Communication & Donor RelationsPurpose
1.2. Provide structured, multi-channel donor communication, reducing manual workload and maximizing regular giving retention.
1.3. Ensure seamless onboarding, acknowledge recurring pledges, and proactively remind donors of upcoming or lapsed contributions.
1.4. Enhance donor experience by providing clear, timely updates and facilitating changes in donation schedules.
Trigger Conditions
2.2. Scheduled donation date approaches (configurable, e.g., 3 days prior).
2.3. Payment confirmation/failure received via payment gateway API.
2.4. Donation anniversary or milestone reached (e.g., 1 year contributing).
2.5. Donor pauses, edits, or cancels recurring payment.
Platform Variants
3.1. Stripe (Payment API)
• Feature/Setting: Event-based webhook for “invoice.upcoming,” “invoice.payment_succeeded,” or “invoice.payment_failed.”
• Configuration: Register endpoint to capture donor, amount, and schedule data, trigger notifications.
3.2. PayPal (Recurring Payments API)
• Feature/Setting: IPN (Instant Payment Notification) or Subscription APIs.
• Configuration: Monitor subscription lifecycle events, trigger emails/SMS on renewals, failures, or cancellations.
3.3. Salesforce (Nonprofit Cloud)
• Feature/Setting: Scheduled Flows with Recurring Donation Object.
• Configuration: Flow triggers on next installment due date, sends reminders, updates activity logs.
3.4. Zoho CRM
• Feature/Setting: Workflow Rules and Webhooks for Donation Module.
• Configuration: Trigger email or SMS when recurring entry approaches; log interaction.
3.5. Twilio SMS
• Feature/Setting: Programmable SMS API with time-based triggers.
• Configuration: Send personalized text reminders “Your monthly support is due on…” via SMS flow.
3.6. SendGrid
• Feature/Setting: Automated Email Campaign and Transactional Templates.
• Configuration: Trigger campaign message by due date via API call with donor and date merge parameters.
3.7. Mailchimp
• Feature/Setting: Customer Journey Builder with recurring tag automation.
• Configuration: Assign tags to subscribers, trigger scheduled messages before renewal dates.
3.8. HubSpot
• Feature/Setting: Workflow Automation with Recurring Payment Properties.
• Configuration: Automated sequences using donor’s renewal date field, sends reminders and thank-you notes.
3.9. Google Sheets
• Feature/Setting: Apps Script time-based triggers.
• Configuration: Scan for upcoming donation dates nightly, dispatch notifications via integrated email/SMS.
3.10. Slack
• Feature/Setting: Incoming Webhooks/Reminders API.
• Configuration: Post alerts to fundraising or support channels before recurring donation periods end.
3.11. ActiveCampaign
• Feature/Setting: Automated Email Sequence with Date-based Triggers.
• Configuration: Initiate sequence from donor’s recurring pledge start date; send reminders/updates.
3.12. Airtable
• Feature/Setting: Automation scripting with “When date arrives” trigger.
• Configuration: Raise webhook or email/SMS when a record’s donation date is due.
3.13. DocuSign
• Feature/Setting: Envelope Events/Recipient Reminders API.
• Configuration: Notify donor to re-authorize or update payment agreement at intervals.
3.14. QuickBooks Online
• Feature/Setting: Recurring Transactions API notifications.
• Configuration: Monitor for pending and processed recurring payments, send reminders from CRM.
3.15. Zapier
• Feature/Setting: Scheduled Trigger/Action for recurring workflows.
• Configuration: Sync donation event or calendar with communication apps.
3.16. Intercom
• Feature/Setting: Series Automations with custom events.
• Configuration: In-app/banner notifications based on scheduled donation cycles.
3.17. WhatsApp Business API
• Feature/Setting: Message templates and scheduled sends.
• Configuration: Send reminders and secure payment nudge messages directly to donors.
3.18. Facebook Messenger
• Feature/Setting: Send API/Subscription Messaging.
• Configuration: Autoresponder sends personalized reminders at set intervals.
3.19. Calendly
• Feature/Setting: Reminders and Workflow integrations.
• Configuration: Trigger confirmation and reminder emails around recurring donation meetings.
3.20. Google Calendar
• Feature/Setting: Event reminders via Apps Script.
• Configuration: Automated recurring events trigger notification scripts to donors or admins.
Benefits
4.2. Maximizes donor retention and recurring pledge reliability.
4.3. Multi-channel coverage ensures high engagement and fewer failed donations.
4.4. Streamlines donor communication, improves operational efficiency.
4.5. Enables timely intervention in case of payment issues, enhances donor satisfaction and trust.