Mobile FAQs

 

[ General ]

[ MobileMatters and Mobile Giving ]

[ General ]

What Is SMS?  

SMS is an acronym for Short Message Service. It is a worldwide standard for communicating textually between cellular phones.

Is there a difference between email and text messaging?  

While most phones can send and receive email, email is not the same as text messaging. There are many differences--for example a text message is sent to a phone number, while an email is sent to an email address.

Can Everyone Receive Text Messages?  

Nearly every cellular phone in use in the United States (and the world) can receive text messages. Most wireless carriers include text messaging in their standard plans.

What Does It Cost For A Customer To Receive A Text Message?  

Some carriers do not charge their customers to receive text messages. Others include a certain number in their standard plans. Most customers today pay a small flat-fee per month and can send and receive unlimited text messages.

How Long Can Text Messages Be?  

A standard text message is limited to 160 characters. Characters means letters, numbers, spaces, symbols and punctuation.

What Is A Short Code?  

A Short Code is similar to the address (URL) of a website. It is a unique location to send messages to, that all cellular carriers are aware of. You combine a Keyword with a Short Code to form a call-to-action address. An example would be: 'Text KEYWORD to SHORTCODE to pledge your support for our cause."

What Is A Keyword?  

A Keyword is a short word (which may include numbers) that customers send text messages to, in order to join your list. An example would be: 'Text KEYWORD to SHORTCODE to join our text messaging list.'

What Does It Mean To Opt-In?  

To Opt-in is to join a list. This can be done by sending a text message containing your KEYWORD to our SHORTCODE, or by entering your phone number into a web-based form. The action signifies that a customer has asked you to send them a message.

What Does It Mean To Opt-Out?  

A subscriber Opts Out when they quit your list. Users can do this quickly and simply by replying to any text message you send them with the word STOP.

[ MobileMatters and Mobile Giving ]

Is MobileMatters a 501c3?  

No. MobileMatters is a social enterprise that helps non-profits and socially responsible companies harness mobile technology to advance their mission. We provide both technology and strategy, ensuring an organization's success with mobile.

Who is the Mobile Giving Foundation?  

The Mobile Giving Foundation is a 501c3 organization that vets non-profit organizations wishing to accept $5/$10 micro-donations via SMS. They also serve as a records clearinghouse between non-profits and the wireless carriers.

How much can be donated via a text message?  

Donors can contribute $5 per each mobile donation up to six (6) times per month, or $10 per mobile donation up to three (3) times per month, for a total of $30/month. Over a one-year period that is $360!

Can our organization receive larger donations via a text message?  

Yes! Here, the donation will not be added directly to the donor's wireless bill. Instead, a text message is sent, along with the donation amount (e.g. "GIVE100"), and payment is processed via credit card, PayPal, Google/Amazon, "click2call" (live operator). This form of "mobile giving" is web-based, and falls 'outside' of the carriers and the Mobile Giving Foundation. The donation is collected and sent to your organization immediately! This is simply online giving for the "mobile web"!

Are recurring monthly donations allowed?  

Not at this time. Recurring donations will likely be adopted in the near future.

Are text donations tax-deductible? And how would donors obtain a receipt?  

Donations are tax-deductible. Donors may access their donation history by inputting their mobile phone number on the Mobile Giving Foundation's website and printing a receipt. In addition, a donor may simply use his wireless carrier bill as a receipt.

Are there any fees to the donor?  

“Standard fees apply”, which means that what a subscriber simply pays the standard text message rate, according to their plan. Those consumers with unlimited text messaging in their wireless plans incur no text messaging costs. If the subscriber goes over their plan, a small message fee is incurred.

Will $5 and $10 donations really help my organization?  

Absolutely! “Micro” donations, especially in volume, create strong grassroots donor structures, which tend to expand exponentially. Also, mobile, and text messaging, will allow your organization to reach a younger audience who will hopefully continue to support your organization with greater frequency and, as they age, with larger donations. Lastly, when leveraged with media, social media, public figures, etc., large numbers of donations can be processed in short “spikes”, leading to significant totals.

Are there minimum guidelines for qualifying as a participating nonprofit?  

Yes. There are certain mandatory standards for participation in its mobile giving program including, but not limited to:

  • The organization must be registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and must report a minimum yearly gross revenue of at least $500,000 on the 990 tax form.
  • The organization must be registered as a charity principally in all states where it will be soliciting donors, unless sponsored for broader regional or national promotions by a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization with the required registration.
  • The organization must be in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.
  • The organization must be in good standing in its state of incorporation and must have been operational for at least one year.
  • The organization must make only truthful representations to the public with respect to its fundraising, finances, operation, and solicitations.
  • The organization must be accessible and responsive to the public and must have a privacy policy that allows for donor opt-outs.

 

 

How will our organization receive the donations?  

The Wireless Carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.) bill the donor/mobile phone owner a separate line item for the donation either $5 or $10. Your donations are sent via check or wire transfer every month from the clearinghouse.

Can our organization communicate with the donor afterwards?  

Yes! Once an individual makes a donation, the information is captured and made available to your organization. Your organization can then follow up with informational messages, creating a dedicated mobile ‘communication’ channel. Keep members engaged and informed. Send donation reminders! Further, your organization can have members and supporters “opt-in” to receive more frequent messages that are relevant, timely, and actionable!

What type of nonprofit organizations can apply for this service?  

Mobile donations can and should be pursued by national, regional, and local NPOs that meet the minimum requirements.

What role does MobileMatters play?  

MobileMatters guides your organization through the entire mobile landscape, helping you utilize the mobile channel to further your cause. We are responsible for making your mobile campaign successful by developing highly effective mobile strategies that integrate into all of your existing fundraising and outreach channels (email, print, web, live events, radio, tv, social media, etc.). Our mobile fundraising and advocacy platform goes well beyond $5/$10 micro-donations. We take a holistic approach to mobile, developing a comprehensive strategy that allows for open-ended donations, premium subscriptions, ringtones, wallpapers, games, list building (mobile and email), alerts, broadcasts, polls, petitions, mobile web and online giving, "Apps" (iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Android), etc.

How long does the qualification and campaign approval process take?  

The approval process may take up to six weeks depending on the thoroughness of your submission. Once approved, additional campaigns and keywords take only one week!

For how long will the contract be in effect?  

MobileMatters strongly believes that a one-year commitment is necessary to fully take advantage of the benefits that can ultimately help advance your organization’s mission.

Who regulates the actions and activities of MobileMatters?  

MobileMatters is regulated by the wireless carriers and follows the Best Practices as set forth by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA).

How long does it take for my campaign to be active?  

Your first campaign would usually be active within 4 to 6 weeks. The carriers take this long to approve campaign applications. Subsequent campaigns (new keywords only) take approximately one week.

Can I track the progress of my donation?  

Yes, you will receive login information to Web interface allowing you to monitor and track the progress of your charity campaign, including number of donations in specific periods and from what carriers the donation was made from.

How do I promote my campaign?  

There are several ways to promote your campaign, Examples are; TV, radio, web, billboards, newspapers, e-magazines, banners, posters, direct marketing, and press releases. MobileMatters works extensively alongside your organization to develop comprehensive, fully integrated mobile and social media strategies.

What demographic information will our organization be able to acquire from the actual donors?  

Currently, a list of telephone numbers of donors is provided as part of the reporting process. Contact information, email addresses, age, etc., can be obtained from any donor via follow-up messaging, and/or via driving the donor to your website via a text message

How many times per month can our organization contact a donor after a text donation is made?  

Current carriers guidelines permit your organization to send a maximum 160-character text message to actual donors up to four (4) times per month.

What type of messages can we send to donors?  

Follow-up messages can be anything related to your organization’s mission, and can include requests for further text donations. Similarly, MobileMatters can assist you in establishing an ongoing, open-ended communication gateway, with up to 30messages/month being sent to your members and supporters. As campaign strategists, MobileMatters will guide you through the entire process, adhering to strict industry guidelines and best practices.

Are there any “tips” or case studies available for NPOs to help successfully implement a mobile giving campaign?  

Yes! MobileMatters has developed a comprehensive, easy to follow guide that simplifies the implementation of a comprehensive fully-integrated mobile campaign, across all channels- email, print, web, radio, tv, social networks, the use of celebrities, media, etc. It also includes sample promotions, sample messages and more!