engaging-donors

“Hi [Name]. It’s been a while, and we’d love your support again! Join us in continuing to create change by donating to [Specify Cause]: [Link].” 

“We miss you! Your past generosity helped change lives! We’re working on [Specify Project] and would love you to help again. Donate today: [Link].” 

“We’ve made progress, but there’s more work to do. Your past support was invaluable. Join us again to help [Specify Cause]: [Link].”

Now that we’ve answered how do you write a fundraising text…

Text fundraising is not just asking for donations but also building relationships. Every message should strengthen your connection with supporters while making it easy and compelling for them to contribute to your cause.

Start implementing these strategies today and continue to adapt your approach as you see results and donor feedback. By carefully examining these principles, you can build a text fundraising program that drives sustainable support for your mission.

Now that you know how to maximize your text fundraising efforts, Get started with CallHub to help you maximize your text fundraising efforts. 

Sign up to CallHub and experience our easy-to-use text messaging services.
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Tenzin Tsetan Linkedin
A Tibetan content strategist specializing in helping organizations amplify their digital presence. Through in-house content creation, bridging traditional wisdom with modern storytelling to engage diverse global communities, with a focus on political organizations, nonprofits, and advocacy groups.