For nonprofits, consistent support can be even more valuable than one-time gifts. Recurring donations provide predictable funding, allowing organizations to plan programs, allocate resources efficiently, and sustain long-term impact. Engaging supporters in a way that encourages ongoing commitment is essential, and SMS marketing has emerged as one of the most effective tools to do just that. Text messaging connects directly with supporters, reaching them where they are most engaged: their mobile devices.
With 90 percent of messages opened within minutes and MMS capability to share compelling images or videos, SMS delivers both immediacy and impact. Nonprofits can leverage this channel to inspire recurring contributions and deepen relationships with supporters.
Simplify Recurring Giving with Text-to-Donate
Making recurring donations easy is the first step toward building a loyal supporter base. Text-to-donate campaigns allow donors to sign up for monthly, quarterly, or custom-gift schedules directly from their phones.
Nonprofits can increase recurring support by:
- Including options for ongoing donations in every SMS campaign
- Linking to secure forms designed for recurring giving
- Highlighting the tangible impact of continuous support, such as providing meals, supplies, or scholarships
- Using short videos or images that demonstrate how consistent donations create lasting change
Even a concise message can inspire donors when it clearly communicates the difference their regular support makes.
Connect With Donors Using Personalized Updates
Eighty percent of people don’t feel connected to the nonprofits they support. Supporters are more likely to maintain recurring donations when they feel personally connected to the nonprofit’s mission. SMS enables organizations to send relevant, timely updates that reinforce the value of ongoing contributions.
Ways to engage recurring donors include:
- Sharing updates on how their support is actively helping people or communities
- Sending behind-the-scenes photos, thank-you videos, or exclusive content
- Providing reminders about upcoming campaigns, volunteer opportunities, or events
Simple gestures, like a personalized note of gratitude, can strengthen relationships and make donors feel their ongoing support is meaningful.
Encourage Recurring Giving With Campaigns and Challenges
Campaigns and challenges provide additional motivation for supporters to commit to recurring donations. SMS makes it easy for donors to respond immediately and participate without leaving their phone.
Ideas for campaigns include:
- Highlighting “give once or monthly” options with comparisons of impact
- Offering matching donation challenges to reward recurring donors
- Introducing limited-time incentives, such as exclusive updates, digital badges, or recognition for ongoing support
These strategies can create excitement and urgency, encouraging supporters to take action and maintain their contributions over time.
Why SMS Is Ideal for Recurring Donations
Compared to email or social media, SMS stands out for its combination of immediacy, personalization, and engagement. Text messages are read almost instantly, creating a direct and personal connection with supporters. High open rates, typically 98 percent, make SMS one of the most reliable ways to reach donors and motivate recurring gifts.
Also, your messages stay in their messaging app. Powered By Text clients have continually seen donors return to their message and give even up to two weeks after the original message send.
Common Questions About Recurring Text Donations
Can donors choose how much and how often they give?
Yes. Supporters have full control over the amount and frequency of their contributions, giving nonprofits predictable funding while accommodating donor preferences.
Is SMS cost-effective for recurring campaigns?
Yes. It delivers high engagement at a lower cost than traditional mail or email, often producing a strong return on investment.
Do donors need an app to set up recurring donations?
No. Everything can be managed entirely through standard text messaging, making it easy and accessible for supporters.
Grow Long-Term Support With SMS
Recurring donations are vital for the sustainability of any nonprofit. SMS marketing provides a direct, personal, and high-impact way to inspire supporters to give regularly. By combining text-to-donate options, personalized updates, and motivating campaigns, nonprofits can strengthen community engagement and build a reliable funding base for long-term impact.
Powered By Text helps nonprofits develop custom SMS strategies that encourage recurring donations and deepen relationships with supporters. Contact us today to start growing your nonprofit’s ongoing support.
