Outbound text messaging campaigns are a simple way to boost donor retention and collect more donations. Using the same targeted lists you create for outbound emails, you can engage with your supporters by sending targeted text messages such as campaign promotions, event reminders, thank you messages, and more.
Mobile network carriers have specific compliance requirements, which means all organizations that want to send outbound SMS messages through Engage must be registered with those carriers in order to be 10DLC compliant.
If you are currently in the application process but are not a Givebutter Plus subscriber, we are offering a 12-month grace period (until September 25th, 2025) to upgrade. After this period, your account will lose access to outbound SMS messaging. Read more about why this change was implemented →
About 10DLC compliance 📱
10DLC refers to local (area code) phone numbers that are pre-approved by mobile network operators for application-to-person SMS messaging. To be compliant, your number must be registered with the major carriers via a verified 10DLC brand, like Givebutter. The carriers work with North American mobile operators and companies to register application-to-person text message campaigns. Benefits include:
Higher deliverability rates – Mobile network carriers have strict filters for app-to-person messaging to protect consumers. Non-compliant (unregistered) messages are often flagged by these filters, resulting in low deliverability. If you're 10DLC-registered, messages are less likely to be marked as spam.
Better security – 10DLC serves as verification that messages sent by a registered organization are legitimate. This benefits message recipients, as they are protected from spam and fraud, and it also benefits your organization, as it increases trust.
How to register 📝
We've made it easy to register a 10DLC-compliant SMS number! You'll be walked through a four-step process:
Once your nonprofit is verified, Givebutter will pull your organization's information to auto-complete the 10DLC application in your account.
Please note that only verified nonprofit accounts on Givebutter are eligible for activating outbound SMS at this time.
2. Review and submit your application
Go to Engage, and click Settings under the Engage header.
Select SMS Numbers in the sub-menu on the left side of the page.
Your application will appear on this page. The phone number listed in your application is not the number that will be used for sending out SMS messages. The number shown here will be the number set on your account. If no account phone number exists, your user phone number will be used instead.
Click Submit application to send your application. Turnaround time for applications is estimated to take up to 14 calendar days. After your application is approved, Givebutter will send you an email letting you know.
If you already have an SMS number set, you'll be prompted to remove it before you can submit your application.
Editing application information
Organization name – The legal name of your organization is pulled from GuideStar/Candid. To edit your brand name, navigate to Account > About > Account name.
EIN – Pulled from your Givebutter verification entry, must match the EIN on GuideStar/Candid.
Phone number—You can edit the number set on your account under Account > About. If no account phone number exists, your user phone number will be used instead.
Address – This can be edited by navigating to Account > About > Addresses. Can also be updated in your Engage settings.
Domain – This can be edited by navigating to Account > About > Website URL.
If you need help making changes to your application, please contact our team!
3. Select a phone number
After your application is approved, you'll be prompted to select a 10DLC-compliant phone number to use in Engage. Once you select a number, you will not be able to change it, so select wisely!
Options depend on carrier availability, and sometimes, specific area codes are not available. Givebutter does not restrict or control phone number availability, and we are not able to manually open new phone numbers. Please try searching for a nearby area alternative. Toll-free (ie. 800) numbers are not available.
4. Complete set up
In your Engage SMS Settings, you can complete your setup with the following options:
Add a customized automated response if someone replies to an SMS you've sent.
Select which incoming responses you'd like to forward to your email:
None – Don't forward any responses
Known contacts only – Forward SMS responses from known contacts
All incoming texts – Forward all SMS responses
Set an email address to forward inbound messages to. If someone replies to an SMS you send out, their message will be forwarded to this email address.
Now you're set to send your first outbound text blast! You'll now see the Text Message option when you click New Message in Engage.
FAQ 🤔
If I don't register to meet 10DLC compliance, what happens?
You will no longer be able to send outbound SMS messages. If you meet the criteria, you can submit an application at any point in the future.
I already have an Engage phone number set in my account, can I keep that number?
You will be able to continue using your existing number until July 31st, 2023, after which you will need to complete registration using a new, 10DLC-compliant phone number.
How long does the approval process take?
We expect that turnaround will take up to 14 calendar days to receive approval from the mobile carriers. This is an estimate and is subject to change.
Will I be notified if my application is denied? Why do applications get denied?
If your application is denied, you will be notified by us via email. While denials are rare, your application may be denied if the information entered on the application is incorrect, or your address doesn't match your EIN.
I'm not able to verify as a nonprofit – can I still send outbound SMS messages?
Only verified nonprofits will be able to receive a 10DLC-compliant phone number and be able to send outbound SMS messages. You will not be able to send outbound messages if you are not a verified nonprofit.
Is claiming a phone number free?
Like the rest of Givebutter's fundraising platform, claiming and using an outbound phone number is free for users! (These dedicated phone numbers come at a cost, but our platform covers the associated fees.)
There aren't any available phone numbers with my area code!
Unfortunately, the available numbers entirely depend on carrier availability, and sometimes specific area codes are not available – Givebutter does not restrict or control phone number availability, nor are we able to manually open up new phone numbers. Please try searching for a nearby area code alternative.