8 Sample Text Message Templates for Every Fundraising Occasion

When you want to connect with donors, there’s one place you can almost always find them—on their phones. This is why text messages are a great fundraising tool! It’s time to meet your donors where they are and invite them to engage in generosity using the handy device in their pocket (or, more likely, their hand).

This article will provide sample text message templates for fundraising that you can customize for your campaigns, but first…let’s break down the basic principles for effective text fundraising.

6 Key Principles of Text Fundraising

With a 98% average open rate (compared to a 28.59% open rate for nonprofit emails), text fundraising is a worthwhile endeavor. However, not all text fundraising hits the mark with donors, and there are a few best practices you can follow to get the best results.

1. Keep It Short

Opening a text message from a nonprofit (or any brand) with a massive block of words can be intimidating. Don’t say too much—keep your fundraising messaging short and to the point, sharing just enough to clearly communicate what your campaign is about and what you’re asking of them.

2. Use a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Speaking of being clear, nailing your call to action is crucial. You only have so much time to get your message across before losing your donor’s attention. To ensure that donors know which next steps to take, include a CTA at the end of your text message that makes a clear ask. 

3. Make It Personal

Since they’re coming directly to someone’s personal device, text messages instantly feel more intimate than emails. Lean into it by making your message more personal rather than cold and salesy. Immediately identify your organization and address the text recipient by name, if possible.

4. Choose Timing and Frequency Wisely

This again speaks to the more personal nature of text messaging. Because your donor expects their text inbox to be filled with messages from family and friends, you—as we say in the South—don’t want to wear out your welcome. While you may send multiple emails or social media posts throughout a campaign without raising any eyebrows or causing any eye rolls, text communication should be much more limited.

5. Ensure Compliance

Following text messaging best practices aren’t just important on the etiquette front; there are also SMS compliance regulations in the U.S. for nonprofits to consider. Before you incorporate texting into your next fundraising campaign, double-check that your plans are in compliance.

6. Test, Test, Test 

If at first you don’t succeed, try again (based on donor responses)! As you use text messaging in more of your fundraising efforts, you’ll get a better grasp on what works and what doesn’t. Keep testing and revising along the way.

8 Sample Text Message Templates for Fundraising

Whether organizing an event, running a fundraising campaign, or mobilizing a community effort, having well-crafted text message templates on hand can save you a ton of time and help maximize your organization’s impact.

In this section, you’ll find sample text message templates (and examples for each) designed to inspire action, foster connection, and help you hit your fundraising goals.

General Fundraising Appeals

• Template: [Name], together, we can make a difference for [service group]! Will you help us reach our [specific amount] goal by [deadline]? Every dollar counts toward [mission]. Donate now: [link]

• Example: Anne, together, we can make a difference for thousands of children in our community! Will you help us reach our $50,000 goal by midnight? Every dollar counts toward a better future for these young lives. Donate now: agloecenter.com/donate

• Template: Hi, [Name]! We’re on a mission to raise [specific amount] for [cause/goal/mission]. Your generous donation will [impact statement] for [service group]. Here’s where you can make a gift today: [link]

• Example: Hi, John! We’re on a mission to raise $40,000 to fund habitat restoration projects in 2025. Your generous donation will help protect habitats for important fish and wildlife in our area. Here’s where you can make a gift today: [link]

Event Fundraising

• Template: [Name], join us for [Event Name] on [date]! Your attendance supports [specific cause]. Tickets are limited—grab yours here: [link]. Can’t attend? Donate instead at [link]!

• Example: Lex, join us for the Gisht County Gala on Sunday, 10/20! Your attendance supports housing assistance for 200 of our neighbors. Tickets are limited—grab yours here: gishtgives.com/gala. Can’t attend? Donate instead at gishtgives.org/donate! 

• Template: Hi, [Name]! Our [Event Name] is [length of time] away. We’re raising funds to support [impact statement]! Get info on how to attend, volunteer, or donate here: [link]

• Example: Hi, Luke! Our Holiday Concert Fundraiser is 2 weeks away. We’re raising funds to support over 300 children with their education goals in 2025! Get info on how to attend, volunteer, or donate here: agloecenter.org/concert

Urgent Campaigns or Emergency Appeals

• Template: [Service group] needs your help, [Name]. A recent [emergency/event] has impacted [specific need]. Every donation matters to [impact statement]. Here’s where to donate: [link] 

• Example: Gisht County families need your help, Casey. A recent factory closure has impacted the livelihood of hundreds of our neighbors. Every donation matters to secure food and shelter. Give here: agloecenter.org/donate 

• Template: [Name], will you help us meet an urgent need? The recent [emergency/event] has left [service group] without [specific need]. Your generosity is appreciated. Donate here: [link]

• Example: Terry, will you help us meet an urgent need? The recent hurricane has left many of our Gisht County neighbors without access to food and water. Your generosity is appreciated. Donate here: agloecommunity.org/give

Recurring Donations

• Template: Want to make a bigger impact, [Name]? Become a monthly donor and help [Organization] sustain [specific program] for [service group/impact statement]! Sign up here: [link]

• Example: Want to make a bigger impact, Sam? Become a monthly donor and help Agloe Community Center sustain our education assistance program for college-bound students in our community! Sign up here: agloecenter.org/monthly

• Template: [Name], your consistent support means we can [impact statement]—thank you! Will you consider setting up a recurring donation to [Organization] to help us make an even greater impact? Donate here: [link]

• Example: Imani, your consistent support means we can provide thousands of meals to Mazy County families each year—thank you! Will you consider setting up a recurring donation to Agloe Community Center to help us make an even greater impact? Donate here: agloecenter.org/give

Looking for even more text inspiration? Click here to instantly download a resource with text templates for volunteers, personal messages, and more.

Connect with Supporters Easily Using Text-to-Communicate

In our digital age, many of your supporters will prefer to receive communications via text. While the sample text message templates above can help you get started, you’ll need the right technology to see it through. 

With Neon One’s Text-to-Communicate, you can use text messages to reach your supporters, members, volunteers, event attendees, and more. Watch the tool in action or request a full Neon CRM demo today!