How to Set Up Text-To-Give: A Simple Guide

If your church already offers online giving through your website or app, you're ahead of the curve. Great job!

Digital giving platforms make it easy for members to support the mission of the church, even when they can’t be there in person.

But what if there were a faster, simpler, and more accessible way for people to give, especially in the moment?

That’s where text-to-give comes in.

Text-to-give platforms complement your existing digital giving tools by meeting people where they already are: on their phones.

In this article, we’ll explore why adding a text-to-give option could be the next smart step for your church, how it works, and what benefits it offers for both givers and church leadership.

Four Reasons You Should Use A Text-To-Give Platform

Before we talk about how to set up text-to-give in your church, let's talk about why you should use it in your church.

Everyone Is Familiar With Text Messaging

Everyone uses text messaging. Your friends, your mom, your children's school - everyone. And everyone pays close attention to their texts.

Setting up text-to-give makes it possible for your church members to use a platform they're already deeply familiar with and like to donate to your church. It's a convenient and easy way for them to give, without having to go through the extra steps of writing a check or finding cash.

Using text-to-give in your church opens up another very simple way for your church members to give. And the easier it is to give, the more likely your members are to do it. When you implement a text-to-give platform, you can expect giving in your church to go up.

Giving By Text Message Is The Fastest Way To Give

Text-to-give is, hands down, the fastest way for your members to give. They don't have to download an app or fill out a web form. There's no need to find cash.

All they need to do is text the dollar amount they want to give to your church's text-to-give number, and they're set. They can also designate which fund they want their donations to go to by adding designations, like "Missions" or "Youth Ministry". It's simple, it's fast, it's convenient.

Text Giving Is A Great Way To Connect With The Younger Generation

Millennials and Gen Z use texting as their primary form of communication. They might ignore emails, phone calls, or even church announcements.

But when it comes to texting, they are always checking their phones. By offering text-to-give options, you are providing a way for younger generations to easily connect with your church and support your mission.

It's The Beginning Of A Two-Way Communication

Once someone donates to your church by text-to-give, it opens up a two-way street of communication. You now have the ability to communicate with them via text message. You're able to send them important updates, announcements, and even personalized messages. You can also thank them for their support of the church.

Of course, people can opt out if they don't want to receive these texts. But what you'll find is that the majority of people want to stay connected to the church via text because it's so convenient.

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How To Set Up Text-To-Give With Tithely

With Tithely, it’s easy to set up text-to-give for your church. 

Step #1: Sign Up For Text-To-Give

• Log in to your Tithe.ly account.
• Select Giving from the menu.
• Choose Text Giving from the options
• Complete the sign-up form, providing the required information
• Enter your payment details to set up your preferred payment method
• Confirm your subscription to Text Giving

(Note: If you are signed up for the Tithely “All Access” package, text-to-give is included in your subscription. If you don’t want to use it, you don’t need to cancel it.)

Step #2: Locate Your Text Giving Number

Once you have signed up for text-to-give, you will be assigned a text-to-give number. 

To find your number, follow these simple steps:

• Log in to Tithely as an Admin
• Select Giving
• Select Text Giving

(Note: Only those signed up for text giving can view this option. If you have multiple locations, select the one you are updating settings for, and all setting changes will apply to the selected location.)

Step #3: Wait For Your Text-To-Give Number To Be Activated

Due to SMS regulations, newly registered Text Giving numbers require a waiting period before they become fully active.

This activation process takes roughly 3 weeks.

During this time, you will not be able to send or receive text messages from your text-to-give number. 

And that’s it! As soon as your text-to-give number is approved, you can begin receiving donations via text message. 

How Church Members Can Give Via Text Message

Once your text-to-give number is approved, it’s simple for your members to start giving via text. Here’s what they need to do. 

• Start the process by texting “Give” to your church’s assigned text-to-give number. The first time a person does this, they will receive a link to set up or link a Tithely account to their phone number.
  
• After they have set up or linked their account, members can enter the donation amount, the fund they want to give to, and their card details. If a person wants to connect a bank account, it can only be done during their initial setup of text-to-give.
  

Once their account is created and linked to either a card or bank account, members can simply text an amount to your text-to-give number, and a donation will be made. It’s that simple. 

From that point on, their phone number will be linked to their Tithely account, making the entire giving process smooth. 

With each gift, givers can specify the fund they want it to go to, how often they want to give, etc. For a full list of all the text-to-give options, see this article. 

Next Steps

Setting up text-to-give with Tithely is a simple, strategic move that can help your church meet people where they are and make giving easier than ever. 

Here’s what to do next:

• Finish setting up your Tithely Text Giving account if you haven’t already.
  
• Start promoting your text-to-give number in your Sunday announcements, on your website, in your email newsletters, and even on printed materials.
  
• Encourage your congregation to try it, especially during live services or special giving moments.
  
• Regularly remind your church of this giving option and celebrate how easy and impactful it is.
  

The easier you make it to give, the more consistent generosity becomes. Text-to-give isn’t just a tech feature; it’s a powerful ministry tool. 

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