The Text's the Thing

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In an interesting post on Mashable, nonprofits are encouraged to look at all aspects of connecting through texting and, importantly, to look beyond simply using this new technology to raise money. In fact, there are a variety of barriers to texting for donations, including considerable start-up costs, a surprisingly stringent vetting process and the need for a "big" event to attract dollars. For most small nonprofits, this is out of reach.

But what is within the realm are possibilities of using texting to augment existing activities, such as mobilizing volunteers, giving updates on campaigns and attracting your audience to your website. In other words, instead of using texting for grand slams, go for singles.

This only makes sense, especially for smaller nonprofits. The effort and cost behind campaigns like the one that raised millions for Haiti shows the potential for the grandest success for mobile philanthropy. But the real value is in the small ball, using texting to raise interest, not cash, for the nimble, small nonprofits. That potential is still to be realized. But it's time is coming soon.

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