Nonprofit Communications: Writing For A Better World

By James V. D’Ambrosio

(This is the first in a series providing an overview of the mobile-giving process). 

For nonprofits yet to delve into mobile giving, the following will help you get started. Given there are approximately 280 million cell phone users in the U.S. and some well-documented successes in mobile giving, it makes sense to take a closer look at what’s involved with this rapidly-emerging fund-raising tool.

Before starting a campaign, a nonprofit must meet certain requirements. The Mobile Giving Foundation — a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization registered in all states to undertake charitable solicitations and serving as the link between a charitable giving campaign, the wireless industry, and the 280 million U.S. wireless users — lists MANDATORY Standards for Participation agencies must meet to qualify for mobile giving: 

♦ Exempt from income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (filing a 990 annually and having gross revenues of at least $500,000 on the 990 form);

♦ Registered as a soliciting charity in all states where the solicitation will occur;

♦ In compliance with all applicable state and federal laws; remaining current with all required filings;

♦ Be in good standing in its state of incorporation and operating for at least one (1) year; and

♦ Making truthful public representations of fund-raising, finances, operations and solicitations.

The Foundation also lists Preferred Standards:

♦ Having an elected, volunteer Board of Directors of at least five (5) members holding at least four (4) meetings annually;

♦ Measuring its effectiveness through assessments every two (2) years;

♦ Having a well-defined mission statement and programs to effectively achieve that mission;

♦ Spending funds in a prudent, transparent manner; and

♦ Accurately reporting expenses, and making that information — along with financial statements and annual reports — available to the public.

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The following Application Service Providers (ASP’s) have been approved by the Mobile Giving Foundation and can assist nonprofits with mobile-giving campaigns:

Connect2give

g8wave, Inc.

Give by Cell

Give on the Go, LLC

iLoop Mobile, Inc.

Mobile Commons

MPower Giving

SUMOTEXT 

TextCaster

COMING IN PART II: DETAILS OF THE MOBILE-GIVING PROCESS

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Getting Started With Mobile Giving, Mobile Giving, Mobile Giving Overview, Mobile Giving Requirements, Mobile Giving Series, Nonprofit Mobile Giving |