CharityEngine Blog

Introducing SMS Conversations: One-to-One Texting

Written by Meliha Zekovic | Fri, Jan 31, 2025

We are thrilled to announce the launch of SMS Conversations, a game-changing feature that makes CharityEngine the only fundraising CRM with one-to-one texting built directly into the platform. 

This exciting new tool empowers nonprofits to deepen connections with supporters by enabling meaningful, personal conversations. With SMS Conversations, you can engage with donors in real-time, keep track of every interaction, and seamlessly integrate texting with your broader engagement strategy. 

Why SMS? The Numbers Tell the Story

SMS is one of the most effective ways to reach and engage donors. The data speaks for itself:

  • SMS boasts an impressive 98% open rate, far outpacing email and other communication methods  
  • Nonprofits using SMS campaigns see returns of up to $5 for every $1 spent
  • With 90% of texts read within three minutes, texting ensures your message is seen quickly and effectively  

Elevate Donor Engagement with SMS

CharityEngine’s SMS Conversations take this powerful communication channel to the next level, helping you create stronger, more impactful donor relationships. 

Let’s dive into how this feature can transform your nonprofit’s engagement strategy. 

Receive and Respond to Texts 

Timely communication can make or break a donor relationship. Whether responding to questions about your mission, sharing updates on impactful initiatives, or simply thanking a donor for their contribution, one-to-one texts enable nonprofits to engage with supporters on a personal level.  

No more juggling external tools or platforms—everything happens directly within CharityEngine for a streamlined, efficient experience. 

View Complete Conversation History 

Building strong donor relationships requires a full understanding of past interactions. With CharityEngine’s SMS Conversations, you can easily access a searchable history of all text exchanges, helping you stay informed and prepared for meaningful follow-ups.

Set tasks, schedule reminders, and maintain continuity with your communication while keeping donor information centralized in one platform. 

Empower Major Gift Officers 

For Major Gift Officers (MGOs), SMS Conversations are a game-changer. By integrating text messaging with other donor outreach efforts—like emails, calls, and events—MGOs gain a unified view of donor interactions. 

This streamlined approach helps MGOs deliver more personalized, impactful outreach and strengthens donor relationships. 

Mass Texting and Text-to-Give 

SMS Conversations expand on CharityEngine’s existing mass texting and text-to-give features to offer a complete SMS toolkit:

  • Mass Texting: Effortlessly send updates or appeals to large groups of supporters. Whether it’s a one-time message or part of a multi-step automated communication series, ensure your outreach is timely and impactful. 
  • Text-to-Give: Make giving easy and convenient by enabling donors to contribute directly from their phones. Use custom keywords to trigger automated text responses, providing a direct link to your donation form. 
  • SMS Conversations: Build stronger relationships by following up with personalized, one-on-one texts that demonstrate genuine care and engagement. 

Success Story: Tupelo Children's Mansion 

Organizations like Tupelo Children's Mansion (TCM) exemplify the power of SMS in fundraising. In Spring 2023, TCM utilized CharityEngine to launch its inaugural SMS campaign, supporting their annual Fun Run Fundraiser. This initiative, combined with email and social campaigns, enabled TCM to raise over $75,000 for essential campus upgrades and services. The efficiency and affordability of digital outreach have inspired TCM to expand its digital campaigns, moving away from costly direct mail appeals.  

Ready to Transform Your Donor Engagement Strategy? 

With CharityEngine’s comprehensive set of SMS tools, including SMS Conversations, you can engage donors like never before. Connect directly with supporters, build stronger relationships, and drive greater impact—all from within your CRM. 

New to CharityEngine? Book a Demo Today to see how our tools can elevate your fundraising. 

Already a Customer? Contact us at success@charityengine.net to add this feature and start making the most of real-time donor engagement.