Ringless Voicemail (RVM) drops are a powerful way to reach supporters without interrupting them. Even though the phone doesn’t ring, RVMs are still regulated by federal and state communication laws. That means there are limits on when you can send them.
This guide explains those rules in simple terms so your nonprofit can communicate confidently and stay compliant.
The Legal Sending Window (Federal Law)
The most important rule to know:
You can only send RVM campaigns between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM in the recipient’s local time zone.
The law treats RVMs the same way it treats phone calls and automated messages. So even if the phone never rings, the rules still apply.
Why this matters:
RVM counts as a form of outreach
It’s protected under the same rules that protect consumers from spam and abuse
Dropping outside legal hours can create compliance issues or complaints
What About State Laws?
Some states go even further and have stricter calling-hour rules than the federal government. For example:
A few states require messages to end by 8:00 PM instead of 9:00 PM.
Some states apply special rules for weekends or holidays.
When laws differ:
You must follow the stricter rule.
In other words:
The federal window is the baseline
If a state is more restrictive, follow the state rules
Don’t worry—you don’t need to memorize every state:
The safest approach is always to schedule within 8:00 AM–8:00 PM local unless you know a state allows later.
Use Their Local Time Zone (Not Yours)
This is the #1 mistake we see:
Organizations schedule in their time zone and forget supporters are nationwide.
Examples:
A 10:00 AM drop in New York = 7:00 AM in California (not allowed)
A 7:00 PM drop in Colorado is fine for Colorado—but is 9:00 PM in Maine (not allowed)
Best practice: Always schedule based on each recipient’s local time.
Our platform makes this easier, but it’s a rule worth keeping in mind for every message.
When You’re Compliant, You’re Protected
Following these rules keeps things safe for your organization and respectful for your supporters. Here’s what compliance looks like in plain language:
Don’t send super early or super late
Never send outside the legally allowed windows
Respect opt-outs and Do-Not-Call requests
Always be clear about who you are as the sender
This protects:
Your supporters
Your nonprofit
Your mission and reputation
Why These Rules Exist
These laws weren’t designed to make fundraising harder. They exist to:
Prevent unwanted late-night messages
Give people peace and privacy
Make sure charities and organizations communicate responsibly
Supporters expect:
Transparency
Respect
Professionalism
Following the rules sends that message before they ever hear your voicemail.
Rally Recommendation
For all RVM campaigns, we recommend scheduling within:
8:00 AM–8:00 PM local time
(If a state allows later, that’s fine—but this keeps you safe everywhere.)
This keeps you:
Legally compliant
More likely to get listened to
Aligned with permission-based best practices
Quick Rule Summary
✔ RVMs are treated as “calls” under communications law
✔ Must be sent between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM (recipient’s time)
✔ Follow stricter state rules if they apply
✔ Honor opt-outs and Do-Not-Call lists
✔ Schedule by recipient timezone, not yours
Final Thought
Legal compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. When in doubt:
Send within the recommended time window
Think “respectful and timely,” not “whenever we want”
When you give supporters a thoughtful experience, they respond better too
If you want help planning an RVM campaign that’s both compliant and effective, our team is here to guide you.
Legal Note: We’re experts in nonprofit outreach and communications—not lawyers. This article is for general educational purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as legal advice. If you need specific guidance for your organization, please consult legal counsel.