Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF) launches thanks to Qualcomm

Kudos to Qualcomm for backing the Mobile Giving Foundation which aims to create a single ‘mobile giving channel’ for America. I’m a big fan of the concept. I think it’s one of the most immediate and most personal, relevant methods for giving. But I think it should be entertaining too. The sad fact is that most of us need a prompt and a ‘reason’ to play. Starving children a million miles away are easily put to the back of one’s mind when you’re worrying about getting a presentation right or where your next paycheck is coming from.

However, if you make it simple — ultra simple — to give; and you can provide something in return, something to validate and deliver a credible feel-good-factor, then I reckon that’s the way ahead.

My favourite concept is getting updates each week or fortnightly from a ‘starving child’ (excuse the capitalist in me), telling you how they’re getting on at school and how the money that you (collectively — you and the other 100,000 people supporting the particular charity with $2 a month from your mobile bill) have given is helping the village build a school. And that they just got clean water, thanks to you. You know, that sort of thing.

I’ve tried pitching this to charities before. They simply don’t get it. In fact, they’re downright appalled by my semi-capitalist viewpoint.

“Entertainment?” they yell at me, “What do you mean, ENTERTAINMENT? We’re a CHARITY!”

I then do my best to educate them in the ways of the world which they ignore. I’m thinking of two charities in particular, here in the UK. Both really high profile. They thought my concept above was ‘dirty’ and would never work. They even went so far as to say that they’re not for-profit, ‘in case you hadn’t realised’. This, from the folk who use chuggers. I was only there trying to help out. If I could figure out a way to make this work, I would do it.

Anyway, meantime, back to MGF. Good luck chaps, every success!

Here’s more on the launch from Finextra…

Link: Finextra: Qualcomm backs SMS charity donation service

MGM says the founding donation from Qualcomm has been made through the telco’s Wireless Reach initiative.

MGM aims to create a single “mobile giving channel” that enables more than 250 million mobile users in the US to make charitable contributions instantly using their mobile phones. The MGF acts as a messaging gateway, compliance entity, billing settlement and records clearinghouse between operators and participating charities.

Donors can send money to participating charities via text message, with the transaction recorded on their wireless bill. MGF also provides data feeds that will allow annual notifications showing total contributions per donor.

Jim Manis, founder, MGF, says: “We believe the ease of use and immediate response inherent in wireless communication will have a very positive effect on fundraising efforts of charitable groups, expand the US base of giving and enable people to support their favourite causes through a new channel committed to the highest standards.”

MGF is looking to raise $1 million to cover its operating budget for the next two years. In addition to the Qualcomm donation, sponsorship has also been received from 1024 Wireless Services, Acta Wireless, Hook Mobile, Mobile Accord and VeriSign.