150+ Powerful Giving Donation Message Examples to Inspire Generosity and Drive Fundraising Success

I've seen countless nonprofits struggle with the same challenge: crafting donation messages that actually move people to give. After analyzing thousands of successful campaigns, I've compiled the most effective donation message examples that consistently drive results.

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I've seen countless nonprofits struggle with the same challenge: crafting donation messages that actually move people to give. After analyzing thousands of successful campaigns, I've compiled the most effective donation message examples that consistently drive results.

According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, organizations using targeted, well-crafted messages see 23% higher donation rates than those using generic appeals. The difference lies in understanding your audience and choosing the right message for each situation.

These 150+ donation message examples cover every major fundraising scenario, from emergency appeals to thank you notes. Each message is optimized for modern communication channels and designed to inspire action while building lasting donor relationships.

Emergency Appeal Donation Messages

When disaster strikes, your message needs to convey urgency while maintaining donor trust and avoiding panic-driven language.

Emergency donation messages should balance urgency with respect, focusing on immediate impact while maintaining donor trust and avoiding panic-driven language that could damage long-term relationships.

• "URGENT: Hurricane victims need shelter tonight. Your $50 provides emergency housing for a family of four. Every minute counts. Donate now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Breaking: Wildfire evacuation underway. 500 families need immediate food & water. $25 feeds a family for 3 days. Help now: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "FLASH FLOOD ALERT: Children trapped without clean water. Your donation provides purification tablets saving lives TODAY. Give: [link] Opt out: STOP"
• "Earthquake aftermath: Medical supplies critically low. $100 stocks field hospital for 50 patients. Donate immediately: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "TORNADO EMERGENCY: Families lost everything. Your $75 provides emergency kit with food, blankets, first aid. Act now: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Crisis update: Refugee camp overwhelmed. 1,000 children need warm meals tonight. $30 feeds 10 kids. Urgent help needed: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "BREAKING: Hospital generator failed. Premature babies at risk. Your emergency gift powers life support. Donate: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Drought crisis: Wells running dry. Villages need water trucks TODAY. $200 provides clean water for 100 people. Help: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "URGENT APPEAL: School collapse rescue ongoing. Medical teams need supplies. Your gift saves lives right now. Donate: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Flash update: Food shortage critical. Families haven't eaten in 3 days. $40 provides week's groceries. Emergency help: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "DISASTER RELIEF: Shelter destroyed, families sleeping outdoors. Your $60 provides tent & sleeping bags. Immediate need: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Breaking news: Chemical spill evacuation. Families need emergency housing. $80 provides safe shelter for 3 nights. Help now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "URGENT: Orphanage fire, children safe but homeless. Your donation provides temporary housing & care. Give: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Crisis alert: Bridge collapse cuts off village. Helicopter supplies needed. $150 funds emergency airlift. Donate: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "EMERGENCY: Pandemic surge overwhelms clinic. PPE desperately needed. Your gift protects healthcare workers. Help: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."

Annual Giving Campaign Messages

Year-end campaigns require messages that combine gratitude for past support with clear vision for future impact.

Annual giving messages work best when they combine gratitude for past support with clear vision for future impact, often incorporating tax benefits and milestone achievements to motivate donors.

• "Thanks to you, we served 10,000 meals this year! Help us reach 15,000 in 2024. Your tax-deductible gift makes it possible: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Year-end giving: Your support built 3 new classrooms! Join our $50K goal to add a library. Donate by Dec 31: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "2023 impact: 500 families found homes through your generosity. Help 750 more in 2024. Tax-deductible gift: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Annual appeal: Your donations funded 200 surgeries! Our 2024 goal: 300 life-changing operations. Give today: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Year-end reminder: Maximize your tax deduction while changing lives. $100 provides month of after-school care. Donate: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Thanks for an amazing year! Together we planted 5,000 trees. Help us double that in 2024. Your gift matters: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Annual giving update: 95% of donations go directly to programs. Join our transparent mission. Year-end gift: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "2023 success: Your support graduated 85 students! Help 100 more earn diplomas. Tax-deductible donation: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Final week for tax benefits! Your $75 provides winter coats for 3 children. Make your year-end gift: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Grateful for your partnership! This year: 1,000 animals rescued. Help us save 1,500 in 2024. Donate: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Annual milestone: 50 years serving our community! Celebrate with a legacy gift. Tax-deductible: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Year-end impact: Your gifts provided 25,000 hot meals. Help us reach 30,000 hungry neighbors. Give: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "2023 recap: 300 veterans found housing through your support. Help 400 heroes in 2024. Donate today: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Tax deadline approaching! Your $200 sponsors art classes for 20 kids all year. Make your gift: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Annual gratitude: Because of you, 150 families avoided eviction. Help 200 more stay housed. Year-end gift: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."

Tip: Consider gifting a financial planning book or tax software to help donors maximize their charitable deductions while supporting your cause.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Messages

Personal fundraising messages succeed when they feel authentic and allow supporters to share their connection to the cause.

Peer-to-peer donation messages succeed when they feel authentic and personal, allowing fundraisers to share their connection to the cause in their own voice while leveraging existing relationships.

• "Hi friend! I'm walking 26 miles for childhood cancer research. My nephew beat leukemia thanks to treatments your $25 could help fund. Support me: [link]"
• "Personal ask: I'm shaving my head for kids with cancer. Join my $500 goal? Every dollar funds research giving hope. Donate: [link] Love you!"
• "Hey team! Running my first marathon for clean water. $30 provides a village well. Help me reach $1,000 goal? [link] Thanks for your support!"
• "Family update: Mom's cancer-free! I'm cycling 100 miles to fund research that saved her. $50 sponsors a mile. Join me: [link] XOXO"
• "Friends! Climbing Mt. Whitney for veterans' mental health. Lost my army buddy to PTSD. $40 funds counseling session. Help: [link] Grateful always."
• "Personal mission: Teaching kids coding in underserved schools. $75 provides laptop for one student. Support my classroom: [link] Thank you!"
• "Hey everyone! Swimming 5K for ocean cleanup. Saw plastic choking sea turtle last summer. $35 removes 100 lbs trash. Help: [link] Appreciate you!"
• "Birthday wish: Skip gifts, donate to animal shelter where I volunteer. $20 feeds rescue dog for week. Best present ever: [link] Love y'all!"
• "Wedding favor idea: We're honoring grandma's memory with donations to Alzheimer's research. $50 funds study. Join our celebration: [link] Thank you!"
• "Graduation goal: Raised $2,000 for scholarship fund that helped me. $100 helps another student dream big. Support education: [link] Proud to know you!"
• "Team challenge: Office raising $5,000 for food bank. We're halfway there! $25 provides 75 meals. Help us win: [link] Go team!"
• "Personal story: Homeless at 16, now homeowner thanks to supportive programs. $60 helps another teen. Pay it forward: [link] Much love!"
• "Adventure update: Hiking Appalachian Trail for park conservation. $45 protects acre of wilderness. Join my journey: [link] Happy trails!"
• "Art project: Painting murals in senior centers. $35 buys supplies bringing joy to elders. Support creativity: [link] You're amazing!"
• "Community love: Neighbor's house burned down. Raising $10,000 for rebuild. Every dollar helps family recover. Donate: [link] Thank you kindly!"

Corporate Sponsorship and Partnership Messages

Corporate messages should emphasize mutual benefits, brand alignment, and measurable community impact while respecting business communication preferences.

Corporate donation messages should emphasize mutual benefits, brand alignment, and measurable community impact while respecting business communication preferences and decision-making timelines.

• "Partnership opportunity: Align your brand with education. $10K sponsorship reaches 50,000 families, includes logo placement. ROI meeting? [link]"
• "CSR proposal: Your $25K investment provides job training for 100 veterans. Measurable impact, positive PR. Let's discuss: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Brand partnership: Sponsor our 5K run, reach 5,000 health-conscious consumers. $15K includes booth space, signage. Interest? [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Corporate giving: Match employee donations, double your impact. $50K challenge grant motivates staff engagement. Details: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Sponsorship ROI: Last year's partners saw 40% brand awareness increase. $20K investment, guaranteed media coverage. Discuss? [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Executive briefing: Your industry expertise could guide our workforce development program. Advisory role + $30K support. Meeting? [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Partnership pitch: Co-brand environmental initiative. $40K investment, shared sustainability goals, joint press releases. Interested? [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Corporate foundation: Your grants transformed 200 lives last year. Expand impact with $75K renewal. Impact report attached: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Naming opportunity: $100K sponsors new community center, permanent recognition. Legacy investment in neighborhoods. Discuss: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Employee engagement: Volunteer day + $5K donation boosts team morale, community impact. HR loves it. Schedule: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "B2B networking: Sponsor our business breakfast, connect with 200 executives. $8K investment, quality leads. ROI guaranteed: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Innovation partnership: Your tech expertise + our social mission = breakthrough solutions. $60K collaboration. Explore possibilities: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Cause marketing: Percentage of sales supports local families. Customers love purpose-driven brands. Partnership details: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Corporate hospitality: Exclusive donor event, C-suite networking. $25K sponsorship, valuable connections. Guest list preview: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Supply chain partnership: Bulk purchasing power reduces costs, increases donation impact. Win-win proposal: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe."

Social Media Donation Messages

Social media messages require platform-specific optimization, combining compelling visuals with concise copy that encourages sharing and immediate action.

Social media donation messages require platform-specific optimization, combining compelling visuals with concise copy that encourages sharing and immediate action across different platforms.

• "🚨 URGENT: Shelter at capacity, dogs sleeping outside. $20 provides warm bed + meal. Link in bio. #SaveDogs #AdoptDontShop #Emergency"
• "💔 Sarah, 8, walks 3 miles to school daily. $50 funds school bus for month. Swipe to donate. #Education #ChildhoodMatters #GiveBack"
• "🌊 Ocean cleanup crew removed 500 lbs plastic today! $35 funds next beach rescue. Tag friends who care. Link: [URL] #SaveOceans"
• "📚 GOAL: 1,000 books for underserved schools. Currently: 347. $15 buys 5 books. Help us reach 1K! #ReadingMatters #Education"
• "🏠 Veteran homelessness down 20% thanks to YOU! $75 provides transitional housing. Keep momentum going. #VeteransFirst #HomelessnessEnds"
• "🎭 Arts program saves teens from streets. $40 funds drama class for one student. Creativity changes lives. Donate: [link] #ArtsEducation"
• "🍎 Weekend hunger affects 30% of students. $25 provides backpack meals for one child. Feed futures: [link] #WeekendHunger #KidsDeserveMore"
• "🌱 1 tree planted = 1 year of oxygen for 2 people. $10 plants tree + plaque. Breathe easier: [link] #ClimateAction #TreePlanting"
• "🚑 Ambulance broke down, rural town at risk. $200 funds repairs saving lives. Emergency help needed: [link] #RuralHealth #EmergencyServices"
• "🎓 Scholarship recipient just graduated medical school! $500 sponsors next future doctor. Invest in healing: [link] #MedicalEducation #Scholarships"
• "🐱 Kitten season overwhelms shelters. $30 covers spay/neuter preventing overpopulation. Stop the cycle: [link] #SpayNeuter #AnimalWelfare"
• "🏃‍♀️ Marathon training for mental health awareness. $60 funds counseling session. Run with purpose: [link] #MentalHealthMatters #MarathonTraining"
• "🎨 Art therapy helps trauma survivors heal. $45 provides art supplies for group session. Create hope: [link] #ArtTherapy #TraumaHealing"
• "🌍 Clean water well serves 500 villagers daily. $1,000 funds next well. Drop by drop: [link] #CleanWater #GlobalHealth"
• "🎪 Circus brings joy to hospitalized children. $85 funds clown visit to pediatric ward. Spread smiles: [link] #ChildrensHospital #JoyHealing"

Email Donation Campaign Messages

Email messages perform best when personalized to donor history and preferences, with clear subject lines and mobile-optimized formatting.

Email donation messages perform best when personalized to donor history and preferences, with clear subject lines and mobile-optimized formatting for easy reading across devices.

• "Subject: Your impact in 2023 🌟 | Dear Sarah, your $500 donation provided school supplies for 25 children. Help 50 more in 2024? [Donate Now]"
• "Subject: 3 days left for tax deduction | Hi John, maximize your charitable giving! $200 provides month of meals. Year-end gift: [Give Today]"
• "Subject: Match opportunity expires midnight | Dear Maria, anonymous donor will DOUBLE your gift! $100 becomes $200. Don't miss: [Donate]"
• "Subject: Thank you + urgent update | Hi David, your past support built playground. Now kids need sports equipment. $150 helps: [Continue Impact]"
• "Subject: Personal invitation from CEO | Dear Lisa, join our leadership circle. $1,000 annual gift includes exclusive updates. Honor: [Accept]"
• "Subject: Breaking: Grant application approved! | Hi Tom, we won $50K if we raise matching funds. Your $75 unlocks more: [Match Grant]"
• "Subject: One year later... | Dear Jennifer, remember the family you helped house? They're thriving! Help another family: [Pay It Forward]"
• "Subject: 48-hour flash campaign | Hi Michael, emergency appeal for hurricane victims. $60 provides relief kit. Urgent need: [Help Now]"
• "Subject: Your neighborhood impact | Dear Susan, local program you support served 200 seniors this month. Continue care: [Monthly Gift]"
• "Subject: Exclusive preview for donors | Hi Robert, see new facility before public opening. $300 sponsors equipment. VIP tour: [Reserve Spot]"
• "Subject: Student wants to thank you | Dear Karen, scholarship recipient wrote personal note. Your $500 changed her life: [Read Letter]"
• "Subject: Monthly giving = steady impact | Hi James, $25/month provides consistent support. Automatic, easy, powerful: [Start Monthly]"
• "Subject: Board challenge announcement | Dear Patricia, board members pledged $25K if 100 donors give $100. Join challenge: [Accept]"
• "Subject: 5 minutes to save a life | Hi William, quick donation could fund life-saving medication. $125 provides treatment: [Save Life]"
• "Subject: Your legacy gift consultation | Dear Dorothy, discuss planned giving options. Tax benefits + lasting impact: [Schedule Call]"

Tip: Consider recommending email management software or productivity tools to help donors organize their charitable giving and track tax deductions efficiently.

Text Message Donation Appeals

SMS messages must comply with opt-in requirements and character limits while maintaining impact through concise, action-oriented language.

SMS donation messages must comply with opt-in requirements and character limits while maintaining impact through concise, action-oriented language and clear giving instructions.

• "URGENT: Shelter dog needs surgery TODAY. $100 saves Buddy's life. Text GIVE to 123456 or visit [link]. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Flash flood victims need help NOW. $50 provides emergency supplies. Text HELP to 123456. Every second counts. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Final hours: Tax-deductible gifts matched 2:1! $75 becomes $225. Text MATCH to 123456. Deadline midnight. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Breaking: School lunch program cut. Kids going hungry. $30 feeds child for week. Text LUNCH to 123456. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Wildfire evacuation: Animals abandoned. $40 funds rescue mission. Text RESCUE to 123456. Lives depend on you. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Scholarship deadline tomorrow! $500 sends student to college. Text SCHOLAR to 123456. Change a life today. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Homeless veteran needs winter coat. $25 provides warmth. Text COAT to 123456. Hero deserves help. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Medical supplies running low. $200 stocks clinic for month. Text MEDICAL to 123456. Save lives now. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Baby formula shortage critical. $60 feeds hungry infant. Text FORMULA to 123456. Urgent need. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Clean water well broken. Village at risk. $150 funds repairs. Text WATER to 123456. Emergency help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Therapy dog program needs funding. $80 trains service animal. Text THERAPY to 123456. Healing power. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Food bank empty before holidays. $35 provides family meal. Text FOOD to 123456. Spread joy. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Senior center closing doors. $100 keeps programs running. Text SENIOR to 123456. Preserve dignity. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Art supplies stolen from school. $45 restocks classroom. Text ART to 123456. Restore creativity. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Ambulance needs new equipment. $300 saves rural lives. Text AMBULANCE to 123456. Be a hero. Reply STOP to opt out."

Thank You and Stewardship Messages

Thank you messages should be sent immediately, include specific impact information, and lay groundwork for future engagement through genuine appreciation.

Thank you messages for donations should be sent immediately, include specific impact information, and lay groundwork for future engagement through genuine appreciation and transparency.

• "THANK YOU! Your $100 donation just provided school supplies for 5 children. Receipt: [link]. You're changing lives! Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Grateful for your $50 gift! It funded 3 meals for homeless veterans. Impact report coming soon. You're a hero! Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Amazing! Your $200 donation sponsors art class for 10 kids this month. Watch their creativity bloom! Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Thank you for $75! It provides week of clean water for village family. Your generosity saves lives daily. Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Incredible! Your $150 gift funds medical supplies for 20 patients. Healing happens because of you! Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Heartfelt thanks for $300! It sponsors therapy sessions for 5 trauma survivors. You're part of healing. Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Your $25 donation just fed 10 shelter animals today! They're wagging tails because of you. Thank you! Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Wonderful! Your $500 gift provides month of after-school care for 15 kids. Safe spaces matter! Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Thank you for $40! It plants 4 trees in community park. Future generations will enjoy shade! Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Grateful for your $125 donation! It funds wheelchair repair for disabled veteran. Mobility restored! Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Your $80 gift just provided winter coats for 3 children. They'll stay warm because of you! Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Amazing generosity! Your $250 sponsors coding camp for 5 underserved students. Future programmers! Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Thank you for $60! It funds eye surgery for child in developing country. Sight restored! Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Incredible! Your $400 donation provides month of counseling for 8 teens. Mental health matters! Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Heartfelt thanks for $90! It sponsors music lessons for 3 kids. Creativity flourishes because of you! Reply STOP to opt out."

Memorial and Tribute Donation Messages

Memorial messages require exceptional sensitivity, focusing on honoring the deceased while providing comfort to families and clear tribute processes.

Memorial donation messages require exceptional sensitivity, focusing on honoring the deceased while providing comfort to families and clear information about tribute processes and recognition.

• "Honoring John's memory with $200 donation to cancer research. His fight continues through your gift. Family notified. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "In loving memory of Sarah: $150 sponsors scholarship in her name. Her legacy lives on through education. Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Tribute to Dad: $300 funds park bench with memorial plaque. Community remembers his kindness. Details: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Celebrating Mom's life: $100 donation to animal shelter she loved. Her compassion continues. Certificate sent. Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "In honor of Teacher's retirement: $250 sponsors classroom supplies. 30 years of service celebrated. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Memorial for Grandpa: $500 plants tree in his favorite park. Roots run deep, love grows. Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Remembering hero firefighter: $400 funds safety equipment. His sacrifice protects others. Family tribute: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "In memory of beloved pet: $75 sponsors animal rescue. Max's spirit saves other dogs. Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Honoring veteran's service: $350 supports homeless vets program. His dedication continues. Memorial card sent. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Tribute to nurse's caring: $200 funds medical supplies. Her healing touch lives on. Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "In loving memory of child: $600 sponsors playground equipment. Joy echoes through laughter. Reply STOP to opt out."
• "Celebrating life well-lived: $450 funds senior center programs. His wisdom guides others. Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Memorial for artist: $300 sponsors art therapy sessions. Creativity heals hearts. Gallery tribute: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
• "In honor of coach: $250 funds youth sports equipment. His mentorship continues. Text STOP to unsubscribe."
• "Remembering advocate: $500 supports legal aid program. Her voice speaks for justice. Reply STOP to opt out."

Creating Your Own Compelling Donation Messages

Crafting effective donation messages requires understanding your audience, testing different approaches, and continuously refining your communication strategy. Start by researching your donor personas and analyzing what motivates them to give.

The most successful fundraising messages follow proven frameworks that combine emotional storytelling with clear calls to action. Begin with a compelling hook that captures attention, share a specific story that illustrates your impact, and end with a direct request that makes giving easy and immediate.

Testing is crucial for optimization. A/B test different subject lines, message lengths, and calls to action to discover what resonates with your specific audience. According to the Network for Good, organizations that regularly test their messaging see 31% higher response rates than those using the same messages repeatedly.

Always ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including CAN-SPAM requirements for email and TCPA guidelines for text messaging. Include clear opt-out instructions and respect donor communication preferences to maintain trust and legal compliance.

Remember that authenticity trumps perfection. Donors respond to genuine stories and transparent communication about how their gifts make a difference. Focus on building relationships rather than just raising funds, and your messages will naturally become more compelling and effective.

Conclusion

These 150+ donation message examples provide a comprehensive foundation for any fundraising campaign. The key to success lies in adapting these templates to your specific cause, audience, and communication style while maintaining the core elements that drive action.

Remember that effective fundraising is about building relationships, not just asking for money. Use these messages as starting points, but always personalize them to reflect your organization's unique voice and mission. Test different approaches, measure results, and continuously refine your messaging strategy.

Most importantly, always follow applicable fundraising regulations and include proper opt-out language in all communications to maintain donor trust and legal compliance. Your supporters want to help – give them compelling reasons and easy ways to make a difference.

How long should donation messages be?

Keep SMS messages under 160 characters, emails under 200 words, and social media posts under 280 characters for optimal engagement and readability.

What's the best time to send donation messages?

Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and 2 PM typically see highest response rates, though testing your specific audience is recommended.

Should donation messages include specific dollar amounts?

Yes, specific amounts perform better than vague requests. Suggest multiple giving levels to accommodate different donor capacities and preferences.

How often can I send donation messages?

Limit promotional messages to once per week maximum. Focus on providing value through updates, stories, and impact reports between donation requests.

What legal requirements apply to donation messages?

Include clear opt-out instructions, honor unsubscribe requests immediately, and comply with CAN-SPAM (email) and TCPA (text) regulations for all communications.