Glossary
Campaigns & Marketing

SMS Fundraising Campaign

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
August 6, 2025

Definition:

An SMS Fundraising Campaign uses text messages to solicit donations and engage supporters directly via their mobile phones.
An SMS Fundraising Campaign is a targeted outreach strategy where a nonprofit organization uses text messaging to share donation appeals, event invitations, and campaign updates directly with supporters' mobile phones. These campaigns typically involve sending personalized messages to segmented lists, including donation links or keywords for easy contribution. SMS fundraising leverages the high open and response rates of text messages, making it an effective channel for timely, direct communication. Nonprofits often use SMS campaigns to boost engagement, drive immediate action, and reach supporters who may not respond to emails or social media. Data collected from SMS interactions can also inform future outreach strategies and donor relationship management.

Key Takeaways

  • SMS campaigns offer high open and response rates.
  • They enable real-time, personalized donor engagement.
  • Easy integration with donation platforms increases conversion.
  • Campaign data informs future outreach strategies.

Why It Matters

It enables nonprofits to reach supporters quickly and directly, increasing engagement and donation rates.

Real World Example

A local animal shelter launches an SMS Fundraising Campaign during a heatwave, urgently requesting donations to purchase cooling equipment for animals. Within hours, they send personalized texts to their supporter list, including a link to their donation page. Many recipients respond immediately, and the shelter quickly raises the necessary funds. The campaign’s rapid outreach, combined with direct messaging, ensures the shelter can act fast in an emergency and keep donors updated on the impact of their contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SMS Fundraising Campaign?

It is a fundraising strategy where nonprofits use text messages to solicit donations and engage supporters directly through their mobile devices.

How effective are SMS Fundraising Campaigns?

SMS campaigns are highly effective, boasting high open and response rates, and often result in increased donations compared to other channels.

Can I track SMS campaign performance with Keela?

Yes, Keela allows you to monitor response rates, track donations, and analyze campaign effectiveness for SMS outreach.

Are SMS campaigns expensive to run?

SMS campaigns are generally cost-effective, with costs varying based on message volume and service provider.

What types of messages work well for SMS fundraising?

Personalized donation appeals, urgent requests, event reminders, and campaign updates are particularly effective via SMS.

Related Terms

Accessibility Compliance
Automation Trigger in a Nonprofit CRM
Average Gift Size
Board Member Profile
Bounce Rate
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