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Client examples:

Text Your Donation Today! Donate to the Boca Raton Museum of Art with Your Cell Phone by Texting BRMA to 20222
Text Your Donation Today! Donate to the Boca Raton Museum of Art with Your Cell Phone by Texting BRMA to 20222
Love Jazz? Text DJAZZ to 2022 and donate $5 to the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Love Jazz? Text DJAZZ to 2022 and donate $5 to the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Boston Red Sox Foundation! Text a $5 Donation by texting 'RSF' to 20222
Boston Red Sox Foundation! Text a $5 Donation by texting 'RSF' to 20222
See more

Give by Cell

FAQ
Mobile Giving Foundation and ASP’s

What are the requirements for my organization to be eligible for Mobile Giving?

A non-profit organization ("NPO") must meet these criteria:
  1. Shall be exempt from income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  2. Shall be registered as a soliciting charity in all states in which the solicitation will occur. In the event of multi-state solicitations, the NPO must be a registered as a soliciting charity in all states requiring registration, unless sponsored by a qualified 501(c)(3) organization who is registered in all states requiring registration
  3. The organization shall be in good standing in its state of incorporation and have been operational for at least 1 year
Last Updated on Thursday, 22 July 2010 09:44
 

What is the Mobile Giving Foundation?

The Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF) is a non-profit organization based out of Washington. The MGF was established as the conduit between all the phone companies and the NPO. MGF is the intermediary for funds moving between the donor, the carrier and the NPO. MGF also is responsible for all the text messaging software and interactions.

Here are additional duties and responsibilities of the MGF:
  • Provide the organizational element that enables charitable giving across wireless carrier platforms
  • Be responsible for compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations
  • Develop, manage and keep standards for participation
  • Certify non profit participation and giving campaigns
  • Manage assigned short codes to be utilized by charities for mobile giving
  • Act as billing settlement and records clearinghouse between carriers and participating charities
  • Issue the donor receipt
  • Conduct research on the demographics of mobile giving and optimizing mobile giving campaigns
  • Increase awareness among the general public about the “Mobile Philanthropic Channel”
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:48
 

Isn’t this kind of technology only successful for emergency relief?

It is true that mobile giving was popularized by its use in emergency relief efforts (i.e. Haiti). However that is definitely not the only circumstance in which mobile giving can be effective. Over 90% of our campaigns are for non emergency relief uses.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:48
 

What are the benefits of using Mobile Giving for our fundraising efforts?

Text messaging constitutes a tremendous advancement over current means. The immediacy and ubiquity of wireless communications provides a huge advancement in speed and ease of use. Contributors don't need to write a check, take out their credit card, fill out forms or call someone. They just text a reply and the giving cycle is complete. The time lapse from notification to contribution can be seconds rather than days, weeks or months. People can donate at the precise time they are emotionally moved to make a contribution.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:48
 

Who oversees the actions and activities of Give by Cell and The Mobile Giving Foundation?

As an approved Mobile Application Service Provider to the MGF, our activities and performance are monitored by both MGF and wireless carrier executive and compliance personnel. As a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the MGF is governed by established U.S. standards and practices for nonprofits in the United States. In addition, both companies have a board of directors and board of advisors responsible for corporate governance and compliance activities of the organizations.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:48
 

What is an ASP? Why do I have to choose one and what do they do?

An ASP is an acronym for an Application Service Provider. The Mobile Giving Foundation has approved only a handful of organizations like Give by Cell to facilitate the technical components of your mobile marketing campaign and act as your main point of contact with the MGF and the wireless carriers. Give by Cell is approved to act as your designated ASP in keeping in compliance with the standards and regulations put forth by the carriers and MGF.

Give by Cell, operating as the designated ASP, provides a platform, certain technology and bandwidth necessary to facilitate mobile giving campaigns for your organizations (while working through the MGF.) We administer and provide the mechanisms for your organization to track and monitor the success of your campaigns from information given to us by MGF.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:48
 

Am I limited to any particular state or city for receiving mobile donations?

No. The Mobile giving Foundation is registered in all 50 states.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:49
 

What mobile carriers support Mobile Giving?

Give by Cell works on most major carriers in the United States giving your organization access to a potential 260 million mobile subscribers. Some of the larger participating carriers include:
  • AT&T
  • Sprint
  • Nextel
  • T-Mobile USA
  • Verizon Wireless
  • U.S. Cellular
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 16:04
 

Do you operate in Canada?

We work with a partner in Canada. Please contact us and we'll put you in touch with our representative.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 16:02
 
SMS and Text Messaging

What is SMS or text messaging?

SMS stands for Short Message Service, commonly known to consumers as text messaging. The protocol is designed to send text messages to and from mobile phones. The messages may be up to 160 characters in length including spaces.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:49
 

What is a short code?

Similar to a telephone number, short codes are special 5 or 6 digit codes used to route text messages from mobile phones to interactive mobile messaging applications, typically in combination with a keyword. They are designed to be shorter to read and easier to remember than normal telephone numbers. Short codes also allow for billing and other unique forms of interaction via the mobile phone such as television voting, ordering ringtones, charity donations and mobile chat services. A typical mobile giving short code is 20222.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:49
 

Can I pick my own short code?

It is possible to have a custom short code, but it is very time consuming and expensive. For that reason, Give by Cell recommends that clients simply use the short code provided to them. But should you wish to pursue this route, let us know and we'll help you get started.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:49
 

Is there a charge to the donor for text messages sent or received during a mobile donation?

Whatever fee arrangement the donor has with their cell phone provider applies.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:49
 

What kind of phone is needed to send SMS or text messages?

Nearly every new mobile phone allows you to send and receive SMS or text messages. For older phones, it is best to contact your wireless service provider if you are not sure, and they can either explain how to send and read messages or provide you details on upgrading to a phone with these capabilities. Some people on Metro PCS service cannot donate. International visitors would not likely be able to donate. Also, some individuals are on pre-paid phones might not be able to donate.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:59
 
Keywords

What is a keyword?

Used in combination with a short code, a keyword is a word that differentiates a mobile campaign from others on the same short code. The keyword and short code combination allows mobile phone users to make a donation to MGF sponsored mobile donation campaign. For example, an organization called Green Charity might choose the keyword GREEN. In order to make a donation, mobile phone users would send the word GREEN as the body of his or her text message e.g. to the short code 20222. Many NPO's use different keywords for marketing purposes. Donors may feel more inclined to contribute if the donations are earmarked to a specific cause.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:46
 

How many keywords are allocated for use by my organization in our mobile-giving campaigns?

The starter package allows you to have one keyword. The more advanced package provides you with four for $229/month. Additional keywords can be acquired for a small extra upfront and monthly fee.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:47
 

Can I choose my own keyword?

Yes, you can choose your own keyword as long it is available for your short code. Give by Cell can offer suggestions on what keywords are most successful.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:47
 

Can I use the same keyword for $5 and $10 campaigns?

You need a separate keyword for each donation amount. In some cases, there is a small additional set-up fee and monthly fee for extra keywords.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:47
 
Marketing

How do I market my campaign?

The best way to market a campaign is at a fundraising event that your organization is holding. The other successful means is through personal requests – at a performance, a live demonstration, a tour of your facility, a luncheon where you speak, noted on the back of your business card (you mention the giving opportunity when you meet someone) and so on.

Other ideas include: website postings, press releases, billboards, bus stop signage, email blasts, etc.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:47
 

What kind of audience should I target to make my campaign successful?

Mobile Giving is about engaging with new donors. Those that have donated to your organization in the past will, most likely, continue to do so through the same channels they are used to in person events and interactions, the web, email, direct mail, advertisements. Mobile Giving allows you to reach a larger, more diverse audience and offer them the opportunity to act quickly, easily and on their terms. Typically, commercial mobile participation rates are highest among younger populations.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:47
 

How can my organization acquire mobile numbers to which we can send text messages?

The only way to build your mobile database is by getting your mobile campaigns created and promoted everywhere you can. The great thing about mobile is that there is no spam. You cannot buy a list of mobile numbers to begin your database and that's a good thing. And you cannot send people a text message about mobile giving without their prior approval.

The mobile phone users who interact have taken the steps necessary to ask (and then confirm) that you send them information on their most personal of communication devices, thereby creating what many of our clients find to be the most loyal mailing list they have.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:47
 

How can I continue to reach out to a one time donor?

Based on current carrier guidelines, for any donor who has opted in to receive future texts, your organization may text a message (limited to less than 160 characters) to actual donors up to four (4) times per month, unless and until the donor opts-out.
 
Specific Mobile Giving Details

What amounts can be donated?

Donations can only be made in either $5 or $10 increments. We all hope that the Carriers will increase this amount in the future.
 

How many times can a donor make a text donation?

A donor may donate approximately $30 in a 30 day period.
Last Updated on Thursday, 22 July 2010 09:47
 

What information do I collect from my donors?

You receive a list of telephone numbers of donors on our administrative website. Additionally, you can do the following:
  • Ask them to text back their contact information
  • Ask them initially in the call to action to text in their email address
  • If you feel comfortable with this option you could call the donor to ask if they wish to receive a tax receipt, e.g. You could then receive their contact information if they provide it.
 

Are donations a one-time payment or are donors charged on a monthly basis?

At this time, Mobile Giving Foundation does not support recurring text donations. All donations are one-time payments. However there is a new service where a donor can opt in to receive future texts and if they reply to that text, they will have completed the donation. While it’s not quite as simple as an auto charge, it is close.
 

 How can I reach out to thank my donors?

It is possible to send out a thank you message to donors. The first two messages any new mobile donor receives are regulated and not customizable. However, through Give by Cell, nonprofits have two, very affordable, methods to send thank you messages:
  • Future Texting: This feature allows your organization to send a message to its donors asking if they would like to receive texts in the future. And if the donor decides to opt in, you will then be allowed to send them a text thanking them for their kind donation. This feature only costs $25 per month and $.08/text.
  • Email Collection: Another option is to send a text to your donors asking them for their email address (i.e. “text your email address to 20222.”) You can access this information on our password protected administration page (you can download the data, too.) Once you have a user’s email, you may send them a thank you message. This service costs $25/month.
Give by Cell urges all of our clients to use these messages to engage their donors regarding other events, new, etc. regarding their organization.
 

Will I be able to monitor the success of my campaign online on a regular basis?

Yes, Give by Cell will provide a customized administrative account for your organizations to track all of your campaigns. You can access information and results real-time through a password protected web interface.
 

Will I receive written summary reports along with the proceeds from the donations?

Yes. Along with your remittance check from the Mobile Giving Foundation, your organization will receive a detailed remittance report posted to your account outlining each marketing campaign through the use of a specified keyword. This will appear on an excel spreadsheet.
 

Why is the check I receive from the Mobile Giving Foundation?

The Mobile Giving Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) responsible for certifying nonprofits wishing to participate in a mobile donation program, managing the wireless industry’s Mobile Giving Standards and Best Practices and insuring compliance with Federal and State Regulations. The Carriers decided to send the money through the MGF instead of through application service providers. There is more control and tracking therefore.
 

What percentage of the donations can I expect to receive?

There are certain events that could make the number you receive less than 100% of what appears on the immediate online web reports. Donors might call their phone company and request a donation be reversed. And the carriers might have delays or processing problems which could delay payments.
 

What if I expect to receive thousands of texts for my campaign, will this overwhelm the system?

The Give by Cell system can handle large volumes of donation traffic but it is always best to notify your Account Manager if you are anticipating huge traffic just so we may act accordingly. If traffic is going to be extremely high (like a major network broadcast) the MGF might charge more on a per donation basis just to handle the high volume during that period.
 

Will my donors receive a tax-deductable receipt after donating?

The donors will not automatically receive a receipt after their donation. Since the donation will show up as an additional charge on their phone bill, they can simply use that for tax purposes. This satisfies the IRS requirement. Another way for a donor to collect a report of their mobile donations is through the Mobile Giving Foundation website: mobilegiving.org/donationhistory. They can simply go to this link and enter their cell phone number. After the number has been authorized, the donor will have access to the donation data.
 
Why Choose Give by Cell

There are five main reasons to choose Give by Cell:

  • Customer service: We offer 24/7 help and are always ready to answer your questions. You can call our President, Dave Asheim, on his cell phone anytime (415) 297-6677.
  • Pricing: We are the lowest priced ASP in the country – no one can touch our $49/month starter package!
  • Contract term: We offer the shortest contract terms (3 months compared with 12 months for other ASP’s).
  • Experience: Give by Cell has spent five years providing mobile technologies to non profits. We are the fastest growing ASP.
  • We reporting and tools: log in to your customized administration site to view real-time activity, print reports, download excel reports, and keep track of everything happening with mobile giving.
 

How are Give by Cell accounts managed?

Every Give by Cell Client works closely with a dedicated account manager who will help with the launch and management of every aspect of your mobile strategy. Our managers are Lalique, Amit, Camille and Dave. We'll assist you with anything you may need and are here to make sure that this program adds value to your organization.
 

What is your platform and technology?

Give by Cell provides you with a plug and play hosted system that allows your organization to: sign up, get approved by the Mobile Giving Foundation, create your campaign with keyword and shared short code, track all activity in real time, create schedule and send text message to supporters, collect critical donor data and integrate with your in house database of choice. Additionally, we have state of the art online tools that allow you to build social networking programs that allow for donations to be collected via cell phone bill and to get the word out about your organization through viral web based campaigns. We have years of experience in this industry and are widely acknowledged as the leader in the mobile giving channel.
 

Do you have any case studies from other clients who have had success with mobile giving?

Yes, many can be found in our e-blast section. Also, contact us and we will put you in touch with current successful clients.
 

Do you have alternative pricing structures that are more affordable for smaller nonprofits that are under the $500,000 annual revenue minimum?

Give by Cell does have a smaller package that it can provide to organizations that meet certain criteria. Under this circumstance, your organization would actual work with Greater Giving, our Affiliate Reseller, who may allow you to place your campaign under their umbrella. The cost for this service is approximately $99/month.
 
Getting Started

How do I get started?

Simply fill out the Give by Cell Services Agreement and fax it to us.
 

Why do I need to have separate operating agreements with the Mobile Giving Foundation and Give by Cell?

The Mobile Giving Foundation requires an application agreement as the basis for qualifying the nonprofit organization for participation in the mobile-donation process and reserves the right to impose terms and conditions in accordance with its agreement with the carriers. Once qualified, the majority of your organization’s activities and transactions will then originate through Give by Cell and be sponsored by it. Besides providing your organization with sponsorship, consultation and support for collecting mobile donations, Give by Cell may offer additional useful services and programs to help you operate effectively in the mobile messaging realm. And because of this, Give by Cell requires certain additional terms and conditions that clearly define our working relationship with your organization.
 

How soon will my campaign be live?

The approval process of your application by the Mobile Giving Foundation may take from one week to five weeks. The response time to approve a campaign and keyword(s) varies from carrier to carrier.