Mgive
mGive is a Denver based Wireless Application Service Provider. mGive offers mobile giving services, and is an approved Mobile Giving Foundation Wireless Application Service Provider
mGive introduced text message donations February 1, 2008 with the launch of a mobile giving campaign for the United Way. The campaign was promoted in a 10 second commercial during Super Bowl XLII.
mGive enables nonprofit organizations to accept text message donations. mGive also offers mobile content delivery, SMS subscription services, and WAP website creation. mGive works with organizations such as The United Way, ASPCA, Amberwatch Foundation, and over 60 more nonprofit organizations.
Text Message Donations
Making a text message donation involves sending a text message with a keyword chosen by a nonprofit organization to a shortcode approved by The Mobile Giving Foundation. For example, Keep a Child Alive’s text message donation campaign uses the keyword ALIVE and the mobile giving shortcode 90999.Text message donations (SMS) use premium-rated short messages (PSMS) to bill donations to the wireless subscriber’s phone bill. SMS donations use a double opt-in process to protect donor’s security and privacy. Currently, the Mobile Giving Foundation and wireless carriers have only approved $5 one-time text message donations.
Wireless carriers send 100% of the donations to the Mobile Giving Foundation, which takes a fee of 5% to 10% per donation before wiring the funds directly to the appropriate charity within ninety days.
Controversy
Some controversy has arisen over the amount of donations raised and the high fees associated with text message donations. mGive and The Mobile Giving Foundation worked with the wireless carriers to eliminate fees associated with PSMS messaging. However, the Mobile Giving Foundation charges 5-10% of the donation in processing fees and mGive service packages start at $250 per month.