Getting Started with GC Outreach Texting

Welcome to the world of GC Outreach Texting! To ensure a smooth start, follow these steps to set up and make the most of our texting platform.

If you prefer learning by video, check out this 10-minute step-by-step guide to using GC Outreach Texting.

 

1. Complete Onboarding

Before diving into GC Outreach Texting, make sure you've completed the onboarding process. Your Partner Success Manager has sent you an email requesting necessary information for submission to our texting service. If you have any onboarding-related questions, reach out to support@givecampus.com. Note that new texting regulations were implemented on 1/1/2023, with application approval times averaging around 2 weeks from the submission of GC Texting onboarding information to Twilio. To expedite the process, send your onboarding information promptly!

2. Know the Rules

Stay informed about texting regulations, as they are subject to frequent changes. While our team is committed to keeping you updated on significant alterations affecting GC Outreach Texting, you and your team are responsible for complying with SMS regulations and your institution's policies. Review the US compliance protocol here.

3. Access Texting

Once your application is approved and integration is set up (you'll receive an email notification), you can navigate to GC Outreach Texting. 

Texting from GC Outreach: 

4. Load Phone Data

To add constituent cell-phone data, use the Data Importer. You can access our suggested fields to send for GC Outreach Texting here. 

Now you're all set to explore the power of GC Outreach Texting! If you encounter any issues or have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team. Happy texting! 📱✨

 

 

GC Texting Onboarding Information Checklist

When you're ready to begin the GC Texting onboarding process, you'll need to provide the following information to complete your application with our technical partner, Twilio:

Required Information for Texting Application

Phone Number Setup:

1. Your preferred area code for your outbound number (e.g., "867", "530")

2. Backup area codes if your preferred is not available (required - e.g., "310", "123")

Organization Information:

3. Your school's full address

4. Your school's Tax EIN (Employer Identification Number)

5. An authorized representative from your organization (can be anyone from your school - used for the application process)

6. The authorized representative's email address

7. The authorized representative's phone number

8. The authorized representative's title/position

Documentation Required:

9. Your 501(c)(3) Determination Letter OR most recent 990 Tax Form (to verify nonprofit status)

10. Documentation of how your constituents opt-in to receive texts (must follow Twilio requirements - see Texting Onboarding: Opt-in Requirements)

Timeline and Process

• Your Partner Success Manager will reach out with these requirements when your texting subscription begins
• Once you provide all required information, the technical application will be submitted to Twilio
• Application approval typically takes around 2 weeks from submission
• Platform access will be activated once approval is complete

Additional Compliance Resources

Before getting started, review these important compliance guidelines:

• Twilio SMS Compliance and A2P 10DLC Guidelines
• Twilio Messaging Policy

Common Questions About Onboarding

Q: Can I start preparing this information before my subscription begins?

A: Yes! Getting these materials ready in advance will help speed up the onboarding process once your subscription starts.

Q: Who should be the authorized representative?

A: This can be anyone from your school - it's simply used as part of the application process with our SMS provider. Choose someone who will be available to respond to any follow-up questions during the approval process.

Q: What if my preferred area code isn't available?

A: This is why backup area codes are required. Twilio will work through your preferences to find an available number in one of your specified area codes.

Customizing Text Message Settings

Editing Opt-Out Messages

Common variations of this question:

• How do I change the sender name in texts?
• Can I customize the opt-out message?
• How do I change my organization name in texts?

You can customize your text message opt-out footer by:

1. Navigate to your Text Settings in GC Outreach

2. Edit the sender name (can be changed to first name only if preferred)

3. Update your organization name as it appears in messages

4. Modify the opt-out message format

The default format is: "This is $SENDER_NAME$ texting on behalf of [Organization Name]. Reply STOP to opt out."

All customizations must comply with texting regulations and include required opt-out language.

Managing Text Message Notifications

Disabling Text Opt-Out Email Notifications

When sending large text campaigns, you may receive individual email notifications for each recipient who opts out. For campaigns with thousands of recipients, this can flood your inbox.

To disable text message notifications:

1. Navigate to Online Giving > Administrators > Notifications

2. Find your administrator name in the list

3. Uncheck the box for "New Text Message Notifications"

4. This setting applies to all text notifications, including opt-outs

Current limitations:

• The notification setting is all-or-nothing (you cannot disable only opt-out notifications)
• Individual administrators must disable their own notifications
• There is no bulk setting to disable notifications for all administrators

Best practice: For large text campaigns, consider disabling notifications temporarily before sending, then re-enabling them afterward if you want to receive notifications for regular texting activity.