Text message open rates exceed 90%, making them a quick way for campus organizations to connect with donors and supporters. For student groups facing low email engagement and slow fundraising, text messages can be the solution.

Campus fundraising thrives on speed, convenience, and personalized communication. Text messages foster quick responses due to their urgency. Here are five templates to enhance campus fundraising and streamline communication.

1.   Club Dues Reminder Template

It’s essential to be courteous when asking for money from your peers. A gentle reminder is far more effective than a strict demand. A text message allows you to include the member’s name and a direct link for the payment portal. Send reminder texts three days before the deadline.

Sample message:

“Hi Sarah, your Debate Club dues are due this Friday. Your help funds travel and events for us this semester. Click here to pay: [short link]. Text STOP to unsubscribe.”

Including personal greetings can boost engagement, making messages more relatable. Many companies use integrated CRM texting platforms for texting for political fundraising that help clubs organize contacts by role, year, or past contributions to enhance response rates.

2.   Dance Marathon Donation Appeal

Dance Marathon events, particularly, depend on the student to student peer to peer donation effort. Text messages are a useful tool to spread awareness to peers who can quickly forward them to friends and family members. The key is to clearly articulate the impact being made.

Sample message:

“Hi James, I am participating in a Dance Marathon and trying to raise money for children with serious health conditions. Every bit helps a family in need. Donate here: [short link]. Thank you!” Simple practices that can increase open rates include:

• Use short links for faster and easier loading on mobile devices
• Make instructions for donating clearly visible
• Send follow up texts after 48 hours of the initial text

3.   Emergency Relief Campaign Template

There are many instances when there is a need to raise money quickly on a college campus for emergencies. Students and alumni respond better when they know the situation and have a direct donation deadline. Clear and concise language helps convey the urgency of the need.

Sample message:

“Recent campus fire displaced students, and they need housing tonight. Funds to provide meals and temporary shelter are needed immediately. Click here to help: [short link]. Text STOP to unsubscribe.”

4.   Scholarship Drive Text Template

Linking donations to student stories yields higher engagement in scholarship campaigns. Alumni respond better when they see how their contributions create opportunities for students. Using dynamic fields like graduation year or major can personalize these messages further.

Example Message:

Hi David, help support first gen students in the campus scholarship drive. A small gift helps purchase textbooks or cover tuition. Give here: [short link].

5.   Arts and Athletics Support Template

The campus arts or athletics department may need funds for specific items like equipment or travel. A focused text campaign highlighting these needs is more effective than a general request. Using milestones can also encourage donations.

Example Message:

The campus choir earned its spot in a national performance event and needs your help raising travel funds to get there! Help support these student artists. Donate here: [short link]. Thanks for supporting the arts.

Improving Donor Relationships through Text Campaigns

A successful fundraising text should be brief, personal, and include a clear call to action. Key elements include personalization, careful phrasing, timing, easy links, and a polite opt out option. Organizations that experiment with different personalized texts often see better results.