How to Set Up Text-to-Give Tools for Churches

Text-to-give is a simple and convenient way for congregants to support their church financially. By enabling donations through text messages, churches can increase giving, especially among younger members who prefer mobile-friendly options. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up text-to-give tools for your church.

1. Choose a Text-to-Give Platform

Start by selecting a text-to-give service provider that meets your church’s needs. Popular options include Tithe.ly, Pushpay, and Snowball. If you’re looking for an event-specific service, CharityAuctionsToday offers unlimited text-to-give services with our Prepaid plan and as an add-on for our Flex plan.

• Key Considerations When Choosing a Platform:
  • Ease of use for donors.
  • Integration with your church’s existing financial or management systems.
  • Price and transaction fees (typically 1–3% per donation).
  • Support for recurring giving and fund designation (e.g., tithes, missions, building fund).
  • Customer support and training resources.

2. Create an Account with the Provider

Once you’ve chosen a platform, sign up for an account. You’ll likely need to provide the following information:

• Your church’s name and address.
• Banking information for receiving donations.
• Proof of nonprofit status (e.g., 501(c)(3) documentation).

Most platforms guide you through the onboarding process, which may include verification steps and signing agreements.

3. Set Up Donation Keywords

Donation keywords are short, memorable words that donors text to a designated phone number to start the giving process. For example:

• Text TITHE to 555-123-4567 to donate.
• Best Practices for Keywords:
  • Choose simple and intuitive words (e.g., TITHE, GIVE, OFFERING).
  • Set up multiple keywords for different funds (e.g., BUILDING for a building campaign).

4. Customize Donation Options

Configure your text-to-give platform to match your church’s needs:

• Suggested Giving Amounts: Provide options for preset amounts (e.g., $25, $50, $100) while allowing custom amounts.
• Recurring Donations: Enable donors to set up weekly or monthly gifts.
• Fund Allocation: Allow donors to specify where their gift should go (e.g., general fund, missions, youth ministry).

5. Integrate with Existing Systems

To streamline your church’s financial operations, integrate the text-to-give tool with your existing systems, such as:

• Accounting Software: Ensure donations are automatically tracked in your financial records.
• Church Management Software (ChMS): Link donor information to member profiles.

6. Test the System

Before launching, test the text-to-give system to ensure everything works smoothly.

• Try different keywords and donation amounts.
• Test the receipt process to ensure donors receive confirmation messages.
• Confirm donations are deposited into the correct bank account.

7. Train Staff and Volunteers

Educate your staff and volunteers about the new text-to-give system so they can help congregants use it. Provide training materials, such as:

• Quick reference guides.
• Step-by-step instructions for donors.
• FAQs to address common questions.

8. Launch the Text-to-Give Tool

Announce the new text-to-give option to your congregation during services and through other communication channels:

• During Services: Mention it during the offering segment, and display instructions on screens or in bulletins.
• Email Newsletters: Send an email with step-by-step instructions and a link to your text-to-give platform.
• Social Media: Post graphics or videos explaining how to use the feature.
• Website: Add a dedicated page with instructions for text-to-give donations.

9. Promote Regularly

To encourage ongoing use, regularly remind your congregation about text-to-give.

• Special Campaigns: Highlight it during fundraising drives, mission campaigns, or holiday services.
• Recurring Giving: Encourage members to set up recurring donations for consistent support.
• Testimonies: Share success stories or testimonials about how giving supports the church’s mission.

10. Monitor and Optimize

After launching, monitor the performance of your text-to-give tool and make adjustments as needed.

• Analyze Data: Review reports to track usage, donation amounts, and fund allocation.
• Gather Feedback: Ask congregants about their experience and address any concerns.
• Update Keywords: Add or refine keywords based on the needs of your church.

Example Messaging for Promotion

Bulletin Announcement:

“Giving just got easier! You can now support [Church Name] by texting GIVE to 555-123-4567. It’s fast, secure, and convenient. Try it today!”

Social Media Post:

“We’re excited to introduce a new way to give! Text GIVE to 555-123-4567 to support [Church Name] and help us continue our mission. Thank you for your generosity!”

Set Up for Success

Setting up text-to-give tools for your church is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance giving. By choosing the right platform, customizing it for your needs, and promoting it effectively, you can make giving more accessible and increase contributions to support your mission.