Nonprofits face a hard truth: email open rates are declining, social media algorithms are unpredictable, and people are overwhelmed with digital noise. That’s where Rich Communication Services (RCS) comes in—a modern messaging channel that feels like texting but works like a mobile app.
Why Nonprofit RCS Matters
We are seeing rapid changes in messaging technology, and RCS (Rich Communication Services) is emerging as a promising tool for nonprofits looking to improve their communication strategies.
We are excited about the potential of RCS technology to transform how nonprofits engage with their supporters and enhance their messaging capabilities.
Rally Corp RCS for Fundraising Example
1. What is RCS? (A Quick Introduction)
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the next evolution of traditional SMS and MMS, transforming basic text messaging into a dynamic, interactive experience. With RCS messaging, nonprofit organizations can deliver vibrant images, interactive elements, and actionable buttons—right inside a supporter’s inbox. This technology empowers nonprofits to create engaging and compelling messages that drive donor engagement, fundraising, and community connection. Whether you’re sharing success stories, sending event reminders, or providing daily life updates, RCS makes every message more measurable and impactful. The functionality of RCS integrates app-like features directly within the messaging platform, enabling interactive and transactional capabilities such as making donations or accessing rich media, which transforms traditional text messaging into a more versatile and engaging communication tool for nonprofits. For nonprofits looking to move beyond plain text, rich communication services RCS is a true game changer in the world of communication.
2. From SMS to RCS: The Next Evolution in Mobile Messaging
The evolution of traditional SMS and MMS has paved the way for Rich Communication Services (RCS), bringing a new level of interactivity and engagement to mobile messaging. RCS messaging allows nonprofits to create interactive surveys, send event reminders, and include donation buttons—all within a single message. Features like read receipts, typing indicators, and vibrant images make every interaction more engaging for supporters, volunteers, and the broader community. By fostering a sense of commitment and connection, RCS helps organizations engage donors and create meaningful relationships, all while leveraging the latest technology to enhance communication.
3. Understanding Rich Communication Services: How It Works for Nonprofits
Rich Communication Services (RCS) represents the next evolution of traditional SMS and MMS, offering nonprofit organizations a powerful way to connect with supporters through vibrant images, engaging videos, and interactive elements. Unlike plain text messaging, RCS messaging transforms every interaction into an opportunity for deeper donor engagement and more effective fundraising. With features like actionable buttons, donation buttons, and typing indicators, nonprofits can create interactive messages that not only inform but inspire action—whether it’s responding to event reminders, participating in interactive surveys, or making a donation right from the message.
This new era of mobile messaging is all about creating a sense of community and fostering meaningful connections. RCS enables nonprofits to share success stories, daily life updates, and campaign progress in a visually compelling way, making every message stand out in a crowded inbox. The evolution of traditional SMS to rich communication services RCS is a true game changer, allowing organizations to deliver measurable, interactive experiences that drive real results.
Rally Corp helps nonprofits unlock the power of RCS to boost response rates and deepen supporter engagement.
As the next evolution of traditional texting, RCS lets you send rich, interactive messages—complete with images, buttons, and real-time tracking—without asking supporters to leave their messaging app. Whether you're raising funds, recruiting volunteers, or keeping your community informed, RCS makes it easier to cut through the noise and get people to take action.
1. Higher Engagement, Real Results
- Click-through rates on RCS can reach 36%—nearly triple the average SMS click rate (10.5%) and leagues beyond email (2–5% on a good day). RCS helps nonprofits connect with their target audience more effectively by delivering engaging, interactive content directly to their mobile devices.
- 82% of RCS recipients read the message within 5 minutes, according to Sinch, making it ideal for urgent needs like disaster relief, end-of-year giving, or event reminders.
- No need to redirect people to a website—calls to action like a Donate, Sign Up, or Watch Now can happen right inside the message.
Having a donate button right inside of the message means they don't have jump to a website... that's one less chance to lose them forever!
Organizations can use insights from RCS analytics to refine their messaging strategies, optimize supporter engagement, and improve campaign results.
Imagine sending a message that includes a giving button, video testimonial, and progress bar—all within the conversation thread. That’s the kind of experience supporters remember (and act on). RCS represents the evolution from a simple text message to a more interactive and dynamic supporter experience.
It's important to maintain focus on core messaging strategies and fundamentals, such as permission-based texting and clear calls to action, to ensure measurable engagement and long-term success.
2. No Apps, No Friction
- Unlike email or social media, RCS works natively inside the texting app, especially on Android.
- This means no extra apps to download, no switching browsers, and no need to visit additional websites—RCS provides app-like features directly within the messaging app, streamlining user actions with clear, tappable options that increase the likelihood of action.
One nonprofit using rich messages saw a 25% increase in donor conversions just by removing the need to leave the messaging experience.
3. Storytelling that Converts
- Send image carousels, high-res videos, and interactive buttons to bring your cause to life in a way SMS simply can’t.
- Perfect for showcasing impact, volunteer stories, or real-time updates on campaigns and events.
Donor Engagement Strategies with RCS
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is redefining how nonprofit organizations connect with their supporters, ushering in the next evolution of traditional SMS and MMS. With RCS messaging, nonprofits can deliver vibrant images, interactive elements, and actionable buttons that transform ordinary text messages into compelling, interactive messages that truly engage donors.
Here’s how RCS can supercharge your donor engagement:
- Create Interactive Experiences: Move beyond plain text and bring your mission to life with interactive surveys, event reminders, and success stories—all delivered directly to your supporters’ messaging apps. RCS enables you to gather instant feedback, RSVP responses, and volunteer sign-ups with just a tap, making every interaction measurable and meaningful.
- Showcase Your Impact Visually: Use vibrant images, high-quality videos, and even GIFs to tell your organization’s story. Whether you’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at your latest campaign or celebrating a fundraising milestone, RCS messaging lets you create immersive, visually compelling messages that resonate with donors and volunteers alike.
- Drive Action with Smart Features: Actionable buttons like “Donate Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Learn More” can be embedded right inside your messages, eliminating friction and making it easier than ever for supporters to get involved. Typing indicators and read receipts add a sense of real-time connection, while donation buttons streamline the giving process.
- Foster a Stronger Community: RCS helps nonprofit organizations build a sense of community by enabling two-way conversations and personalized outreach. Supporters feel seen and valued when they receive messages tailored to their interests, event participation, or giving history.
- Leverage the Latest Technology: With partners like Rally Corp leading the way, nonprofits have access to advanced tools and capabilities that make it easy to create, send, and track interactive messages. From scheduling event reminders to sharing success stories, RCS technology empowers organizations to engage their audience in new and exciting ways.
- Stay Ahead in the New Era of Communication: As the next evolution of traditional SMS, RCS messaging positions your nonprofit at the forefront of mobile outreach. By embracing this game-changing technology, you can create more engaging, measurable, and effective campaigns that drive fundraising, increase donor retention, and strengthen your community ties.
By adopting rich communication services RCS, your organization can move beyond the limitations of traditional SMS and MMS, creating a new era of donor engagement that’s interactive, visual, and truly impactful. Whether you’re looking to boost fundraising, recruit volunteers, or simply connect with your supporters on a deeper level, RCS messaging offers the tools and capabilities to make every message count.
How to Use RCS at Your Nonprofit
Here are a few nonprofit-specific use cases:
Use Cases - How RCS Helps Nonprofits Drive Engagement
- Text-to-Give Include a built-in donation form or tap-to-donate button inside the message.
- Volunteer Recruiting Send interactive schedules and sign-up buttons without switching apps.
- Event Promotion Share ticket links, RSVP options, and directions in one rich message.
- Campaign Updates Use image carousels and video to tell your story and show progress.
- Post-Donation Thank You Send a branded thank-you message with video or impact report.
Nonprofits can leverage RCS's native messaging capabilities to run business-like campaigns, helping them drive specific actions and engagement similar to how a business would use RCS for targeted outreach.
Note: To enable RCS features for personalized communication, users may need to configure their account settings. Carrier or device limitations may also impact message delivery.
Implementation & Integration: Making RCS Work with Your Tools
Bringing Rich Communication Services (RCS) into your nonprofit’s communication strategy is all about smart integration and seamless supporter experiences. Rally Corp is a mobile messaging platform specifically designed for nonprofits, offering personalized messaging, supporter engagement, and facilitating RCS strategies to enhance outreach and drive mission impact. Nonprofit organizations can partner with mobile messaging platforms like Rally Corp to ensure that RCS messaging works hand-in-hand with their existing technology stack. This means RCS can be connected to your CRM, donation platforms, and volunteer management systems, allowing you to leverage your current tools while unlocking the benefits of rich, interactive communication.
With RCS, nonprofits can deliver vibrant images, engaging videos, and interactive elements that elevate donor engagement and fundraising efforts. The integration process focuses on creating a cohesive experience for supporters—so every message, from event invitations to campaign updates, feels personal and actionable. By using RCS messaging, organizations can foster a sense of community, drive outreach, and create measurable engagement that supports their mission.
Technology partners like Rally Corp make it easy for nonprofits to adopt RCS, providing the expertise and support needed to implement this next-generation messaging solution. With the right strategy, RCS becomes a powerful tool for nonprofits to enhance communication, deepen relationships with supporters, and achieve greater impact in their communities. Whether you’re sharing images from your latest event or sending interactive donation requests, RCS helps your organization stay focused on what matters most: your mission and your supporters.
Overcoming Challenges and Limitations
While RCS messaging opens up exciting possibilities for nonprofits, it’s important to recognize and address a few challenges. Not all devices and carriers currently support RCS, so some supporters may still receive messages via SMS or MMS. To ensure no one is left out, nonprofits should have a fallback plan in place and design messages that are engaging and interactive across all platforms. Crafting clear, user-friendly content is key to maximizing engagement, fundraising, and outreach. By understanding these challenges and adapting their strategies, nonprofits can harness the full potential of RCS technology to connect with their community and drive measurable results.
Quick Tips for Getting Started
- Use RCS where it makes sense: Android support is growing, but fallback to SMS/MMS ensures no one’s left out and helps you avoid classic texting mistakes.
- Measure everything: Clicks, opens, responses. RCS offers analytics far beyond what nonprofits are used to from SMS.
- Keep it human: Just because it’s “rich” doesn’t mean it should feel transactional. The message still needs to connect emotionally.
Looking Ahead: The Future of RCS for Nonprofits
The future of RCS for nonprofits is bright and full of potential. As rich communication services continue to evolve, organizations will gain access to even more interactive elements—think video, GIFs, and app-like experiences—making every message more engaging and actionable. With tools like donation buttons, event reminders, and interactive messages, nonprofits can deepen supporter engagement and drive fundraising success. Technology partners like Rally Corp will help organizations harness these capabilities, ushering in a new era of measurable, meaningful communication. As more nonprofits adopt RCS messaging, expect to see a wave of innovative outreach that strengthens community ties and advances mission-driven work.
Want Help Building Your First RCS Campaign?
We help nonprofits implement permission-based, mobile-first messaging that actually moves people to action, without spamming or adding tech headaches. (Schedule a Demo)
📲 Let’s build something that clicks. Visit RallyCorp.com to get started.
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