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
Text-to-Give in Seconds
Set a keyword, accept mobile payments instantly, and track gifts automatically—perfect for services, events, and urgent appeals.
Start Free TodayWhy 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.
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Key Features to Look For in Text-to-Give Software
Feature | Why It Matters | What to Ask |
---|---|---|
Custom keywords & short codes | Brand your campaigns | How many keywords are included? |
Mobile-optimized checkout | Speed & simplicity | Does the page auto-fill or remember donors? |
Recurring donations | Predictable revenue | Can donors schedule monthly gifts? |
CRM integration | Centralized donor data | Does it sync with your existing system? |
Event mode / live display | Real-time engagement | Can you show live totals or donor names? |
Multi-campaign tracking | Measure impact | Can each keyword map to a different fund? |
Automatic receipts | Donor confidence | Can you customize thank-you messages? |
Security & compliance | Data safety | Is it PCI DSS compliant with encrypted transactions? |
Reporting & analytics | Optimize results | Can you view total raised per campaign instantly? |
How Text-to-Give Software Works (Step-by-Step)
- Choose a platform — Set up your short code (e.g., 243725) or long code (10-digit number).
- Create your campaign keyword — Example: “GIVEHOPE.”
- Customize your donation page — Add branding, impact story, and preset amounts.
- Promote your keyword — Display it during events, on your website, and social media.
- Donors text to give — They receive a link to a secure checkout page.
- Payment processed automatically — Funds go directly to your nonprofit’s account.
- Send confirmation — Donors receive a thank-you text and receipt instantly.
- 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
- Use simple, memorable keywords.
Avoid long or confusing text strings—shorter is better. - Show your keyword everywhere.
Add it to screens, flyers, donation cards, and announcements. - Pair with storytelling.
Inspire giving with real impact statements: “$25 feeds one family.” - Promote during emotional moments.
People give when they feel moved—use live stories, videos, or speaker calls to action. - Offer multiple gift levels.
Include quick amounts ($10, $25, $50) and a custom field. - Send automated thank-yous.
Gratitude boosts retention and future gifts. - Track and report results.
Use built-in analytics to monitor conversion rates and optimize messaging. - Combine with other fundraising tools.
Text-to-give works best alongside auction or donation platforms.
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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
- Check compatibility — Does it integrate with your CRM, email, or donation tools?
- Test usability — How many steps from text to completed donation?
- Review cost structure — Monthly fee, per-text, or transaction percentage?
- Confirm compliance — Is it approved for nonprofit SMS use (TCPA/CTIA compliant)?
- Evaluate support — Is live help available during campaign hours?
- Test analytics — Can you easily track totals and engagement?
- Assess flexibility — Can you run multiple campaigns simultaneously?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is text-to-give software?
Text-to-give software enables donors to contribute to your organization via text message. Supporters text a keyword to a short code, receive a secure payment link, and complete their donation in seconds from any mobile device.
How do we set up a text-to-give campaign?
- Choose your keyword and campaign name.
- Connect a payment processor and verify your nonprofit status.
- Customize your confirmation messages and landing page.
- Promote your text number at events and online.
Why should nonprofits use text-to-give software?
- Increases impulse giving at events and live streams.
- Offers donors a quick, mobile-friendly donation experience.
- Collects contact data for future engagement.
- Boosts participation from younger and mobile-first audiences.
Does text-to-give work on all mobile carriers and devices?
Yes. Text-to-give campaigns work with nearly all carriers and mobile phones capable of SMS messaging and internet access. No special app downloads are needed.
What payment methods are supported?
Most text-to-give tools support credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and ACH transfers through a secure hosted payment page.
Are there any fees for using text-to-give software?
Typically, providers charge a small platform fee plus standard payment processing fees. Compare rates for setup costs, per-transaction percentages, and SMS message limits before choosing a provider.
Is text-to-give secure for donors?
Yes. Donations are processed on PCI-compliant payment gateways, and donor data is encrypted to ensure confidentiality and safety.
How do we choose the best keyword for our campaign?
- Keep it short, memorable, and relevant (e.g., “HOPE” or “KIDS”).
- Avoid punctuation or uncommon spellings.
- Use one keyword per active campaign for clarity.
What does the donor experience look like?
Donors text your keyword to a short code, receive a link, complete a short form, and instantly get a confirmation and receipt. The whole process usually takes under one minute.
Can text-to-give software integrate with our CRM or email system?
Yes. Many tools integrate directly or export donor data to CRMs, email platforms, and accounting systems for seamless follow-up and reporting.
Do we need to comply with texting or fundraising regulations?
Yes. Follow carrier and FCC rules, obtain donor consent, and include clear opt-out instructions in every message. General information, not legal/tax/financial advice.
What types of campaigns work best with text-to-give?
- Live events, concerts, and galas.
- Emergency or disaster relief appeals.
- Social media and livestream fundraisers.
- Peer-to-peer challenges and awareness days.
How can we promote our text-to-give number effectively?
- Display it on event screens and signage.
- Add it to social bios, email footers, and livestream overlays.
- Have speakers mention it repeatedly during events.
- Share short demo videos on social media.
What metrics should we track for text-to-give success?
- Total donations and conversion rate per campaign.
- Average gift size and repeat donor rate.
- Opt-ins vs. opt-outs and keyword engagement.
- Mobile page completion time and abandonment rate.
Can we automate follow-up messages or thank-you texts?
Yes. Most text-to-give systems allow auto-replies, thank-you messages, and follow-up campaigns that encourage recurring giving or event participation.
Can donors set up recurring gifts through text-to-give?
Yes. Donors can opt in for recurring monthly or quarterly donations directly within the payment flow, helping boost donor retention.
Is text-to-give accessible for all donors?
Text-to-give is highly accessible since it requires only a basic mobile phone. Ensure landing pages are ADA-compliant with readable fonts and high contrast.
How much does text-to-give software cost?
Plans usually start with a small monthly fee or per-text rate plus transaction costs. Some platforms include unlimited campaigns or bundled donation tools—compare total cost based on your list size and volume.
Do you have a sample message for launching our text-to-give campaign?
Template: “Support our mission! Text [KEYWORD] to [SHORTCODE] to give in seconds. Every dollar helps [impact statement]. Thank you for making a difference!”
What should we do after our text-to-give campaign ends?
- Send thank-you texts and emails to donors.
- Share campaign results and impact stories.
- Invite supporters to join your email list or recurring program.
- Analyze metrics to improve your next campaign.
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.
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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.
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