Text-to-Give Software: The Easiest Way to Accept Donations from Any Phone

What Is Text-to-Give Software?

Text-to-give software is a digital giving solution that enables supporters to donate through text messages. Donors simply text a keyword like “GIVE” to a unique number and follow a secure link to complete their payment.

It eliminates the need for forms or cash collections—donors can give in seconds during live events, church services, or social campaigns.

Core capabilities include:

• Custom donation keywords (e.g., “HELPKIDS,” “RELIEF2025”)
• Secure mobile checkout via link or embedded payment page
• Automatic receipts and thank-you messages
• Real-time reporting and CRM integrations
• Multi-campaign tracking for events or appeals

Why Use Text-to-Give Software?

1. Faster Donations, Fewer Steps

People rarely carry cash or checkbooks. With text-to-give, they can contribute instantly during emotional, high-impact moments.

2. Higher Conversion Rates

Text links remove friction—no login, no form hunting. Donors can give within 10 seconds of hearing your appeal.

3. Perfect for Live Events

Galas, auctions, and concerts can prompt on-the-spot giving. Display your keyword on screens, social feeds, or table cards for instant engagement.

4. Great for Churches & Nonprofits

Recurring members can save payment details, making weekly or monthly donations effortless.

5. Better Donor Tracking

Every donation links to a phone number, enabling follow-up, CRM syncing, and personalized thank-yous.

Key Features to Look For in Text-to-Give Software

How Text-to-Give Software Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose a platform — Set up your short code (e.g., 243725) or long code (10-digit number).
2. Create your campaign keyword — Example: “GIVEHOPE.”
3. Customize your donation page — Add branding, impact story, and preset amounts.
4. Promote your keyword — Display it during events, on your website, and social media.
5. Donors text to give — They receive a link to a secure checkout page.
6. Payment processed automatically — Funds go directly to your nonprofit’s account.
7. Send confirmation — Donors receive a thank-you text and receipt instantly.
8. Track results in real time — View donations, amounts, and campaign engagement.

Benefits of Using Text-to-Give Software

• Instant giving, no friction — Perfect for impulse generosity moments.
• Mobile-first experience — Works on any device without apps.
• Ideal for events — Combine with auctions, raffles, or live appeals.
• Easy recurring giving — Turn one-time donors into long-term supporters.
• Automated follow-ups — Thank donors and invite them to future campaigns.
• Accurate tracking — Every donation is recorded automatically.
• Boosts donor engagement — Simplicity increases participation.

Best Practices for Text-to-Give Campaigns

1. Use simple, memorable keywords.
   Avoid long or confusing text strings—shorter is better.
2. Show your keyword everywhere.
   Add it to screens, flyers, donation cards, and announcements.
3. Pair with storytelling.
   Inspire giving with real impact statements: “$25 feeds one family.”
4. Promote during emotional moments.
   People give when they feel moved—use live stories, videos, or speaker calls to action.
5. Offer multiple gift levels.
   Include quick amounts ($10, $25, $50) and a custom field.
6. Send automated thank-yous.
   Gratitude boosts retention and future gifts.
7. Track and report results.
   Use built-in analytics to monitor conversion rates and optimize messaging.
8. Combine with other fundraising tools.
   Text-to-give works best alongside auction or donation platforms.

Trends in Text-to-Give Software

• AI-driven personalization — Tailor suggested donation amounts by donor history.
• Instant QR-to-text experiences — Scan a QR code to auto-open a text donation.
• Voice assistant giving — “Hey Siri, text GIVE to 55555.”
• Gamified leaderboards — Display donor names or totals in real time.
• Integrated livestream giving — Combine text appeals with video events.
• Automated donor journeys — Trigger texts after events for recurring gifts.
• AI sentiment analysis — Optimize campaign messages based on tone and engagement data.

How to Choose the Right Text-to-Give Platform

1. Check compatibility — Does it integrate with your CRM, email, or donation tools?
2. Test usability — How many steps from text to completed donation?
3. Review cost structure — Monthly fee, per-text, or transaction percentage?
4. Confirm compliance — Is it approved for nonprofit SMS use (TCPA/CTIA compliant)?
5. Evaluate support — Is live help available during campaign hours?
6. Test analytics — Can you easily track totals and engagement?
7. Assess flexibility — Can you run multiple campaigns simultaneously?

Conclusion

Text-to-give software makes fundraising as easy as sending a text message.
By removing friction and meeting donors where they are—on their phones—you’ll raise more money in less time.

Whether you’re running a charity gala, church service, or national campaign, mobile giving is now a must-have. Choose a platform that’s secure, fast, and integrated—and watch your donations grow.

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.