It is undeniable that text messaging has become one of the most popular and efficient ways to communicate, particularly with the technology-dependent Generation Y. But while sending a text message to a friend might be the easiest thing in the world for cell-phone savvy individuals—is it the easiest way for non-profits to collect donations? It’s a growing opportunity for these organizations, but whether it is as efficient as they hope is still in question.

Despite the American Red Cross’ incredible success in raising over $18 million within the first three days of its text message fundraising campaign for Haiti, non-profits should think twice before lunging into this type of fundraising. This is partially due to the high costs of running this type of campaign, which, though it offers a simple way to give, is a complex process for the non-profit. This is mostly due to the fact that in order to run a text-message-to-donate campaign, in addition to the cell phone carrier, a third party needs to be involved. Mobile Accord/mGive Foundation was this third party in the ARC Haiti campaign, but with an estimated 5-10% of raised money going to the wireless partners, teaming up with companies like can be very costly and might not be worth it for smaller organizations.

What these text message vendors do primarily is vet the non-profit, confirming that they are meeting the charitable solicitation registration requirements. They set up short codes (the number a donator would text to give— such as ARC’s 90999) and assist in marketing. They often have a minimum revenue requirement too. Non-profits should also know that the maximum donation through text messaging is capped at $10, which is lower than an average online donation. If non-profits are determined to get their organization out there via cell phones, they should consider using text messages to release news, such as about volunteer opportunities or internal developments, which will at least draw attention to the organization. In a case study conducted by Mobile Commons, Watershed Company and The Humane Society of the United States, the results revealed that while sending out a text message requesting for call-in and reply-back donations pretty much failed, they did receive a 77% increase in online donations, proving that while text message fundraising might not be the best method to actually make a profit, it can result in other forms of donations as reminders to advocates.

In a live discussion hosted by “The Chronicle of Philanthropy,” Zoetica’s chief marketing officer Geoff Livingston suggested that non-profits should have at least a solid 100,000 member “fan base” that they will initially send the text message to, otherwise non-profits are at a higher risk of not raising enough money. With the carriers also making a profit (though these fees were waived for the Haiti event), distribution of money should be thoroughly thought out before the campaign process is executed. This is definitely something smaller non-profits need to take into account. In fact, Livingston basically dissuades small non-profits from using this campaign method all together, stating that it is primarily beneficial for large non-profits, such as the American Red Cross or John Edward’s 2007 political campaign.

This brings up the next difficulty with text message fundraising, which is that the third party carriers who provide the SMS (Short Message Service, A.K.A text message) marketing often require an appeal and proof of legitimacy from the non-profit, which may involve getting a distinguished organization to back the campaign, which in ARC’s case, was the US State Department. These companies want to ensure that the money donated will go to the actual charity. In addition to often requiring a 4th party to legitimize the organization, non-profits should also keep in mind that text message donations will not usually come flooding in unless there is an event of some sort to draw their attention to the cause. This “event” can be some type request made by a celebrity, a concert, or, unfortunately, a natural disaster. In a survey conducted by Convio and Sea Change Strategies, 36% of the participants said that they would be willing to donate via text message if an emergency took place, while only 28% percent would be willing for charity fundraising. It is unlikely for donators to choose text messaging as their primary means of donating regularly.

Another main drawback with receiving donations through text message is that the non-profit does not actually get any information about the donor. Collecting contact information and building up their database about advocates has always been an important element in campaigning for nonprofits, and when someone texts in a donation, the money is added to their phone bill, which the phone company then relays to the non-profit some 30-90 days after the donation pledge is made, giving the non-profit no way to contact the donor. Without this information, thanking the donors, requesting future donations, as well as sending out updates on the non-profit’s progress, is near impossible.

While text message campaigning has helped many larger nonprofits receive donations, it might be safer for smaller ones to stay a step behind, technology-wise. Establishing an attractive and easy-to-use website should be a top priority if technologically branching out is something the non-profit would like to pursue. While text message fundraising is something that might collect more donations from a younger crowd, the internet is accessible and easier to use for a wider range of potential.

Would you give to your favorite charity via text message?

What would you consider to be the easiest and most efficient way to donate?

The Celebration: The Paint the Town Red Gala

The Cause: American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter

The Chairs: Roberta Economidis and Kelly Murphy

The Credentials: Approximately 450 San Francisco and Bay Area Red Cross enthusiasts, including members of the San Francisco International Consular Corps, descended upon the City Hall rotunda illuminated by red lights for a black tie gala with many of the female supporters donning red gowns for the occasion. Catering was provided by none other than Paula LeDuc while the stunning event decor was pulled off by the uber-talented Dominic Phillips Event Marketing and Production. The Paint the Town Red Gala is the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter’s annual fundraising event which benefits local disaster relief and readiness for the Bay Area’s 4.5 million residents, in addition to raising awareness of the vital role the Red Cross plays within global communities.

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer Photography

The Celebration: A Launch Party in honor of San Francisco’s annual Paint the Town Red Gala

The Cause: The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter

The Chairs: Gwyneth Borden, Kathryn Pellegrini Inglin, Dominic Phillips

The Credentials: In anticipation of this year’s gala being held at the San Francisco City Hall Rotunda on Saturday, March 6, supporters mixed and mingled in the stunning Julia Morgan Ballroom of the Merchants Exchange Building to enjoy an evening of “disaster dining” food demonstrations by celebrity chefs Casey Thompson of Bravo TV’s “Top Chef”, David Bazirgan, Executive Chef of Chez Papa, Tomas Sazo, Executive Chef of Medjool and Medallion Steakhouse. Guests sipped wines by Wattle Creek Wine and cocktails courtsey of Grey Goose. The Julia Morgan ballroom’s new chef Mario Maggi tempted with tasty apps. Proceeds from the evening and from the gala will benefit Disaster Readiness and Relief Efforts by the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter.

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer Photography.

Watch our VivaReel video from an exclusive interview with San Francisco philanthropist, Roberta Economidis who is Co-Chairing the upcoming Paint the Town Red Gala benefiting the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter on Saturday, March 6.

(By Emily Morse, Founder of Sex With Emily)

I hear you: you live in the worst town to date. Everyone is taken, too old, too young, works too much, or not at all, too gay, too straight and you’re well, perfect, at least perfectly available, believe me, I’ve heard it all.

But don’t fret because you’re far from alone. I hear this from singletons coast to coast and each city has its unique set of complaints of why their city fails them in matters of the heart. Los Angeleans complain that everyone is looking for the “BBD” (bigger better deal), San Franciscans allege that no one goes on real dates anymore and New Yorkers think the entire city appears to be on a joint speed date rotating around the same cast of characters in an endless orbit of musical dating chairs.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about how you can meet someone. Because you will, but it does mean you have to step outside your comfort zone and try something different. We all get set in our ways, do the same weekly activities, whether it’s going to the office, the gym, and having dinner with your usual suspects. So it’s no wonder you’re not meeting anyone new. When you challenge yourself to participate in new experiences you’re opening yourself up to meeting a fresh group of people.

It’s easier than you think, and you’ll be giving back at the same time. Find an activity and cause you believe in and participate in a local charity event. This is surefire way to find someone who fills your bottom line issues and maybe even your heart.

You’ll be surrounded by new people, attending steering committee events and grabbing drinks afterwards with your new philanthropic minded friends. Plus, you’re more likely to meet someone who shares your values. And volunteering is sexy, don’t you think?

Check out these national organizations with a co-ed volunteer base:

1. Habitat For Humanity – Work up a sexy sweat while while building homes for those in need.

2. SPCA – Animal lovers unite at the SPCA where you’ll swoon over your new furry friends and them over each other.

3. Nature Conservancy – Hug some trees and then maybe each other after working in nature saving the world one tree at a time.

4. American Red Cross – Responding to national disasters will get your blood pumping together.

5. Special Olympics – Nothing like the inspiriation of truly helping children accomplish their goals to inspire your own new relationships.

Have you met your match through a volunteer organization? Let me know. I want to hear about it! Tell me in the comment box below.

Photos via Flickr

On January 12, 2009 a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti, shattering the infrastructure, government and leaving thousands dead, trapped and injured.

An outpouring of support for the Haitian people has already swept the web. We have gathered a few trusted places where you can easily and quickly donate to the cause.

SMS Text Message Donations: charged directly to your cell phone bill

• Donate $10 to the American Red Cross by texting “HAITI” to “90999.”
Americans have already raised $8M+ through @RedCross.

• Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake relief efforts by texting “YELE” to 501501  Donations have exceeded $2M.

Also accepting cash and in-kind donations are the following sites:

UNICEF, Direct Relief, Yele Haiti, Partners in Health, Red Cross, World Food Program, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, Lambi Fund, Doctors Without Borders, The International Rescue Committee, Care

The United Nations Foundation committed $1 million to assist in the relief and reconstruction efforts. The Foundation is also reaching out to its partners, donors, grassroots and friends to seek their support. The UN Foundation is the private sector mechanism for raising funds for the UN emergency efforts through the CERF. The CERF provides immediate assistance during crisis such as this. The UN has already released $10 million from CERF to extend immediate assistance and rescue missions

The Salesforce.com Foundation will match, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. That means that with the Foundation’s matching funds, these critical organizations will get $200,000 in much-they are working with: the Red Cross and World Vision. If you donate even $2, that alone is more than what most of Haiti’s population survives on per day.

Please be careful, though. Some callous people have set up fake charities soliciting donations that won’t really help anyone. The U.S. Better Business Bureau runs a site where U.S. donors can verify that a nonprofit is legit before donating.

[Photos from United Nations on Flickr]