The NonProphet

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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• New Research Indicates Mobile Philanthropy Adoption in the Haiti Earthquake Aftermath (eon.businesswire.com)

Capturing the promise of mobile banking in emerging markets - McKinsey Quarterly - Telecommunications - Strategy & Analysis

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Capturing the promise of mobile banking in emerging markets - McKinsey Quarterly - Telecommunications - Strategy & Analysis.

While it is easy to stereotype and lock images of poor people without access to technology, the truth is that new technologies are bringing services that were otherwise unavailable to large, underserved population groups. Unfortunately, much of this is going on in emerging nations rather than our own.

Mobile banking is an example, according to this report from McKinsey. In fact, the number of people with bank accounts is many fewer than those with mobile phones. The clear answer is mobile technology, which will make help bridge the divide.

Yet, it seems strange that McKinsey writes about this happening in emerging nations, but not so in our own. Cellphones are ubiquitous in this country, yet the capabilities for mobile technology are lagging behind many lesser developed nations.

Nonprofits involved in financial services should examine how they can bring these technologies to lower-income groups, enabling better access and saving habits, using technology rather than fighting it.

#10Ways to Support Charity Through Social Media

#10Ways to Support Charity Through Social Media.

This article is a terrific source for integrating social media into your nonprofit marketing plan. Many of the links cruise over to other sites that provide a further wealth of information. Clearly, the vast world of social media is available for the asking.

Yet, there remains the essential need to channel all of this energy into a useful strategy that promotes the core mission of the organization. While it is easy to become enamored with social media, it is even easier to be overwhelmed by it.

Several of the examples that are included here and in the embedded articles give valuable evidence of how social media can work effectively. But it is even more evident that having a clear mission and thoughtful strategy are prerequisites for effective use of the new media.