Texting is not just for sending emojis. It can also be utilized for donations. If you are unaware of how text-to-give works or what it is, then this blog will be helpful. This post will cover the basics of text-to-give by asking five simple questions. Consider this your Text-to-Give 101 course.

What is Text-to-Give?

A simple definition for text-to-give is that it is a method of donating that allows giving to take place through a text message. Supporters can text a keyword and donation amount to a nonprofit's predetermined number to give in one simple step. Text-to-give can go by many other names. Sometimes, it is called "text giving" or "mobile giving."

How Popular is Text-to-Give?

Many organizations realize text-to-give is an essential giving solution. The Red Cross raised over $43 million in their Haiti earthquake relief text-to-give campaign. Since texting is becoming most people's preferred method of communication, it makes perfect sense to incorporate text-to-give into your fundraising strategy.

How Does Text-to-Give Work for Churches?

Choose a giving partner — You'll need to choose a giving platform that offers text-to-give before you can start collecting text donations. Platforms like Overflow make this simple for churches.

Promote your text-to-give campaign — Your members will not be able to start texting their donations if you don't let them know how to do it. Make sure you communicate clear steps for your text-to-give campaigns.

Confirm when a donation has been accepted — Your givers should automatically receive a text message thanking them for their donation when they give.

How Does Text-to-Give Work For Donors?

Text-to-give is easy to use for donors. Here is how it works.

1. The donor sends a text message to a number that everyone in your church will use. This message will include your keyword and a dollar amount.
2. The first time they give a donor will access an online donation page to fill out their information.
3. Once they complete that information, their donation will be processed.
4. The final step is that the donor will receive a confirmation text message.

After that, all your givers have to do is text your keyword and a dollar amount, and their donation is processed!

Is Text-to-Give for You?

Here are some statistics to consider if you are still deciding if text-to-give is for you.

• The average text-to-give donation is $107.
• 91% of American adults own a smartphone.
• 51% of people who visit nonprofit websites do so on a mobile device.
• 99% of text messages are read and responded to within 5 minutes of being received.

It just makes sense to take advantage of the fact that so many people use their mobile devices and text messages daily. It is meeting givers where they are and making the process as easy as possible.

Text-to-give is a simple giving solution that many churches and donors have found helpful to use. Want to grow generosity in your church? Download the free Year-End Giving Playbook at buildthe.church.