Technology and funding forecasters predict that 2010 is the breakthrough year for mobile fundraising. SMS mobile giving is one of the fastest growing fundraising outlets; this brings fundraising to your fingertips in a new and exciting way. This was first made popular by relief efforts for Katrina and has since been used by campaigns such as Share Our Strength, The Salvation Army, UNICIF, and the Obama Presidential Campaign.
This trendy topic amongst fundraisers and charitable organizations will attract a younger donor base that was, until now, virtually unreachable. Even a teenager who receives a modest allowance would have the opportunity to make a difference. Cultivating the younger generation of donors can fuel your fundraising efforts and promote a relationship that will hopefully develop into sustainable giving.
To speak to the younger, mobile, or tech savvy donors, organizations should implement a texting donation campaign within their mobile strategy. Since this area is still emerging and developing, it is essential to go through a third party mobile application service vendor such as Mobile Giving Foundation or Mobile Accord. These vendors provide the organizational structure and ensure compliance with the state and federal communication laws. In addition they act as the billing settlement and records clearinghouse between carriers and participating charities. The organization must comply with a Nonprofit Standards of Compliance Standards (NSC), a list of basic requirements to prove authenticity and legitimacy. While this avenue may be cost prohibitive at the onset, by implementing this strategy you are able to maximize your fundraising efforts and minimize the amount of work done in house.
While this strategy is new and can be somewhat intimidating, it is important to embrace such strategies to maximize exposure in this mobile media driven world. SMS mobile campaigns will launch your organization into the future of fundraising while engaging the donors of tomorrow.
Have you experienced a SMS mobile campaign or transaction? Please share your thoughts and insight below.
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Mobile Accord grew out of the experience and vision of Denver mobile content entrepreneur James Eberhard. James entered the mobile industry in 2001, founding 9 Squared, Inc. with less than $50,000.00 and quickly building it into a leading mobile content and services business.
When 9 Squared was acquired by London-based MonsterMob in 2004, James was asked to lead international business development. In his extensive travels James saw mobile technology being used to support advocacy programs, political campaigns, and — most importantly – fundraising. James attended the London Live 8 Concert to End Global Poverty that helped raise more than ₤2 million via text messaging in a matter of days and it was then that James realized the mobile phone could be used for much more than phone communication or entertainment; it could change the world!
Returning to Colorado, James set out to make mobile fundraising a reality in the U.S. He teamed up with Tony Aiello and Dan Weaver to found Mobile Accord in early 2005.
Learn more at http://www.mgive.com/