We’re kicking off our latest blog series – in which we’ll highlight our best practices for using keywords and automations with Hustle – by sharing our two cents on how higher education institutions can maximize their fundraising efforts with Hustle’s messaging tools.
Text messaging has become a game-changer in the new age of fundraising, helping colleges and universities connect with alumni, fans, and supporters in a way that’s personal, immediate, and effective. Institutions using text-based outreach report higher response rates and ROI, with alumni more likely to donate through a text appeal than traditional methods. The key? Smart keywords and automation strategies that maximize engagement and ensure no opportunity is missed.
Use keywords & automations to capture engagement
Don’t let a supporter’s response go unanswered! While many schools send large-scale fundraising texts, they sometimes lack the bandwidth to follow up on replies; you can use Hustle to make sure everyone hears back from your institution. Below are a few ways to ensure you’re not leaving potential donors and volunteers on read:
- Set up automated replies – Use keywords to trigger responses to common questions from alumni, students, or supporters, ensuring they get the info they need without delay.
- Segment donors instantly – Automatically tag or add donors and volunteers to groups when they donate, RSVP, or engage in an event, making future outreach more targeted. You can also leverage demographic data to segment, such as time zones or their location.
- Follow-up post-campaign – Once a fundraising event wraps up, send automated thank-you texts based on donor tags, keeping them engaged for future campaigns.
Drive donations with clear calls to action
Make the giving process as seamless as possible. Keywords and automations can help you:
- Simplify donations with direct links – Use trackable donation links in texts, triggered by a keyword like “GIVE” or “LINK,” so that someone can donate with just a click.
- Use urgency-driven messaging – Time-sensitive texts like “Matching gift ends at midnight!” create momentum and drive higher engagement.
- Send automated reminders – Set up a message series to notify donors about deadlines, matching opportunities, or special giveaways.
Keep alumni engaged with real-time fundraising updates
One of the most effective ways to keep supporters and alumni engaged is by showing them their impact. You can do this in real time through keywords and automations by sharing:
- Live campaign updates – Automate messages showcasing donation progress and goals met.
- Success stories that inspire giving – Share student and faculty impact stories via text, using GIFs or short videos to make them more compelling.
- Personalized alumni messages – Reference graduation year, degree, or past contributions in texts to create a stronger emotional connection.
By leveraging Hustle’s keyword and automation features, colleges and universities can optimize their fundraising outreach, strengthen alumni relationships, and ensure no supporter engagement goes to waste.
Stay tuned for Part 2 in our series, where we’ll explore how keywords and automations can take your event communications to the next level.
Not a Hustle client yet? Not a problem! Fill out the demo request form to contact our sales team.
