What Is Text to Donate and How Does It Work?

Text to donate lets a supporter give to your nonprofit by sending a text message. No app, no envelope, no "go find our website later" — a keyword, a short number, and a secure link that takes seconds to complete.

Here's exactly how it works, what it costs, and how to know if it fits your organization.

What is text to donate?

Text to donate is a mobile fundraising method where a supporter texts a keyword (like GIVE) to a short phone number — a 5-digit shortcode. They instantly get a link back, open a mobile-friendly giving page, and complete their gift. First-time donors enter payment details once; after that, giving takes seconds.

It works because it meets people where they already are: on their phones. And done right, it's permission-based — the opposite of spam.

How does text to donate work, step by step?

For your supporter:

1. They text your keyword to your shortcode (say, GIVE to 12345).
2. They get an instant reply with a secure giving link.
3. They tap, confirm the amount, and give — usually in under a minute.

For your organization:

1. You choose a keyword and get set up on a texting platform built for nonprofits.
2. You announce the keyword wherever the moment lives — the stage, the screen, the pew, the field, your social posts.
3. Gifts flow into your existing giving pages and CRM, so your data stays in one place.

Text to donate vs. text to give

The two terms are used almost interchangeably. "Text to give" usually describes the whole giving-by-text experience; "text to donate" points at the campaign moment — the keyword, the shortcode, the ask. Both run on the same engine. For the full comparison, see text to donate vs. text to give: which is right for you? — or the campaign playbook in our text to donate guide.

Is text to donate legal and compliant?

Texting supporters in the U.S. involves rules like the TCPA and carrier A2P 10DLC registration. The plain-English version: only text people who gave you permission, honor STOP and HELP instantly, and use a platform that handles registration and opt-outs for you. Details in our compliance guide.

What does text to donate cost?

Plans scale with your organization — current details are on our pricing page.

How to get started

1. Pick your plan and activate your account at rallycorp.com/start
2. Connect your existing CRM and giving pages.
3. Announce your keyword at your next event, service, or campaign moment.

FAQ

Do donors need an app?
No. Any phone that can text can give.

Is it secure?
Gifts complete on a secure payment page — card details never sit in a text message.

Can gifts be recurring?
Yes — donors can set up recurring giving from the same flow.

Does it work for small nonprofits?
Yes. A keyword and a shortcode work the same at any size — and a single event can be a meaningful source of new opt-ins.

Will texting annoy our donors?
Not when it's permission-based. People who opted in asked to hear from you. Fewer, better texts win.

This is not legal advice — consult counsel for your specific situation.