Why is Ministry Brands no longer offering shared text-to-give Short Codes?
There has been an industry requirement change disallowing most uses of shared short codes, including for donation/payments. To reduce spam and fraud, carriers now require each short code to be registered specifically to the organization using the code for communications.
Offering dedicated short codes for each organization would be a significant increase in expense, which most organizations would not be able to accommodate.
Can we still use text-to-give?
Absolutely, text to give via 10-digit numbers (long codes) is still within the parameters of the new guidelines and is included with your account at no additional cost. Many of our clients using short codes also have a long code secured. If you are not sure if you do or want to claim one for the first time, you can do so directly through your Giving Admin Portal.
You also have QR Code giving and a mobile app for simple giving experiences for your donors. Review the flexibility you have for donors. Consider the robust offering of our mobile app solution (may be included with your package at no additional cost).
New service option: while shared short codes are no longer supported by carriers for text giving, we now offer the option to purchase a dedicated short code. For more information, please contact your Relationship Manager or email client.adoption@ministrybrands.com.
Our organization was moved to a shared short code by Ministry Brands due to carrier filtering on our long code. What will our donor experience be on a long code now?
Since encountering carrier filtering several years ago, we have adjusted how our product works to avoid carrier filtering.
When will shared short codes for text giving stop working?
The shared short code service will be disabled on all accounts on June 30, 2025. The final billing for this service will be May 1, 2025.
What should we do to prepare?
1) Choose (or verify) your 10-digit long code. Directions can be found here or click the lightbulb icon in the bottom left corner of your Giving Admin Portal for a guide to walk you through the steps.
2) Begin to publicize this change: update slides, printed materials, website. Visit the Engagement Tab in product for several promotional resources like announcements, email templates and social graphics.
3) Assess and implement other ways donors can give via QR Codes and Mobile App
4) Communicate directly with your regular text donors alerting them of the new methods of giving. To find these donors, use the Transaction Report and set the Payment Method filter to Text Giving. Adjust the Date Range as desired. Then, Apply Filters and export to use with your ministry’s communications platform.
What will my donors see if they attempt to donate via the deactivated short code after June 30, 2025?
If a donor attempts to make a gift after the short code has been disabled for a ministry, they will receive the reply message "We're sorry, the organization you sent does not exist."
What about other Ministry Brands platforms that use short codes for mass messages?
This change is specific to soliciting and receiving donations through shared short codes. Our team has done extensive research to verify no other Ministry Brands messaging services are at risk.
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