Texting has quietly become one of the most effective ways to reach donors. In this blog, you’ll see real examples of fundraising texts, understand what makes them effective, see sample fundraising text message templates that work and learn simple ways to use them in your next campaign.

Why Text Messaging Works for Fundraising

Text messages have an open rate of about 98%, while email averages only 20–28%. Even better, nine out of ten texts are read within three minutes of landing on someone’s phone.

SMS also drives faster action. The average response time for a text is 90 seconds, while emails take 90 minutes on average. For time-sensitive campaigns like Giving Tuesday, Fundraising Galas or end-of-year appeals, that speed matters.

SMS also outperforms email when it comes to conversions. Depending on the campaign, texts convert between 21–30%, while email responses stay closer to 2–3%. On Giving Tuesday, organizations that used texting saw 84% higher conversion rates than those that relied only on email.

For institutions using RE NXT or similar CRMs, text messaging can work alongside your existing donor segmentation. You can reach people based on giving history, event participation, or engagement level, through the channel they’re most likely to open.

💡Learn how to use text messaging for donor engagement and fundraising

Fundraising Text Message Examples by Use Case

1. Asking for Donations: General Fundraising Text Message Examples

These examples work well for ongoing or all-year fundraising campaigns when you want to make a simple, heartfelt ask.

Template 1:

Hi [Name], it’s [Organization]. We’re $5,000 away from our goal for [specific program]. Can you chip in $25 today? [Link]

Template 2:

Hi [Name], your gift can make a real difference for [specific cause]. Every contribution helps us keep [impact statement, such as “meals on the table for families in need”]. Donate here: [Link]

Template 3:

Quick question, [Name]. Would you consider giving $50 to help [specific outcome]? Every bit of support brings us closer to our goal. [Link]

Template 4:

Hi [Name]. We’re reaching out to our most engaged supporters first. Can you make an early gift of [amount] to [campaign name]? [Link]

Template 5:

[Name], we have a shortfall in funding for [program]. Your gift of any amount today will help us close the gap. Give here: [Link]

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2. Creating Urgency: Sample Fundraising Text Messages That Inspire Action

Urgency can be one of the strongest motivators for giving. When your donors know there’s a deadline or a goal within reach, they’re more likely to take action right away. Short, time-bound messages like these can help you make the most of that window of attention.

Template 1:

Hi [Name], we have 48 hours left to reach our goal. We’re still $3,000 short. Can you give $25 right now? [Link]

Template 2:

Only 6 hours remain! We need 50 more donors to unlock our challenge grant. Be one of them: [Link]

Template 3:

Deadline tonight at midnight. Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, but only if you give before [time]. [Link]

Template 4: 

[Name], we're 80% to our goal with just 12 hours left. Can you help us finish strong? [Link]

3. Event Promotion Text Templates

Events give you a chance to bring donors together, celebrate milestones, and raise additional support. A well-timed text can boost attendance and remind supporters why their presence, and their gifts, matter.

Template 1:

Hi [Name], join us for [event name] on [date]. Your participation helps raise funds for [cause or program]. Save your spot: [Link]

Template 2:

Only 20 seats left for [event name] this [day]. Every ticket supports [specific goal or program]. Register now before they’re gone: [Link]

Template 3:

[Name], [event name] happens tomorrow at [time]! Your attendance helps us reach our fundraising goal for [cause]. Here’s a key detail before you arrive: [Key detail]. See you there!

Template 4:

Last call for [event name]! Doors open in two hours. Join us and help make a difference for [cause]. RSVP now: [Link]

4. Matching Gift Fundraising Texts

Few messages spark action faster than one that says, “Your gift counts twice.” Matching gift campaigns work because donors can immediately see the bigger impact of their support. A short, clear text that highlights the multiplier effect often drives quick responses.

Template 1:

Great news, [Name]! Every gift made today will be matched two to one. Your $50 turns into $150 for [cause or program]. Give now: [Link]

Template 2:

[Name], a generous supporter is matching all donations up to $10,000. This is your chance to double your impact for [specific cause]. Donate here: [Link]

Template 3:

Your employer might match your gift to [Organization]. Check your eligibility and make your donation go twice as far: [Link]

Template 4:

[Name], we still have $5,000 left in matching funds, but only until [time]. Give today and see your contribution doubled instantly: [Link]

5. Giving Tuesday Text Message Examples

Giving Tuesday has become one of the biggest global movements in philanthropy. In 2024 alone, supporters contributed more than $3.6 billion, and text messaging played a huge part in that momentum. The immediacy of SMS helps organizations reach donors throughout the day, keeping the energy and generosity flowing.

Here are a few text ideas you can adapt for your next Giving Tuesday campaign.

Template 1:

It’s Giving Tuesday! Join [number] supporters who’ve already given today. Your gift of any amount makes a difference: [Link]

Template 2:

[Name], all Giving Tuesday donations are being matched. Your $25 becomes $50, and your $100 becomes $200. Give before midnight: [Link]

Template 3:

We’re halfway through Giving Tuesday and $8,000 short of our goal. Can you help us close the gap? [Link]

Template 4:

Only four hours left on Giving Tuesday! We need 75 more donors to reach our target. Be one of them: [Link]

Template 5:

[Name], thank you for considering a Giving Tuesday gift. Here’s what your donation supports: [specific outcome]. Give here: [Link]

Timing tips for Giving Tuesday:

• Send your first text early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) to catch people before work.
  
  
• Follow up at midday (12-1 PM) with a short update on progress.
  
  
• Send one last push in the evening (6-8 PM), reminding donors how close you are to the goal.
  
  
• Always mention the deadline clearly: “by midnight tonight” helps create a sense of urgency.

Once the campaign ends, send a brief thank-you message the next day. A quick note of gratitude keeps the connection warm and helps donors feel part of the success they made possible.

6. Re-engagement Fundraising Texts for Past Donors

Your past donors are those who already believe in your mission. They just need a reminder of the difference they’ve made. Re-engagement texts work best when they sound personal, share a quick update, and show donors how their earlier support still creates impact.

Template 1: 

Hi [Name], we haven't heard from you in a while, but we'd love to have you back. Here's what we've been up to: [Brief update]. Interested in getting involved again? [Link]

Template 2: 

[Name], you gave to [campaign name] last year and it made a real difference. We're running a similar campaign now. Would you consider giving again? [Link]

Template 3: 

We miss you, [Name]! Your last gift helped [specific outcome]. We're working on [new project] and would love your support: [Link]

Template 4: 

[Name], your support in [year] helped us [achievement]. This year, we're trying to [new goal]. Will you help us again? [Link]

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7. Thank-you Fundraising Text Templates

Gratitude matters. Donors who feel seen and appreciated are far more likely to stay connected and give again. Send one of these right after someone gives:

Template 1: 

Thank you, [Name]! Your gift of [amount] just came through. You're making [specific impact]. We're grateful.

Template 2: 

[Name], your donation means [specific outcome, e.g., '3 students will get scholarships']. Thank you for believing in our mission.

Template 3: 

We got your gift of [amount], [Name]. Thank you! Here's your receipt: [Link]. Your support makes our work possible.

Template 4: 

[Name], you just became donor #[number] in our campaign! Thank you for joining [number] others who are making this possible.

Template 5: 

Your gift is already at work, [Name]. Thank you! Watch for updates on what we accomplish together.

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Tips for Writing Effective Fundraising Text Messages

• Keep your fundraising sms messages under 160 characters when possible. If you need more space, aim for 300 characters maximum.
  
  
• Personalize with the recipient's name and reference their past giving or involvement when you can. "You gave last year and it helped us..." works better than generic asks.
  
  
• Include only one link per message, and use a link shortener to save characters. Make sure the link goes to a mobile-friendly donation page.
  
  
• Be specific about what donations will accomplish. "Your $25 provides meals for a family" beats "Help us continue our mission." or “support our cause”.
  
  
• Send messages at the right times. Avoid early mornings (before 8 AM) and late nights (after 9 PM). The best performance typically comes from mid-day (12-2 PM) and early evening (5-7 PM) sends.
  
  
• Always provide an opt-out option. Include something like "Reply STOP to opt out" at the end of your messages.
  
  
• Test different approaches. Try varying your message length, tone, and calls to action to see what resonates with your audience.

How to Automate Fundraising Texts Using Almabase

Text messaging works best when it's part of an integrated strategy. Here's how advancement teams can automate their fundraising sms campaigns:

• Segment your audience using RE NXT data. Pull donor lists based on giving history, attendance at events, engagement scores, or any custom field in your CRM. This lets you send targeted messages to specific groups rather than blasting everyone with the same ask.
• Personalize messages based on donor behavior. If someone attended your gala but hasn't given yet this year, that's a different message than someone who gives monthly. Almabase pulls in donor data so you can reference past gifts, event attendance, or volunteer history in your texts.
• Track donations and sync responses automatically. When someone clicks your donation link and gives, that data flows back into your CRM. You don't have to manually update records or track who gave through which channel. The system handles it.
• Set up triggered messages for specific actions. Send an automatic thank-you text when someone donates. Trigger a follow-up message to people who clicked your link but didn't complete their gift. Create a welcome series for new text subscribers.
• Monitor campaign performance in real time. See how many people opened your message, clicked your link, and converted to donors. Use that data to adjust your strategy mid-campaign if needed.

The result is a text messaging program that runs efficiently without eating up your team's time on manual tasks.

Ready to Build Your Next Fundraising Campaign?

Text messaging can deliver results that other channels struggle to match, but only when you have the right tools and strategy in place.

Almabase helps advancement teams run text campaigns that convert, with built-in segmentation, personalization, and automated workflows that save time while raising more.

Request a demo to see how Almabase can power your next text messaging campaign.

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About the author

‍Kiran is an educator and pedagogy enthusiast, passionate about the transformative impact of education, kindness, and creativity on individuals and communities.

As an artist, she brings a unique perspective to her work and is committed to inspiring growth, empathy, and understanding