Summary: This guide walks you through signing up for Tithely Text Giving, a fast and easy way for your members to donate by sending a simple text message. We will cover the sign-up process, how to find your dedicated Text Giving number, and the mandatory activation timeline required by SMS regulations.
Before You Begin
You must have Admin permissions in your Tithely account to sign up for this feature.
❗ Activation Timeline: Due to new SMS carrier regulations, all new Text Giving numbers require a mandatory activation period of approximately 3 weeks. Crucially, this 3-week period does not begin until you submit the required organization verification form. Your number will not be usable during this time. Please plan accordingly.
Permanent Number: Once your Text Giving number is assigned, it cannot be changed.
10-Digit Numbers: Tithely uses standard 10-digit local phone numbers to ensure reliable message delivery and avoid carrier filtering issues common with shared short codes.
Part 1: How to Sign Up for Text Giving
1.Log In: Requires Admin permissions. Log into your Tithely account.
2.Navigate to Giving: Select Giving from the main menu on the left.
3.Select Text Giving: Choose Text Giving from the Giving submenu.
4.Set Up Subscription: Enter your payment details to set up and confirm the subscription.
5.Submit the Verification Form:Required to start the 3-week activation.
Complete the sign-up form with your organization's information and submit it. The mandatory 3-week carrier activation period only begins after this form is successfully submitted, not when you pay for the subscription.
🌟 Tithely Tip for All Access Customers: Text Giving is included in your All Access package at no additional charge. There is no need to cancel the feature if you do not use it.
Part 2: How to Find Your Text Giving Number
After you have signed up and the activation period is complete, you can find your number at any time.
1.Log In: Log into your Tithely account.
2.Navigate to Giving: Select Giving from the main menu.
3.View Your Number: Select Text Giving. Your assigned number will be displayed on this page. If you have multiple locations, ensure you select the correct one from the dropdown menu to see its specific assigned number.
🚨 Understanding the 3-Week Activation Timeline
Due to recent changes in U.S. telecom regulations for SMS messaging, all newly registered 10-digit numbers must go through a verification process with mobile carriers.
The Clock Starts Upon Form Submission: This activation process takes approximately 3 weeks from the time you submit your organization's verification form — not from the moment you subscribe.
Pending Approval Phase: During this phase, your Text Giving number will not work. Any messages sent to it will be blocked by the carriers.
Industry-Wide Standard: This affects all new Text Giving customers across the industry. We understand this delay is inconvenient and appreciate your patience as we comply with these mandatory regulations.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
I just signed up, why isn't my Text Giving number working? Your number is in the mandatory 3-week activation period required by SMS carriers. It will become active once the carriers approve it, which takes approximately three weeks from the date you submitted your verification form.
Can I change my Text Giving number? No. Once a number is assigned to your account, it is permanent and cannot be changed.
I canceled Text Giving and signed up again, but my old number is gone. Correct. When you cancel the service, your number is released. Re-subscribing will assign you a brand new number that will also need to go through the complete 3-week activation process again.
Why don't you use a short, 5-digit number? Mobile carriers have increased filtering and blocking of messages from shared short codes. Using a dedicated 10-digit number for your organization provides significantly higher deliverability and ensures your members' donation texts are received reliably.