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      Phone Numbers & SMS Messaging Guide

      The Phone feature in WeGive enables your organization to purchase a dedicated phone number for sending text messages. This allows you to engage donors with campaigns, reminders, and updates through SMS, using a professional and branded contact method.

      What Is the Phone Feature?

      The Phone feature allows you to:

      • Purchase a local or toll-free number

      • Configure keyword-based SMS automations

      • Add message prefixes to identify your organization

      • Manage compliance for opt-out and unsubscribe responses

      By setting up a phone number, you can use WeGive to send personalized, automated, or broadcast text messages to supporters.

      Where to Set It Up

      1. Navigate to the Settings tab.

      2. Click on the Numbers section.

      How to Purchase a Phone Number

      Step 1: Add a New Phone Number

      • Click Add New Phone.

      Step 2: Choose Number Details

      You’ll be prompted to:

      • Select the country (e.g., United States)

      • Choose the type:

        • Local (regional area code)

        • Toll-Free (e.g., 888, 877 numbers)

      • Choose your match type for searching:

        • First Part Matches: Start of the number

        • Anywhere Matches: Number contains a certain string

        • Last Part Matches: End of the number

      Step 3: Filter by Area Code or ZIP Code

      • Input an area code (e.g., 415) to see matching available numbers.

      • Click Filter Available Numbers to browse options.

      Step 4: Purchase the Number

      • Click to purchase your preferred number.

      • Agree to the terms and confirm your purchase.

      • Most numbers cost $5/month and are billed according to your WeGive billing cycle.

      Managing Your Phone Number

      Once purchased, your number appears in the dashboard.

      Under the dropdown next to the number, you can:

      • Set a Message Prefix: Add your organization’s name or a short tag so all texts are clearly branded (e.g., “GiveList: Your donation matched!”).

      • Set as Default: Make this number your default SMS sender for all WeGive-triggered messages.

      Automated SMS Keyword Settings

      WeGive includes built-in and customizable keyword response rules.

      Default Keywords (Opt-Out Rules)

      These are automatically managed by the system:

      • STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, QUIT

      Automatically blocks future SMS messages from being sent to the contact.

      Custom Keywords

      You can configure custom responses based on keywords a supporter texts you. For example:

      • Keyword: GIVE

      • Response: A link to your donation checkout (e.g., https://give.yournonprofit.org)

      Use this to:

      • Share checkout links

      • Promote event registration

      • Provide contact or support info

      • Link to impact stories, updates, or FAQs

      Features and Customizations

      • Branded Prefixing: Add your organization name to every message for instant recognition.

      • Keyword Automation: Set up interactive SMS flows using trigger words.

      • Multiple Numbers: Purchase more than one number if needed (e.g., for campaigns or departments).

      • Local & Toll-Free Options: Match your number to your regional presence or branding strategy.

      • Compliance: Built-in unsubscribe handling for SMS best practices.

      Best Practices

      • Choose a local number if you want to appear community-based; use a toll-free number for national reach.

      • Always test your custom keyword responses before launching a campaign.

      • Keep SMS messages short and clear—include links only when needed.

      • Make sure your prefix clearly identifies your organization to prevent confusion or flagging.

      • Regularly monitor unsubscribes and opt-out rates to stay compliant.