Key takeaways
- Under the TCPA, autodialed texts to cellphones need the recipient's prior consent, including texts from nonprofits.
- Starting Nov. 25, 2026, senders may name one exclusive opt-out method, such as replying STOP, if they disclose it clearly in each text.
- Honor opt-outs within 10 business days at most, and keep records of how and when each person agreed to get texts.
Why federal call rules cover texts
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) limits calls to cellphones made with an autodialer or an artificial or prerecorded voice unless the person gave prior express consent. The FCC applies these rules to robotexts as well as robocalls. Calls and texts by or on behalf of a tax-exempt nonprofit aren't telephone solicitations under FCC rules, but that doesn't remove the consent requirement for autodialed texts to cellphones.
Getting consent
- Ask for a mobile number with clear language that you'll text it, on donation forms, event sign-ups and text-to-join keywords.
- Record when, where and how each person agreed.
- Say how often you'll text and how to stop.
- Ask counsel which kind of consent each message needs. The answer can depend on what the text says, and many nonprofits collect written opt-in for all texting to be safe.
The FCC's new opt-out rules
The FCC published revised consent-revocation rules in the Federal Register on Oct. 26, 2026. They take effect 30 days after publication, on Nov. 25, 2026, and replace the delayed rule that would have made one opt-out cover every kind of message.
- Exclusive opt-out method: a sender may name one exclusive way to opt out: an automated voice or keypress option on a call; replying to a text with a standard word such as stop, quit, end, revoke, opt out, cancel or unsubscribe; or a website or phone number the sender names. A sender that does this doesn't have to process requests made other ways.
- Clear disclosure: the method must be clearly disclosed on the call or in the text. Texts can meet this by including at least one standard word in each message, but must still honor all of the listed words.
- Scope: an opt-out in reply to an informational message may apply only to that category of messages. An opt-out in reply to an advertisement or telemarketing message stops all future advertising and telemarketing calls and texts from that sender.
- Timing: valid requests must be honored within a reasonable time, no more than 10 business days after they're received.
Proposals to watch
Alongside the final rule, the FCC asked for comment on more changes, including a shorter window to process opt-outs and a requirement that texts allow replies. Those are proposals, not final rules. Plan your texting platform with them in mind.
Quiet hours
The FCC's 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. limit applies to telephone solicitations, a category that excludes calls by or on behalf of tax-exempt nonprofits. Some state laws set their own hours for calls and texts, so the safe default is to text only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the donor's time zone.
Carrier and state rules
Wireless carriers require organizations to register texting programs, and unregistered messages can be filtered or blocked. Ask your texting platform about registration. Several states have their own telemarketing laws that reach texts, so check the states where your donors live.
Nonprofit texting checklist
- Collect clear opt-in language with every mobile number.
- Keep a record of each consent.
- Put an opt-out word, such as “Reply STOP to opt out,” in each text.
- Honor every listed opt-out word, and process requests within 10 business days.
- Text only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the donor's time zone.
- Register your texting program with your platform.
How KFG helps
Texts work best alongside conversations. KFG runs live phone fundraising campaigns, and we can help you plan calls and texts so donors hear from you at the right time without being overwhelmed. See our free call scripts.
Related: do-not-call rules for charities, texting rules for nonprofits, AI voice fundraising calls and fundraising call rules by state.