Set Up Text Giving and Keywords via SMS
Objective
This article provides step-by-step instructions for selecting your organization’s text-giving number and using keywords via SMS to direct givers to forms or donation options. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to activate your text number and use keywords to create quick, engaging donor pathways.
Why Use Text Giving and Keywords?
Text giving offers a fast and accessible way for donors to give on the go. Pairing it with strategic keywords enables immediate engagement and call-to-action moments—like during weekend announcements or campaign pushes—boosting participation and generosity.
🎥 Pro-Tip: Watch our Text Giving Promotional Video to better understand the donor experience.
Feel free to download the video or link to it from your website or emails.
📱 Choose Your Organization’s Giving Number and Form
Getting Started
Setting up your text-giving number only takes a few quick steps!
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Navigate to your Manager Portal
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Click the ⚙️ Gear icon in the top-right corner
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Select the Text Management card
Add a New Text-Giving Number
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Click ➕ in the Text Giving Numbers section
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Enter your area code and click Search to view available numbers
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Choose a number and click to activate it
💡 Pro Tips:
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For best results, search by area code only
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Look for simple or memorable numbers (e.g., 000, 111, 2727)
🏢 Optional: Associate with Locations
If your organization uses multiple campuses, you can associate a number with a specific Location.
📌 The Locations feature must be enabled for this option to appear.
👉 Read more about enabling Locations
✉️ Customize the Confirmation Message
After activating your number, you’ll be prompted to create a confirmation message that donors receive after giving.
This message is a great way to:
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Thank them
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Confirm their gift
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Provide next steps or follow-up links
🎉 Once saved, your text-giving number is ready to use!
🔤 Keyword Texting – Create Immediate Ministry Opportunities
When a donor texts a keyword to your text-giving number, they receive a customized response—typically a form link or info about giving options.
This is a great tool for:
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Prompting action during a service
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Highlighting special campaigns or events
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Directing donors to specific forms
⚙️ Setting Up Keywords
Keywords can come from two places:
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Form Keywords – links directly to a specific form
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Fund Management Keywords – for general giving without a form link
Form Keyword Setup
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Go to the Form Keywords section in Text Management
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Click ➕ Add Keyword
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Match the keyword to an existing form
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Click Save
To edit or delete a keyword, use the 3-dot menu on the right.
📌 You can assign different keywords to different forms.
🔗 Learn more about Form Keywords
🛠️ How to Add or Edit a Fund Keyword
Fund keywords are managed directly within the Fund Management area. These allow donors to text a keyword like “TITHE” and immediately give toward that specific fund—no form required.
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In the left-hand menu, click Fund Management
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Locate your desired fund, click the 3-dot menu (⋮), then select Edit Fund
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In the Fund Keyword field, enter the text word you want donors to use (e.g., TITHE)
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Click Save
📌 You can also add a fund image and description, which will display in visual giving experiences like the Fund List Field Set.
Donor Experience with Fund Keywords
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When a donor texts a keyword like “TITHE,” they’ll receive a prompt to complete their gift.
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The donation will be automatically associated with the correct fund.
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It’s fast, simple, and doesn’t require navigating a form.
📌 Only eight fund keywords are displayed when a donor texts “KEYWORDS” to your giving number.
Common Questions:
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How do I know which keywords are active?
- Text "KEYWORDS" to your giving number. Up to eight active Fund Management keywords will be shown.
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Can keywords work without forms?
- Yes! Fund keywords can be used without forms for direct text-based giving.
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Can I use both form and fund keywords at the same time?
- Absolutely. Form keywords direct users to a form link, while fund keywords let them give by text immediately.
Have Questions or Need Help?
If something isn’t working right, we’re here for you!
- Technical Support: Technical support's primary role is to assist if the product is not working as expected. For more personalized assistance and walkthroughs, we offer paid services.
- Product Help: Visit the Help Center for tutorials and resources, including product documentation and best practices.
- 24/7 Chatbot Support: Our Help Center chatbot can answer common questions any time—day or night.
- Personalized Support: Contact the Sales Team at sales@ministrybrands.com for guided help through our paid services.
💡 Pro Tip: Be sure to explore free resources in the knowledge base before requesting additional support.
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