This month, the launch of Apple's iOS 26 gives users powerful new tools to automatically screen unknown calls and filter text messages into spam folders. Apple is not the first to do this, as Google Pixel has introduced a similar feature.
These features are the latest in helping users manage overwhelming levels of communications. In the “attention economy”, people are constantly being bombarded with messaging and alerts, making it more and more difficult for everyone to stay on top of their inboxes.
As fundraisers, we are competing with constant distractions, from social media alerts to communications from businesses, political fundraising, retail, and other nonprofits. So how can fundraisers navigate this changing communications landscape? One thing remains constant: fundraising remains most effective when you build strong relationships with your donor base.
With iOS 26, releasing September 15, 2025, Apple will introduce new features to limit spam calls. Users have the option to silence all unknown numbers, and a new automated screening tool can ask the reason for calling, so the user can decide whether or not to pick up.
Additionally, text messages from unknown senders will be in a separate folder where users can mark the number as known, reply to the sender to learn more, or delete the message. These messages from unknown senders will be silent until the user accepts them.
Google Pixel phones already have call screening, allowing users to select call screening at 3 levels:
These features make it more important for nonprofits to focus on targeted fundraising tactics.
As these features are rolled out and evolve, your list of opted-in contacts becomes gold. Getting explicit opt-ins is a best practice already, due to international data privacy and anti-spam regulations. But it also should be understood that your opt-in list is full of your most engaged prospective donors!
Include opt-in fields on event registrations, newsletter signups, donation forms, thank-you pages, donation surveys, and social media prompts. You should also allow supporters to select their preferred channels (text, phone, email, direct mail) and frequency of communications.
When you do have direct, personal communications with donors, such as a meeting or chatting on the phone, ask them how they prefer to communicate. And - ask your supporters to consider adding your number to their contacts! With opt-in communications, nonprofit organizations can better understand what donors want.
Your donors’ opt-in preferences will tell you exactly the areas to focus your energy and messaging. Use email, SMS, phone calls, direct mail, ads, social media, and earned media instead of relying on just one communications channel. Be sure to track the analytics of each tactic and adjust your strategy over time!
Invest in SMS platforms that offer 10DLC compliance, verified sender IDs, and carrier pre-approval with platforms targeted towards nonprofit outreach (e.g., Rally, Hustle, Strive, GetThru).
Bulk and automated sending is generally more likely to get filtered into a “promotions” or spam folder with email, and may be similar with automated text messaging. Personal, one-to-one emails, phone calls, or texts should always be part of your strategy in addition to bulk sending.
Predictive modeling can help nonprofits identify which supporters to target with one-to-one communications. Tools like DonorSearch help you identify which donors in your database are most likely to engage with your organization right now. Rather than casting a wide net with bulk communications that may get filtered out, you can focus your personal outreach efforts on donors who predictive analytics show are ready to take the next step in their relationship with your cause.
This targeted approach serves you well in two ways: you're more likely to reach engaged supporters who will actually answer your calls and respond to your texts, and you're building stronger relationships with your most committed donors rather than potentially alienating less-engaged contacts with unwanted communications.
By combining donor intelligence with opt-in communications, you create a powerful strategy that respects both technology limitations and donor preferences. Focus your personal, high-touch communications on donors the data shows are most receptive, while using your broader email and social media channels to nurture relationships with the rest of your supporter base.
When calling, lead with warmth and authenticity, sharing your name and organization up front! If this is a phone call, you may let them know that you know this is an unexpected call and request a minute to talk.
If this is a text, you could share a teaser on the purpose of the text and request to send them a link. Avoid links in the first text unless they have engaged with you before. Keep it short, polite, and donor-centered. Keep it a two-way conversation by asking simple questions that give them an opportunity to share things such as their interests in your organization, their preferences around the kind of information they would like you to share with them on this call or in the future, and how they plan to support your mission. Text less, listen more, and always follow up.
If you don’t hear from them the first time, wait a couple of days before following up. Use texts to prompt a call or a call to share that they will be receiving or have received a text. Always give your supporters an opportunity to opt out or say “not now.”
The best times to call are generally Monday through Friday, 5 PM - 8 PM, and late Saturday mornings. Texts at lunchtime or early evenings tend to get more attention. Test different messages and times to learn the preferences of your audience.
Once you’ve successfully engaged your supporters, ask them to add you to their contacts to avoid automated screening in the future!
In this consent-driven digital environment, relationship-building isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. When donors recognize your name from a series of interactions that have built trust in you and your organization, they are more likely to respond to your calls or texts.
When a donor or constituent opts in to hear from you, they are saying, “I believe in what you are doing and want to stay connected.” This trust serves as the foundation for deeper engagement and support.
Rather than approaching outreach as a numbers game, reframe it as a relationship game. As privacy and personalization become priorities, authentic connection is what will drive results.
Written by Anne Smith with assistance from Don Souhrada and Alyssa Bray.