What is RCS Messaging?
The next evolution of text messaging—app-like features, rich media, and interactive buttons in your native messaging app. No download required.
RCS: The Future of Nonprofit Texting
Think of RCS as iMessage or WhatsApp features, but built directly into the default messaging app on any phone. No app downloads required.
Interactive Messaging to Drive Engagement
RCS transforms your texts into interactive experiences—right in the native messaging app. No app install required:
- High-resolution photos and videos
- Verified sender profiles with your logo
- Interactive buttons and carousels
- Read receipts
Max the Labrador
7 years old • Male
$25 sponsors his care
Key Features of RCS Messaging
Rich Communication Services brings powerful capabilities that transform how nonprofits connect with supporters.
Rich Media Messaging
Send high-resolution photos and videos directly in the conversation. No more compressed images or broken attachments.
Typing Indicators & Read Receipts
See when supporters are typing a response and know exactly when your message has been read. Build more responsive, real-time conversations.
Message Reactions
Supporters can react to your messages with emojis, creating quick engagement without requiring a full response. Perfect for impact updates.
Enhanced Group Messaging
Better group management with custom names and photos. Coordinate volunteers, committees, and teams more effectively.
Improved Security & Encryption
RCS offers enhanced security features and encryption, protecting sensitive donor information and organizational communications.
Verified Sender Profiles
Display your nonprofit's verified brand with logo, name, and description. Build instant trust and reduce spam concerns.
Works Over Wi-Fi & Data
Unlike SMS, RCS works over Wi-Fi or mobile data—not just cellular. Reach supporters anywhere with an internet connection.
Interactive Action Buttons
Add clickable buttons for donations, event RSVPs, volunteer sign-ups, and more. Turn every message into an actionable opportunity.
How RCS Works
Understanding the requirements and compatibility for Rich Communication Services.
Device Compatibility
Both sender and receiver need RCS-enabled devices. Most modern Android phones and iPhones with recent iOS versions support RCS.
Activation
On Android (Google Messages), enable in Settings → Chat Features. On iPhone, find it in Settings → Messages as "RCS Messaging."
Appearance
On iPhones, RCS messages to Android users appear in green bubbles (like SMS/MMS), but with all the rich features enabled.
What About Fallback?
When RCS isn't available (older devices or RCS disabled), messages automatically fall back to standard SMS/MMS. Your supporters will always receive your message—they just may not see the rich features.
RCS vs SMS: What's the Difference?
See how Rich Communication Services compares to traditional SMS and MMS messaging.
How Nonprofits Use RCS Messaging
Rich Communication Services opens new possibilities for nonprofit engagement, fundraising, and community building.
Fundraising Campaigns
Send rich donation appeals with embedded videos showing your impact, high-quality images, and one-tap donate buttons.
Examples:
- Video testimonials from beneficiaries
- Interactive donation buttons with suggested amounts
- Real-time campaign progress updates with images
Event Promotion & Management
Share event details with beautiful imagery, interactive RSVP buttons, and calendar integration for seamless attendance.
Examples:
- Event flyers and promotional videos
- One-tap RSVP and calendar add buttons
- Day-of reminders with venue maps and directions
Donor Stewardship
Build deeper relationships with personalized thank-you messages featuring impact photos, videos, and interactive engagement.
Examples:
- Photo galleries showing how donations are used
- Video messages from leadership or beneficiaries
- Interactive surveys to gather donor feedback
Volunteer Coordination
Coordinate volunteers with rich shift details, location maps, and quick-response buttons for availability.
Examples:
- Shift schedules with interactive accept/decline buttons
- Training videos and resource documents
- Group chats with custom names for different teams
Advocacy & Awareness
Drive action with compelling multimedia content, petition links, and easy-share buttons for social amplification.
Examples:
- Infographics and educational videos
- One-tap petition signing and sharing
- Legislative updates with representative contact buttons
Member Communications
Keep members informed with newsletters, program updates, and interactive content that drives engagement.
Examples:
- Monthly impact reports with embedded media
- Program registration with interactive forms
- Membership renewal reminders with payment buttons
Benefits of RCS for Nonprofit Texting
Why forward-thinking nonprofits are embracing Rich Communication Services.
Rich media and interactive buttons drive significantly more action than plain text.
Your nonprofit's verified profile builds instant credibility and reduces spam concerns.
Supporters get rich experiences without installing another app on their phone.
Read receipts and engagement data help you understand what resonates with supporters.
Rally Corp & Rich Communication Services
Rally Corp is at the forefront of nonprofit mobile messaging. Our platform is designed to leverage the latest messaging technologies—including RCS—to help you connect with supporters more effectively.
What Rally Corp Offers Today
Reach 100% of mobile phones with reliable text messaging.
Simple keyword-based donations that work on any phone.
Send from your organization's name for instant recognition.
Automated workflows and custom keyword triggers.
Connect with Virtuous, Salesforce, Bloomerang, and more.
Built to support RCS as adoption grows across carriers.
RCS Frequently Asked Questions
Do all phones support RCS?
Most modern Android phones support RCS through Google Messages. Apple added RCS support to iPhones with iOS 18. Older devices or those without RCS enabled will receive messages as standard SMS/MMS.
Is RCS more expensive than SMS?
RCS messaging costs vary by provider and carrier. However, because RCS uses data rather than cellular SMS infrastructure, it can be more cost-effective for rich media messaging compared to MMS.
Can I use RCS for nonprofit fundraising?
Absolutely! RCS is ideal for fundraising with its support for rich media (impact videos, photos), interactive donation buttons, and verified sender profiles that build trust with donors.
What happens if a supporter doesn't have RCS?
Messages automatically fall back to SMS/MMS when RCS isn't available. Your supporters will always receive your message—they just won't see the rich features like interactive buttons or high-res media.
Is RCS secure for nonprofit communications?
RCS offers enhanced security, including end-to-end encryption for supported one-to-one conversations. This makes it suitable for sensitive donor communications and organizational messaging.
Feature availability may vary by carrier, device, and messaging provider.
Ready to Transform Your Nonprofit Messaging?
Whether you're using SMS today or ready to explore RCS, Rally Corp has the tools to help you connect with supporters and drive more impact.