Your caller ID is the phone number that shows up on a donor's phone when you call them through Raise More. On the Caller ID page you have two ways to set one up, and they work differently. This article explains both so you can pick the right one.

When you click New Caller ID, a window opens with a choice labeled "Real or virtual phone number?" The two options are:

Create new caller ID (a virtual number)
Bring your own real number (a real number you already have)

The two kinds

A virtual number is a brand new phone number that Raise More sets up for you inside the platform. You don't already own it. You pick the area code you want and Raise More finds an available number in that area code and assigns it to your account.

A real number is a phone number you already own and use, such as your personal cell phone or your office line. Raise More does not create this number. Instead, it confirms that the number is yours and that you are allowed to display it as your caller ID.

The short version: a virtual number is fresh and dedicated to your calling. A real number is one people may already recognize as yours.

How to set up a virtual number

Choose Create new caller ID in the window. You will fill in:

Area Code: the area code you want your new number to use, for example 202.
Forward incoming calls to: the phone number where you want to receive any calls a donor makes back to your new number.
Nickname: a label to help you tell your numbers apart, for example "For calling west coast donors."

If your account already has 10 active caller IDs, you will be asked to choose an existing one to replace before you can add a new one. When you are done, click Add Caller ID. Raise More finds an available number in your area code and adds it to your list. If no number is available in that area code, you'll see a message asking you to try another.

How to set up a real number

Choose Bring your own real number in the window. Enter the number you already own in the Phone Number field, then click Verify.

Raise More then places an automated verification call to that number. Pick up the call, and a short verification code will be shown on your screen. Enter that code on your phone's keypad when the call asks for it. This confirms the number is really yours and under your control. Once the number is verified, it becomes available to use for calling.

You cannot set a real number as your default until after it has been verified. While the verification is pending, the "Set this as default caller ID?" toggle is turned off, and the page shows the note: "You can set this as default after the phone number is verified."

Pros and cons

Virtual number

Pro: it's separate from your personal and office lines, so your private numbers stay private.
Pro: you can pick the area code, which can help a local donor recognize the call as coming from their region.
Pro: it's dedicated to fundraising, so you can replace or retire it without affecting any other number you use.
Con: it's a new number, so donors who know you won't recognize it on their screen.

Real number

Pro: donors who already have your number saved will see a name or number they recognize, which can help your calls get answered.
Pro: there's nothing new to manage. You're using a line you already have.
Con: you are exposing your personal or office line to everyone you call.
Con: you can't easily swap it out later the way you can with a virtual number, because it's your actual line.

Which to choose

Use a real number when the people you call already know you and recognizing your number will help them pick up. This is common for candidates calling their own network of supporters.

Use a virtual number when you want to keep your personal line private, when you want a local area code for the donors you're calling, or when you want a dedicated number you can rotate or replace over time. This is a good default if you're not sure.

FAQ

Can I have more than one caller ID?

Yes. You can add several and switch between them. Accounts are limited to 10 active caller IDs at once, and if you reach that limit the page will ask you to choose an existing one to replace when you add a new one.

What happens if a donor calls my virtual number back?

When you set up a virtual number, the Forward incoming calls to field lets you send those return calls to a phone you actually answer, such as your cell.

Do I need to verify a virtual number?

No. Verification by phone call only applies to a real number you already own. A virtual number is ready to use once it's added.

Why didn't my real number verify?

The verification call needs to be answered and the code on your screen entered on the keypad. If the call is missed or the wrong code is entered, the verification won't complete and you can start a new verification request to try again. If you've already verified that number before, it may not let you verify it a second time.