Short Code Checklist

To get started with a short code program, please send us the following information

Required:

• Legal Name of Org

• EIN #

• FEC # (or a filing URL if not a federal campaign)

• Campaign Verify token (527 organizations only)

  • Make sure it's a short code token

• Organization's point of contact

  • First and Last Name

  • Email (domain should match org name)

  • Phone number

• Copy of organization's IRS letter (where the organization was issued an EIN)

• [Migration Only] Lease Receipt - Your most recent CSCA (Common Short Code Administration) lease receipt

• [Migration Only] Letter of Migration

Information that's nice to have when you submit (but not blocking submission):

• Shortlink preference

• Email that will be given ownership access of the org

• Whether you will be using the ActionKit integration

• ActBlue setup

  • Entity ID

  • Backfill date

  • Backfill preference? (more info here)

  • Use the following checklist to ensure the elements required for either a new short code program or a short code migration are compliant:

Organization Compliance Requirements

Every organization that is setting up a short code account needs compliant opt-in flows and privacy policy on their website. Below is the criteria:

Opt in Flow

• Optional field for phone number

  • Note - opt in can only be for texting OR email, opt-in must be specific to one program or another. Opting in to email is not sufficient for opt-in for texting

• Checkbox for opting into recurring messages from your campaign or organization

• Must have compliance language below that includes the following:

  • hyperlinks to both privacy policy and terms of service

  • organization name

  • must note that messages may include donation links (if true)

  • Message and data rates may apply

  • Message frequency

  • Help and Opt Out actions

• Example compliance language below:

SMS Terms: By providing your phone number and opting-in, you agree to receive periodic automated text messages about donating and voter contact. Msg Frequency varies. Msg & Data rates May apply. Text STOP to opt-out. For questions please reach out to [contact email]. Your mobile information will not be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. To learn more about [organization name]’s personal information handling practices review the Privacy Notice [link to privacy policy].

Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy Requirements:

There should be a specific section added to the Terms & Conditions page to address SMS specifically.

SMS terms and conditions must include:

• Program (brand) name 

• Program description

  • Describe the types of messages you'll send, like "voter registration," "event updates," or "donation requests." If it's a fundraising program, you MUST mention that donation asks will be included.

• Message frequency disclosure (e.g., recurring subscription, 5 msgs/wk) 

  • We recommend "message frequency varies"

• “Message and data rates may apply” disclosure

• Privacy policy

• Customer care contact information

• Opt-out instructions

• T-Mobile disclosure: “T-Mobile is not liable for delayed or undelivered messages”

By providing your mobile number and opting in, you agree to be contacted by or on behalf of [ORGANIZATION] at the provided mobile number. This includes calls and text messages for informational, product, or service-related purposes (e.g., donation requests, advocacy actions, etc.). Message frequency varies, and standard message and data rates may apply.

To stop receiving text messages, reply with the word STOP. We may confirm your opt-out by text message. If you subscribe to multiple types of text messages from us, we may unsubscribe you from the most recent service or request clarification on which services you wish to stop.

For support or assistance, please email us at [ORGANIZATION EMAIL]

T-Mobile is not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.