40+ Donation Text Message Examples for Your Nonprofit Organization

Crafting the right message is key to a successful fundraising campaign, especially when you're reaching out via text. A clear, compelling donation message can inspire action, connect supporters to your mission, and drive real impact.

So, how can your organization write donation texts that are both persuasive and personal? And what makes SMS such a powerful tool for nonprofit fundraising?

In this post, we’ll explore best practices for writing donation messages that get results. You’ll also get 40+ ready-to-use text message templates for everything from donation appeals to thank-you notes, each one designed to boost engagement and increase support.

How Donation Texts Benefit Nonprofits

Text messaging offers nonprofits a fast, direct way to reach supporters. It cuts through the noise of crowded email inboxes and filtered social media feeds, placing your message directly into the palm of your donor’s hand. But its value goes beyond just speed.

Here’s why SMS has become a powerful tool for nonprofit fundraising:

Unmatched Open Rates: While nonprofit email open rates hover around 20% - 50%, SMS has an incredible 98% open rate. Most messages are read within just three minutes, offering immediate visibility.

Better Engagement: SMS consistently delivers click-through rates that are five to ten times higher than email. This makes it an excellent channel for sending donation appeals, campaign updates, or volunteer calls to action.

High Impact, Low Cost: Compared to direct mail or phone calls, texting is a budget-friendly option. It's especially useful when trying to reach large groups quickly, such as during time-sensitive campaigns or urgent donation drives.

Personal and Human: Unlike many digital channels that can feel distant, SMS feels personal. It allows nonprofits to build trust, foster relationships, and create a more authentic connection with donors.

Works Seamlessly with Other Channels: SMS does not replace your other outreach efforts. Instead, it enhances them. It integrates easily with email, social media, and event tools, making it a powerful part of a broader fundraising strategy.

When Should Nonprofits Use SMS for Donations?

Text messaging can be used throughout your fundraising journey, not just to ask for money. Here are some scenarios where your nonprofit organization can use donation SMS:

• During Live Events – Galas, concerts, walkathons, or virtual fundraisers 

• Emergency or Crisis Response – Natural disasters, humanitarian crises, or urgent needs 

• Giving Days – #GivingTuesday, year-end campaigns, or local giving days 

• Campaign Launches – To kick off capital campaigns or special projects 

• Peer-to-Peer Fundraising – Empower supporters to share SMS donation links with their networks 

• Follow-Up to Other Media – After TV, radio, or print ads to give an immediate way to donate 

• Attracting Younger Donors – Engage mobile-savvy Gen Z and Millennials 

• During Volunteer Engagement – Encourage donations while volunteers are actively involved 

• Recurring Giving Drives – Make it easy to set up monthly donations via SMS 

• Reminders and Updates – Send reminders to donate after initial contact or event registration 

• Low-Cost, High-Impact Campaigns – When resources are limited and mobile reach is high 

• Silent Auctions or Raffles – Integrate SMS giving into bidding or entry processes

Best Practices for Crafting a Donation Text Message

Before diving into the examples, it's important to understand what makes a donation text message truly effective. A well-crafted message can motivate action, build trust, and increase donor engagement. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Keep It Short and Focused: SMS has a 160-character limit, so every word must serve a purpose. Aim to be clear, direct, and impactful. Avoid fluff or vague language and get straight to the point while preserving warmth and authenticity.

Drive Action with a Clear CTA: Your message should always include a strong call to action. Phrases like “Donate Now,” “Give Today,” or “Support Our Mission” tell the recipient exactly what you want them to do. Make the action easy and immediate.

Add Urgency or Emotion: People are more likely to respond when they feel something. Use emotionally resonant language or introduce urgency with time-sensitive goals, deadlines, or matching gift opportunities (e.g., “Give by midnight to double your impact!”).

Make It Personal: Personalization goes a long way. Use the donor’s name if possible, reference past support, or tailor messages based on interests or giving history. Personalized texts feel more thoughtful and less transactional.

Link to a Mobile-Friendly Donation Page: Always include a clickable, mobile-optimized link in your text message. Use a shortened and trackable URL so you can monitor engagement and conversions. Make sure the donation process is smooth on mobile devices.

Compliance Reminder: 

SMS for nonprofits is subject to legal and carrier regulations. Always obtain explicit opt-in consent before sending texts. Include a clear way to opt out, such as “Reply STOP to unsubscribe,” in every message.

Donation Text Message Examples For Your Nonprofit Organization

General Donation Request Texts

Hi [FirstName], your compassion fuels [OrganizationName]’s mission. Just $10 can give clean water to a family for 30 days. Ready to make a difference? 💧 Donate now: [link]

Together, we can make hunger history. [FirstName], help us serve 1,000 meals this month through [OrganizationName]. Give hope today: [link]

Love animals? So do we at [OrganizationName]. Help us rescue 5 shelter pets this week. Your gift changes lives: [link]

Change starts with you, [FirstName]. Support our youth education program and invest in brighter futures: [link]

We’re powered by people like you, [FirstName]. Your kindness keeps [OrganizationName] going. Will you chip in today? [link]

Urgent or Crisis-Based Appeals

URGENT: Families hit by devastating floods need food, shelter, and supplies. [FirstName], can you help us respond fast? [link]

Emergency Alert: Our disaster fund is nearly empty. Just $15 can go a long way. [FirstName], will you step in? [link]

Disaster struck last night. Lives are in danger. [FirstName], [OrganizationName] needs you now more than ever. Donate here: [link]

Time-sensitive: Every second counts in this crisis. Help [OrganizationName] reach $5,000 by midnight to save lives: [link]

Can we count on you, [FirstName]? Your quick donation means rapid relief for those in crisis. Give now: [link]

Recurring Gift Appeals

Want to make lasting change, [FirstName]? Join [OrganizationName]’s monthly donor circle. Just $10/month helps all year: [link]

Reliable support means real impact. Become a monthly donor and help us plan ahead for families in need: [link]

Love what we do? [FirstName], set up a recurring gift in just 2 clicks. Make your kindness go further: [link]

As a monthly donor, you’ll get exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes impact stories. Join today: [link]

Ongoing support means more lives changed. Be a hero every month. Join our donor family: [link]

Campaign or Event-Specific Texts

It’s Giving Tuesday, [FirstName]. Be part of a global movement and support [OrganizationName]’s mission today: [link]

Only 2 days left. We’re 85% toward our summer camp goal. Help give more kids a safe, fun escape: [link]

Join our virtual gala and empower at-risk youth. Can’t attend? Donate in honor of the cause: [link]

[FirstName], help us hit our holiday drive goal. Every gift gets us closer to warm meals and warm hearts: [link]

It’s John’s birthday. Celebrate by giving to kids in need. His one wish is to spread love: [link]

Matching Gift Text Messages

DOUBLE your impact. All gifts matched 1:1 until 6 PM thanks to a generous donor. Don’t miss this, [FirstName]: [link]

Flash Match Alert. For the next 2 hours, your donation goes twice as far. Let’s do this: [link]

$2,500 matching challenge unlocked. [FirstName], help us claim it before it expires: [link]

Make your gift go twice as far today. Matching donations are live now: [link]

Every dollar counts and now every dollar doubles. Your support makes 2x the impact: [link]

Thank-You & Donor Appreciation Texts

You did it, [FirstName]. Your gift is already at work. Thanks for helping [OrganizationName] make real impact 💙

Thanks to you, we hit our goal. [OrganizationName] is so grateful to have supporters like you, [FirstName].

Your $50 donation helped feed 10 families this week. We’re deeply thankful for your compassion: [link]

You’re part of our mission now, [FirstName]. Stay connected for updates on the change you’re making: [link]

Because of you, our food drive was a success. Want to volunteer with us next? [link]

Donor Re-Engagement Messages

Hey [FirstName], it’s been a while but your impact is never forgotten. Ready to make a difference again? [link]

You helped us before, [FirstName]. Can we count on you again to support [OrganizationName]'s mission? [link]

Life gets busy. We get it. But the need is still here. Rejoin the cause that matters to you: [link]

We’ve missed you, [FirstName]. A lot has changed but our mission is stronger than ever. Ready to return? [link]

You were part of something powerful. Let’s pick up where we left off: [link]

Seasonal & Holiday Donation Texts

Make this Christmas magical for a family in need. Donate a holiday meal today through [OrganizationName]: [link]

Give thanks by giving back. Feed a family this Thanksgiving for just $20: [link]

Happy Earth Day, [FirstName]. Plant 10 trees with a $15 donation. Let’s grow together: [link]

This Valentine’s Day, spread love where it’s needed most. Support safe homes for families: [link]

New Year, new impact. Kick off 2025 by fueling change with [OrganizationName]: [link]

Peer-to-Peer & Social Fundraising Texts

[FirstName], you gave. Now inspire 2 friends to do the same. Share this link and multiply your impact: [link]

Start your own mini fundraiser and rally your circle around [OrganizationName]’s cause. It’s simple: [link]

You’ve made a difference. Invite others to do the same. Just share this message: [link]

Let’s build a movement, [FirstName]. Share our campaign and spark a wave of kindness: [link]

Become a [OrganizationName] community ambassador. Lead change one share at a time. Sign up here: [link]

Achieve More with Falkon SMS

Effective donation text messages help nonprofits connect with supporters and meet fundraising goals faster. Falkon SMS is a powerful, user-friendly platform designed to help nonprofits streamline, personalize, and scale their text messaging efforts. With tools like mass texting, automation, custom fields, and two-way messaging, Falkon SMS makes it easy to reach the right donors at the right time.

Ready to see what Falkon SMS can do for your fundraising? Book a meeting with our team today and discover how we can help you grow your impact.