Glossary
Campaigns & Marketing

Push Notification

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
July 2, 2025

Definition:

A push notification is a short, real-time message sent to a user’s device to promote engagement or deliver urgent information.
A push notification is a brief, clickable message sent directly to users’ devices, such as smartphones or browsers, to engage them in real time. Nonprofits use push notifications to deliver timely updates, reminders, thank-you notes, event invitations, or important calls to action. These messages appear even when the recipient is not actively using an app or website, ensuring high visibility and immediate communication. Effective use of push notifications can increase donor engagement, drive event attendance, and keep supporters informed about urgent campaigns or opportunities. Nonprofits should use them thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming their audience with too many messages, which could lead to disengagement or users disabling notifications.

Key Takeaways

  • Push notifications deliver instant messages to users’ devices.
  • They can boost engagement and event participation.
  • Best used sparingly for urgent or highly relevant updates.
  • Keela enables easy scheduling and tracking of notifications.

Why It Matters

Push notifications help nonprofits reach supporters instantly and boost engagement for campaigns and events.

Real World Example

A nonprofit is hosting a fundraising gala and wants to maximize attendance. Using Keela, the event manager schedules a push notification to go out the morning of the event, reminding registered attendees of the start time and providing a link to directions. Later that evening, another push notification thanks participants and includes a link to a post-event survey. These timely messages keep supporters engaged, increase event participation, and encourage feedback, all without requiring the recipients to check their email or open an app.

How Keela Helps

Keela integrates push notifications into its communications toolkit, enabling nonprofits to send instant updates to supporters’ devices. With Keela, organizations can schedule, customize, and track push notifications for campaigns, event reminders, and donor engagement, ensuring messages are delivered at the right time for maximum impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a push notification?

A push notification is a brief message delivered to a user’s device, designed to prompt immediate attention or action.

How can nonprofits use push notifications?

Nonprofits use push notifications for event reminders, campaign updates, thank-you notes, and urgent calls to action.

Are push notifications effective for donor engagement?

Yes, when used strategically, push notifications can increase donor engagement and event participation.

Can I schedule push notifications in Keela?

Yes, Keela allows you to schedule, customize, and track the performance of your push notifications.

What’s the difference between push notifications and email blasts?

Push notifications are sent directly to devices and appear instantly, while email blasts are sent to inboxes and may not be seen immediately.

Related Terms

A/B Test
Accessibility Compliance
Acknowledgement Letter
Address Verification
Affiliation
Archiving Historical Donor Data

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