How to save money on mass texting for nonprofits

Can you send mass texts on a nonprofit’s budget? I’m happy to report that you can use mass text messaging for your nonprofit — and you absolutely should.

With 98% average open rates and 45% response rates, SMS can help you:

• Build a community of supporters, volunteers, partners, and staff
• Save time and money on manual outreach
• Reach people who rely on your organization more quickly

For instance, food access nonprofit Just Roots improved their food delivery rate by 5% when they switched from emails to texts. They also save around five hours per week on trying to reach unresponsive clients, making mass texting worth every penny.

Want to achieve results like these on a small budget? I’ll give you cost-saving tips based on my experience in the SMS industry for:

• Choosing a mass texting platform
• Collecting SMS subscribers
• Sending mass text campaigns

The biggest hurdle for mass texting on a budget is finding an affordable platform. As you research text messaging tools, be sure to:

• Shop around for value: Don’t rush. Take your time to look at different texting services for nonprofits. Choose the one that offers best prices and quality. Remember, value isn’t about the cheapest, it’s about what best fits your needs.
• Ask about nonprofit discounts: You’d be surprised how friendly most platforms are to nonprofits. Always ask if they offer discounts. Many platforms (like SimpleTexting) offer 10-15% off their regular plans specifically for nonprofits like yours.
• Future-proof your choice: Don’t just think about what texting features you need today. Make sure your chosen platform has features you might need in the future, too. This forethought could save you from switching later on, which takes more time and resources in the long run.
• Watch out for extras: Be careful, some platforms may charge extra for certain features, like SMS keywords or extra contacts. Others don’t allow unused messaging credits to roll over to the next month. Check what you get for your money upfront to avoid any hidden costs. 

For example, SimpleTexting’s custom integrations are an add-on service, since we build and manage the automations, but most nonprofits will find everything they need with our Zapier integrations (Zapier has a free plan with 100 free tasks per month).

Not sure where to start your search for your nonprofit’s mass texting tool? The five most popular free or low-cost platforms are:

1. SimpleTexting
2. Trumpia
3. GiveLively
4. EZ Texting
5. Txt2Give

1. SimpleTexting

What it is: An easy-to-use texting platform that gives nonprofits the ability to send mass texts and have one-on-one conversations.

Key features: 

• Mass texting
• Two-way messaging
• Text-to-donate
• Unlimited SMS keywords
• Custom fields for personalization
• List segments
• Automated texts

Pricing: Starts at $29/month for 500 messaging credits, three user seats, and unlimited contacts (see our other pricing plans)

Nonprofit discount: 15% off paid monthly plans (20% off annual plans)

2. Trumpia

What it is: A text messaging and email platform with an emphasis on marketing automation.

Key features: 

• Mass texting
• Two-way messaging
• Automated text messages
• Unlimited keywords
• SMS surveys

Pricing: Starts at $118/month for 3,000 text messages, 30,000 emails, and unlimited contacts

Nonprofit discount: No readily available information about nonprofit discounts

3. GiveLively

What it is: A donation and fundraising platform that includes a text-to-donate feature.

Key features: 

• Campaign pages
• Text-to-donate
• Event ticketing
• Peer-to-peer and team fundraising

Pricing: No service fee to use for organizations registered with GuideStar — just third-party payment processing fees. 

Nonprofit discount: Not applicable

4. EZ Texting

What it is: A text marketing platform for use cases across many industries.

Key features: 

• Mass texting
• Two-way messaging
• Automated text messages
• Unlimited keywords
• Custom fields

Pricing: Starts at $25/month plus $0.030 per message (recommended for up to 500 contacts)

Nonprofit discount: No readily available information about nonprofit discounts

5. Txt2Give

What it is: A powerful texting platform, designed just for donations.

Key features: 

• Text-to-give
• Unlimited keywords
• Donation reminders
• Online giving pages

Pricing: Starting at $25/month, plus Stripe or PayPal processing fees

Nonprofit discount: Not applicable

You don’t have to break the bank to build your mass texting list. Use these tips and free tools below to get started, and remember to follow nonprofit SMS compliance guidelines.

1. Invite existing email contacts
2. Promote on social media
3. Leverage your partners
4. Lead with valuable content
5. Use free SimpleTexting opt-in tools for nonprofits

1. Invite existing email contacts

Got an email list? If so, it’s your ticket to a bigger texting list. Send invites to join your SMS program to these already-loyal supporters. Chances are, they’ll happily hop on board for convenient text updates about your organization.

📚 Recommended reading: How to invite existing contacts to your SMS subscriber list

2. Promote on social media

Don’t miss the chance to engage your social media followers in your texting program. Create eye-catching posts inviting them to text a keyword to your number or fill out an SMS web form on your site.

3. Leverage your partners

Tap into your partners’ resources to grow your SMS list. Partners can help by mentioning your program in their blog, sharing it on social, or featuring it in their newsletters.

4. Lead with valuable content

As you promote your mass texting program, let your audience know what kind of information and resources they’ll receive when they sign up for your texts. Consider meaningful messages like behind-the-scenes updates, tips, stories, and alerts.

5. Use free SimpleTexting opt-in tools for nonprofits

Did you know SimpleTexting has free opt-in tools that make it easier to connect with your donors, volunteers, and staff? These include our:

1. Mobile sign-up widget

The Mobile Sign-Up Widget lets you effortlessly add a form to your site, enabling your users to join your SMS list smoothly with a keyword.

2. Graphic generator

Our Graphic Generator is an easy way to create compelling visuals for posters, social media, and anywhere else you’d like to promote your SMS keywords.

3. Click-to-text button

Our Click-to-Text Button simplifies two-way communication by letting your supporters reach you directly from your website or email signature.

These tools are designed to enhance your communication efforts. Give them a try and experience new communication highs.

Though mass texting can cost money upfront, it can help you raise money for your organization too. 

Here are four simple fundraising SMS campaign ideas:

1. Donation requests and thank-you messages: Text-to-donate campaigns make giving simple. With a quick text, your supporters can donate in seconds. Don’t forget to send them a heartwarming ‘thank you’ message. It’s a small act that makes them feel appreciated.

2. Recurring donation reminders: Set up automated reminders for recurring donations. It helps make your giving cycle consistent and effortless. Your donors will appreciate the reminders to support their favorite cause.

3. Invitation to fundraising events: Planning a fundraising event? Send invites through text. It’s instant, efficient, and hardly ever missed. Plus, a text can feel more personal than a standard email blast.

💡 Find out how to write SMS event invitations that boost attendance rates.

4. Birthday donation drives: Birthdays are special. Why not add a touch of kindness to them? With automated birthday texts, you can wish subscribers a happy birthday and encourage them to start a Facebook birthday fundraiser for your cause. It’s a unique way to celebrate their day by helping others.

Ready to get started sending mass texts for your nonprofit? Try SimpleTexting free for 14 days — no credit card or contract required. 

If our platform suits your needs, we can offer your non-profit a 15% discount when you upgrade to a paid plan.

This article was published on September 19, 2023, by Dani Henion. Nathan Ellering contributed to this piece.