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Cell phones are no longer just a convenience—they’re a necessity. For nonprofits, this greater reliance on mobile devices creates a powerful opportunity to reach supporters exactly where they are. When done well, mobile outreach can spark meaningful engagement, inspire urgent giving, and strengthen connections to your mission.
That’s where texting messaging shines. With a single send, you can invite donors to events, share updates, encourage giving, or just keep your cause top of mind. And with the right text-to-give fundraising software solution, it’s simple to send reminders, collect donations, and launch awareness day campaigns that drive results.
Every message is a chance to connect, but we’ll explore four specific ways your nonprofit can use text messaging to help you raise and reach more.
1. Mobilize Peer-to-Peer Support
Peer-to-peer texting is a powerful virtual fundraising strategy that allows your organization to communicate with supporters on a personal level without sacrificing scale. Instead of sending one impersonal mass text, volunteers and team members each manage a small, assigned group of contacts. They then engage in one-on-one conversations, answering questions, sharing updates, and inviting supporters to take action.
This approach combines the reach of digital campaigns with the authenticity of personal interaction. It’s especially effective for promoting fundraising events, as it empowers your most loyal supporters to become ambassadors for our cause, helping you spread awareness and build excitement.
Here’s how to use peer-to-peer texting to market your nonprofit’s next event:
- Share the big picture: Align your ambassadors with the mission by connecting the event to your organization’s larger goals.
- Equip them for conversations: Provide sample messages, scenarios, and FAQs to build confidence.
- Provide ready-to-use content: Supply graphics, templates, talking points, ticket links, and short videos to make text outreach quick and easy.
- Build a community: Encourage idea-sharing and support between peer texters. Celebrate wins together to emphasize that you’re all on the same team.
- Share timely updates: Keep ambassadors in the loop with reminders about deadlines, new auction items, and other announcements.
- Encourage personalization: Remind ambassadors to add their own voice and share why the event matters to them to help their texts feel authentic.
- Track and celebrate progress: Set goals, highlight achievements, and consider gamifying engagement by offering incentives or rewards.
Your supporters are your greatest asset. By giving them the tools and confidence to spread awareness over text, you can boost engagement, increase attendance, and drive donations—all while creating meaningful connections and increasing the potential for repeat donors.
2. Keep Supporters Up to Date
Texting isn’t just for donor outreach. It’s also an effective way to keep supporters updated and connected throughout your campaigns. Thinking beyond event promotion, text and notifications can be useful for:
- Volunteer check-ins: Confirm schedules, shifts, and instructions to keep your volunteer events running smoothly. Remind volunteers to sign up for shifts and log their hours afterward.
- Fundraising milestones: Celebrate campaign progress when you hit a new milestone and invite donors to help you reach the fundraising goal.
- Impact sharing: After an event or campaign, send thank-you texts that highlight impact data, such as the total dollars raised or the difference the funds will make for a specific community.
No matter what kind of text messages or push notifications you send, make sure to follow a few core texting best practices. These include:
- Keeping messages short, simple, and direct.
- Giving all recipients the option to opt out at any time.
- Personalizing messages with names, past donations, or participant roles.
- Sharing links, videos, pictures, or stories that bring your mission to life.
- Respecting your supporters’ time by not overloading them with texts.
Keep your virtual fundraising outreach informative, personal, and timely to create an empowered community of supporters who are ready to give and grow your nonprofit’s mission.
3. Raise More Funds with Text-to-Give
Text-to-give (also referred to as text giving, text-to-donate, and Text2Give®) enables donors to make donations right from their smartphones. It’s fast, convenient, and meets supporters where they already spend their time.
How it works is simple! Donors text your nonprofit’s keyword (such as “DONATE”) to the short code provided by your vendor (e.g., 12345). They’ll instantly receive a link where they can choose their gift amount and complete the transaction with a credit/debit card or digital wallet. The entire process takes just minutes and keeps the giving experience seamless.
Nonprofits use text-to-give in a variety of ways. Here are some of our favorites:
- Auctions and events: Skip the paper pledge cards. With text giving, supporters can make their gift right from their phone in seconds, keeping the energy flowing in the room.
- Giving and awareness campaigns: These campaigns move fast, and every minute counts. With text giving, donors can show their support immediately, fueling your campaign’s reach and momentum.
- Disaster relief: First popularized in 2010 when the Red Cross raised millions for Haitian earthquake relief, text giving remains one of the fastest ways to respond in times of crisis. SMS allows nonprofits to mobilize support quickly when help is needed most.
- Year-end giving: Year-end is one of the most important times for fundraising, with donors looking to make meaningful contributions before the season ends. Text giving provides a quick, easy option for anyone to donate in time.
When using text-to-give, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are countless ways to capture your donors’ attention and raise awareness for your cause. Whether it’s an engaging call-to-action or creative campaign reminders, the right text-to-give strategy will drive immediate impact.
4. Steward Donor Relationships
Text messaging is a powerful tool for building relationships. With simple, personal outreach, you can deepen donor connections and inspire repeat giving. Thoughtful messages before, during, and after your fundraisers show donors that their contributions matter and keep them engaged in your mission. Consistent text communication builds trust, turning one-time supporters into lifelong champions for your cause.
Beyond asking for donations, text messages can be used to:
- Thank donors right away for their support.
- Provide impact updates that show how their gifts are making a difference.
- Share event recaps and highlights to celebrate achievements and keep supporters connected.
- Collect quick feedback to improve future campaigns or events.
- Promote volunteer opportunities and upcoming initiatives to keep supporters involved.
For example, after a peer-to-peer fundraiser, consider sending a quick thank-you text highlighting top fundraisers or team achievements, along with a short summary of the campaign’s impact. After a few weeks, follow up with a message updating participants on how the funds are being used. Then, promote your next initiative to keep supporters feeling connected, appreciated, and excited to continue engaging with your cause.
Wrapping Up
By using text-to-give as a virtual fundraising strategy and communication channel, you not only expand your reach but also create opportunities for interactive, mission-driven campaigns that inspire action.
When thoughtfully implemented, texts are more than a virtual fundraising tool. SMS outreach strengthens relationships, amplifies awareness, and ensures every supporter feels like they’re part of something bigger. The result? A more engaged community and greater impact for your mission.
Author: Karrie Wozniak
Karrie has spent more than a decade bringing innovative technology and fundraising strategies to the nonprofit industry. As one of the first executives at OneCause, Karrie combines her 20 years of experience in marketing with her passion for helping nonprofits expand their reach, leading industry research, marketing strategy, and fundraising consulting initiatives. She is also an active speaker on donor and fundraising trends, and has been featured on Forbes.com, Philanthropy Journal, and Nonprofit Hub.
