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Guide READ TIME: 5 mins

How video and text messaging can drive stronger donor engagement

Woman smiling and speaking during a video call on her laptop in a café setting.

Managing donor relationships goes beyond storing contact info or tracking gifts. It’s about building meaningful connections and doing it consistently, without overwhelming your team. With Bonterra Network for Good’s donor management system, nonprofits can send personalized video thank-yous, text supporters directly, and track every interaction in one place. 

These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re powerful tools designed to strengthen relationships, increase giving, and make your donor communications feel more human. Let’s take a closer look at two standout features inside the platform: Video Acknowledgements and Text Messaging. 

Video Acknowledgement feature 

Turn every thank-you into a moment that matters. 

When donors give, it’s not just about the dollars, it’s about the connection. With Bonterra’s Video Acknowledgement tool, you can instantly thank donors with a personalized video, building stronger relationships and encouraging future generosity. 

What is a Video Acknowledgement? 

Where it lives: 

Screenshot of donor profile with Send a Video dropdown highlighted
Find the Send a Video option right from the donor’s profile or donation record.

Need to send it from your phone? No problem. If you don’t have a webcam, just click “Send link” to record on mobile. 

Composer view: Once you click “Send a Video,” you’ll enter the composer screen — this is where you build and customize your message. From here, you can: 

Screenshot of the video message composer with boxes checked

Real moments, real impact 

Here’s how nonprofits are using video acknowledgements every day: 

Scenario: Imagine your team just wrapped up a successful community clean-up. Within minutes, you’re sending a heartfelt video to donors who funded supplies, saying: “Look what you made possible.” 

Why it works: 

Screenshot showing a video message ready to send with subject and preview link

Pro tip: Make it personal, not perfect. Supporters just want to hear from you. 

Texting feature 

Your message, their moment. 

Texting is one of the fastest ways to reach your supporters in real time. Whether you’re sending updates, reminders, or giving opportunities, Bonterra helps you stay connected with ease, directly from your donor management system. With Bonterra’s built-in texting tools, you can: 

Where to start: 

Screenshot of Communication > Text Messages menu

Setup tip: To use texting features, you’ll connect your Twilio account (toll-free number is free; local numbers available for a one-time fee). 

Screenshot of Twilio setup options with "Toll-Free" selected

Mobile-friendly giving: When supporters text “GIVE” or “DONATE” to your number, they’ll receive a link to your donation page and complete their gift on mobile in seconds. 

Screenshot of mobile donation page

Text messaging in action 

Bulk text reminders  

Need to drive urgency or keep donors engaged around key dates? With Bonterra’s bulk texting feature, you can instantly reach specific groups — like major donors, volunteers, or event attendees — with timely updates. For example, if you’re planning a Spring Gala and 40 guests still haven’t RSVP’d, you can send a friendly reminder with one click, right from your dashboard. 

Text-to-give at events  

Want to make giving as easy as sending a text? Bonterra’s text-to-give feature lets supporters donate instantly during your live events. Simply display your custom number and a keyword like “GIVE” during the program. Attendees can text in and receive a secure donation link within seconds — no need for a pledge card or desktop. 

Screenshot of Text-to-Give settings with dropdown to assign a donation page

Pro tips to avoid carrier violations: 

Carrier violation FAQs

The cell phone provider has chosen not to deliver the text message you sent because they have flagged it as a violation.

Bottom line: Whether you’re thanking, reminding, or inviting — you can do it instantly and personally, right from Donor Management. 

Curious what this could look like at your nonprofit?  

Let’s connect. Our team can show you how Network for Good can simplify your donor outreach and deepen relationships with tools that are easy to use — and even easier to love. Visit our Request a Demo page to connect with our team and get a personalized walkthrough.  

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