What will we learn here?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to send SMS messages to your donors directly from the system. This is an excellent tool for quick updates, donation requests, or simply keeping in warm contact – all in a few simple steps, including options for personalizing messages for each donor.
Before we start
Make sure you have:
Access to the organization's management system (CRM).
An SMS balance in your account (message package).
A ready Target Audience (the list of people who will receive the message). [https://www.google.com/search?q=Link to guide: How to create a Target Audience in the CRM]
Steps
1. Accessing the SMS Screen
Let's start by navigating to the right area in the system.
Log in to the CRM via the main menu.
In the side (or top) menu, click on the SMS icon.
Click on "SMS Campaign" to open a new campaign.
2. Initial Settings: Who are we sending to?
Before writing, let's define the campaign framework.
Target Audience: Select the group of donors you prepared in advance from the list (e.g., "Winter Donors" or "Employees").
Sender Name: Choose the name that will appear on the donor's phone screen (usually the organization's name in English).
Scheduling:
Want to send it immediately? Keep the toggle off.
Want to send it later? Turn on the "Scheduled Send" toggle and select a date and time from the calendar.
3. Writing the Message (The Creative Part)
Here is where you write the content. Pay attention to the advanced options the system offers:
Drafting the Text: Type your message in the large content box.
Adding a Personal Touch (Dynamic Fields): Below the text box, you will find purple buttons like "First Name" or "Last Donation Amount". Clicking them inserts a code into the message, which is automatically replaced with each donor's real information.
Example: "Hi {First Name}" will become "Hi Danny" for a donor named Danny.
Emojis: Want to add some color? Use the emoji picker at the bottom of the box.
4. Final Review & Send (Important!)
This is your safety step. Here, we verify that everything looks perfect before it reaches the donors.
Check the Phone: In the center of the screen, you'll see a smartphone simulation. This is exactly how the message will look to the donor. Read it one last time.
Pay Attention to Warnings: If you see gray boxes with an exclamation mark (!), read them:
Test: If you haven't sent a test message to yourself yet, the system will suggest doing so (highly recommended!).
Missing Fields: If you used "First Name" but some people in your list don't have a name in the system, a warning will appear here.
Legal Approval: Check the box at the bottom of the screen. This confirms you comply with Anti-Spam laws and that the content is legitimate. You cannot send without this.
Launch: Does everything look good? Click "Send Now!" (or "Schedule") with excitement.
Summary
We learned how to create an effective SMS campaign in JGIVE: from choosing the right audience, through drafting a personal message with dynamic fields, to the critical stage of the preview and legal approval. Adhering to these review steps ensures your messages reach all donors professionally and correctly.
What's Next?
Congratulations! The campaign is on its way. Now you can:
View the campaign report to see how many messages were delivered
Duplicate the campaign for future use
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know how many messages I will be charged for? A: No need to guess. At the bottom of the text box, there is an automatic counter showing exactly how many characters you've typed and how many message credits will be deducted per recipient. Check this number before sending to avoid unexpected charges.
Q: Why is the "Send Now" button gray and unclickable? A: You probably haven't checked the legal approval box at the bottom of the screen (next to the text "By checking this box..."). You must check it to unlock the send button.
Q: The system says there are "Contacts with missing dynamic fields." What should I do? A: This means you tried to be personal (e.g., "Hi Danny"), but some people on the list don't have a First Name recorded in the system. You can send it anyway (they will see a blank space or default text), or fix the contact list before sending.