We recently posted about text message donations, reminding organizations that donor acknowledgments should be provided no matter how donations are received. Now an effort is underway that will make fundraising texting campaigns more accessible to small charities and safer for donors.
Mobile-phone companies assisting nonprofit organizations with text message campaigns are concerned about fraud. This is the main reason why these companies refuse to work with small charities, which often have difficultly establishing their credibility.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy recently reported on a deal between Mobile Giving Foundation and BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB) that should alleviate this problem. Through this joint effort, the companies will assist small charities demonstrate their legitimacy so that mobile-phone companies will help them run text donation campaigns.
Demonstrating legitimacy to qualify for this program won’t be easy. To do so, nonprofits will have to meet BBB’s 20 standards of accountability. The list includes standards for governance, oversight, measuring effectiveness, finances and fundraising. (BBB lowers its standards for organizations that raise at least $500,000 in donations annually.)
To learn whether your organization meets the standards, start here.