It can be challenging to reach fundraising targets on a limited budget. SMS marketing can help reach potential donors but there’s a fine line between sounding genuine and sounding cliché, that’s what makes writing for not for profit charities to gather donations so difficult.
Every charity supports an important cause, so the key is to engage your recipient on an emotional level. Emotional responses from potential donors are likely to occur through past contributions or relevant regional statistics. Let us help you get your message across in a meaningful way. Here are 10 SMS examples of how to ask for donations.
Statistical
Template #1
Each year [Statistics]. Every dollar you donate will bring us closer to finding a cure. Please support the [Charity] [Website Link]
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Template #1 Sample Fill
*Character count: 251 (2x SMS)
The 5-year relative survival rate for women with stage 0 or stage 1 breast cancer is now close to 100%. Every dollar you donate will bring us closer to finding a cure. Please support the Breast Cancer Network today: TapTh.is/link
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Template #2
Did you know [Statistic]? Every dollar makes a difference. Contribute today to create a better tomorrow: [Website Link]
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*Character count: 154 (1x SMS)
Did you know Australia has the highest skin cancer incidence rate in the world? Let’s work towards a cure this summer: TapTh.is/link
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Template #3
Hi [First Name], did you know [Fact]? Come by the clinic, and save someone’s life: [Website Link]
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*Character count: 142 (1x SMS)
Hi Craig, did you know a single pint of blood can save 3 lives? Come by the clinic to save someone’s life: TapTh.is/link
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Seasonal
The holidays should be a joyful time. Give these kids a reason to celebrate with a gift they will remember: [Website Link]
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Sample Fill*Character count: 143 (1x SMS)
The holidays should be a joyful time. Give these kids a reason to celebrate with a gift they will remember: TapTh.is/link
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Milestones and success stories
Template #1
Thanks to your help, we passed our milestone of [Statistic]! If you would like to continue to support us, please make another contribution or share this with your friends and family: [Website Link]
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*Character count: 295 (2x SMS)
Thanks to your help, we just passed our milestone of 350,000 pet adoptions! There are thousands of rescue animals still in need of a home. If you would like to continue to support us, please make another contribution or share us with your friends and family: TapTh.is/link
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Template #2
Hi [First Name], your donation of [Amount] helped [Past Donation] last year. If you would like to give the gift of [Benefit] to families in need please donate again: [Website Link] or [Keyword]
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Template #2 Sample Fill
*Character count: 160 (1x SMS)
Hi Joel, your donation of $200 fed 500 people last year. Donate today to give the gift of a healthy meal to families in need: TapTh.is/Link
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*Character count: 159 (1x SMS)
Hi Sam, your donation of $200 helped feed 500 people last year. If you would like to make the same contribution this year, text back FEED200.
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Template #3
Hi [First Name], your donation of [Amount] helped [Facts]. Together we can make a difference, let’s keep it up: [Website Link]
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Template #3 Sample Fill
*Character count: 156 (1x SMS)
Hi Ben, your donation of $100 helped supply 50 students with books. Together we can make a difference, let’s keep it up: TapTh.is/link
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Emotional
Template #1
Hi [First Name], thanks for visiting us today. If you would like to be part of a breakthrough, and make someone’s dream come true: [Website Link]
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Template #1 Sample Fill
*Character count: 159 (1x SMS)
Hi Jamie, thanks for visiting us today. If you would like to be part of a breakthrough and make someone’s dream come true: TapTh.is/link
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Template #2
[First Name], would you like to be a hero? Make an appointment to be a blood donor, and you’ll be giving someone the gift of life: [Website Link]
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Template #2 Sample Fill
*Character count: 154 (1x SMS)
Brian, would you like to be a lifesaver? Make an appointment to be a blood donor, and you’ll give someone the gift of life: TapTh.is/link
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Template #3
Give your child a head start, by supporting the [Charity]. Let’s create a better tomorrow through [Product/Service]: [Website Link].
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Template #3 Sample Fill
*Character count: 153 (1x SMS)
Give your child a head start, by supporting the Active Kids fund. Let’s create a better tomorrow through sports: TapTh.is/link
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These templates above have been counted with the SMS Character Counter. Our online SMS service also has a built-in SMS Character Counter, so you know how long your messages are before sending them.
If you’re not already a customer, give our online SMS service a try with our 14-day trial. No obligations and no credit card required.
