Frequently Asked Questions

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Fees

Do you have alternative pricing structures that are more affordable for smaller nonprofits?
mGive created the Impact level package to lower the cost of entry. At $349 per month this remains a very inexpensive program when compared to direct mail, building a website, telemarketing, staging live events and other traditional fundraising programs.
Is there any charge to the supporter for text messages sent or received during a mobile donation or mobile engagement campaign?
Depending on the donor’s wireless carrier and service plan, they may be charged a nominal fee by their wireless carrier for sending and/or receiving text messages (approximately $0.05-$0.15 cents per text). This is why the “Msg&Data Rates May Apply” is one of many disclosures required to appear with all mobile promotions. Unlimited or bulk text messaging plans are very popular with mobile subscribers and are heavily promoted by most major wireless carriers. If the donor has an unlimited text messaging plan, there would be no additional text messaging charges from the wireless carrier.

General

Is it possible to speak with mGive's existing clients to see how the mobile donation service has worked for them?
As you can imagine the mobile giving channel is really taking off and so many prospects want to speak to our clients. This can be difficult as these clients are busy people and have been over whelmed by requests. It is for this reason we put together case studies and white papers to validate our position as the industry leader. You can visit our Blog for the latest news on successful campaigns and links to Case Studies!
Is there any charge to the supporter for text messages sent or received during a mobile donation or mobile engagement campaign?
Depending on the donor’s wireless carrier and service plan, they may be charged a nominal fee by their wireless carrier for sending and/or receiving text messages (approximately $0.05-$0.15 cents per text). This is why the “Msg&Data Rates May Apply” is one of many disclosures required to appear with all mobile promotions. Unlimited or bulk text messaging plans are very popular with mobile subscribers and are heavily promoted by most major wireless carriers. If the donor has an unlimited text messaging plan, there would be no additional text messaging charges from the wireless carrier.
Does mGive work with all wireless carriers?
mGive works with 60 carriers in the United States giving your organization access to over 330 million mobile subscribers. Participating carriers include: AT&T Sprint Nextel T-Mobile USA Verizon Wireless U.S. Cellular And many more
How can my organization acquire mobile numbers to which we can send text messages?
The great thing about the mobile channel is that there is no spam; mobile lists cannot be purchased. That means mobile opt-ins to campaigns are guarded by a strict privacy policy, which is a benefit to any organization using a mobile strategy because you have the benefit of building your mobile database from people who want to hear from your organization. The way to build your mobile database is to integrate mobile into everything you do. Calls-to-action should be executed through all marketing and fundraising communications.
How are mGive accounts managed?
Every mGive client goes through the custom mGive onboarding process to ensure you have the knowledge and assistance to maximize mGive tools and series. Your organization will work with a dedicated mGive Account Manager at no extra charge who will help with the launch and management of your mobile strategy. The full mGive Account Management team is also available to all clients for immediate needs and service.
Do I need my own short code to run a mobile-giving campaign?
No. You can use an mGive shared short code already provisioned by the nation’s wireless carriers for nonprofits to use for mobile fundraising and engagement. If you wish to have a proprietary short code provisioned for your mobile strategy, we can facilitate the process for you. Please contact us for details.
What are the fees associated with running any kind of mobile campaign?
Pricing details can be viewed on our Pricing Page. mGive is fully transparent with all pricing and there are no hidden fees.
What is the advantage of using the mGive platform and technology?
mGive is changing the way people give. Your organization can use mGive’s services to collect donations, work with volunteers, drive in-kind donations, gain feedback and more. mGive was created after working with nonprofit clients for several years – before mobile fundraising was even available in the USA. As the leader in mobile engagement and donation, we make it easy for you to: ? Launch a mobile campaign within 2 weeks ? Message supporters and raise funds on the same short code ? Collect critical donor data and integrate that data into your CRM system ? Track mobile activity in real time Additionally, we have an open API for custom development and a client services team that is here to guide you through best practices for optimal results. Watch the first U.S. TV commercial with a mobile donation call-to-action, aired during the 2008 Super Bowl: United Way FIT Commercial – powered by mGive
Besides using a major credit card, is there a way for my organization to set up an account with mGive?
Yes. You have two options: 1. You may use a major credit card to get started and then arrange for an electronic funds transfer from a bank account. 2. You may pay for one year upfront with a check. If you choose this option, please contact us for a special code to be used during sign up.
For outgoing text message campaigns, do costs depend on how many text messages my organization sends out?
Yes. Messaging costs are determined by the mGive program selected by your organization. For more information on messaging costs, visit our pricing page or contact your mGive Account Manager (hyperlink to cs@mGive.com) if you are an existing mGive user.
What is the difference between mGive, The mGive Foundation and Mobile Accord?
Mobile Accord is the parent company for mGive. As the industry leader in mobile fundraising and engagement for nonprofits, mGive provides the tools, technology, wireless carrier connections and knowledge to help nonprofits make their campaigns successful. The mGive Foundation is a 501(c)(3) created to certify nonprofits wishing to participate in the mobile channel and facilitate the flow of funds from carriers directly to participating nonprofits. The mission of the organization is to drive innovation and to assist other nonprofits in their efforts to raise money and communicate with donors more effectively through the mobile channel.
I don’t see an mGive program that pertains to what I want to do. Do you offer any alternatives?
Contact an mGive Account Executive (hyperlink to sales) to learn more about special programs that may meet your needs. We are happy to discuss alternative programs if you are part of a multi-location account, an agency representing a nonprofit client, executing a one-time event or don’t qualify for fundraising.
Does mGive only do mobile fundraising?
No. mGive offers a full suite of services to engage your supporters, as well as fundraising. Interested in learning more? Check out the list of services on our pricing page (http://www.mgive.com/Pricing.aspx) or contact an mGive Account Executive (hyperlink to mGive sales distribution list).
Can my organization use a short code for purposes other than collecting donations - such as sending content out to subscribers? Is there an additional cost to do this?
The short codes currently approved and operating for mobile donations are only provisioned for two types of campaigns: 1. Standard Rate (Free) SMS subscriptions This is the act of someone joining your mobile community and agreeing to exchange text messages with your organization 2. Premium ($5 & $10) Mobile Donations These donations are processed over the appropriate wireless carrier billing system and 100% of the donation is routed to the appropriate The mGive Foundation approved nonprofit. At this time, MMS (or data messages, such as pictures or video) cannot be sent over a short code for mobile giving. However, a download link to a mobile-friendly site is always an option.

Mobile Fundraising

What type of customization do you offer for mGive online widgets?
Our customizable Flash donation widget allows you to upload an image and specify a call-to-action unique to your campaign. Every donation keyword has its own widget and is customizable. Widgets can be added to websites, blogs, social media and anywhere else you like. See an example Custom widgets and other tools are always an option with the open mGive API.
Do you have more information on the success rates of text-donation campaigns?
Yes. Our case studies provide success information and more! We're always working with our clients to improve their outreach efforts, increase their donations and foster their donor relationships. Visit our blog for the latest on successful campaigns and links to case studies.
What is the length of an mGive contract?
Most mGive agreements have a 1-year term. Like any fundraising strategy, it is important for each nonprofit to make a commitment to mobile in order to achieve long-term results and generate revenue. Integration of mobile into all of your marketing and fundraising communications is critical to success.
Can my organization use a short code for purposes other than collecting donations - such as sending content out to subscribers? Is there an additional cost to do this?
The short codes currently approved and operating within the Mobile Giving channel are only provisioned for two types of campaigns: 3. Standard Rate (Free) SMS subscriptions This is the act of someone joining your mobile community and agreeing to exchange text messages with your organization powered by mGive 4. Premium ($5 & $10) Mobile Donations These donations are processed over the appropriate wireless carrier billing system and 100% of the donation is routed to the appropriate The mGive Foundationapproved nonprofit At this time, MMS (or data messages, such as pictures or video) cannot be sent over a short code for mobile giving. However, a download link to a mobile-friendly site is always an option. PREMIUM SWEEPSTAKES AND RAFFLE CAMPAIGNS ON A SHORT CODE PROVISIONED FOR MOBILE DONATIONS ARE NOT SUPPORTED BY THE U.S. WIRELESS CARRIERS, THE MGIVE FOUNDATION, OR MGIVE.COM. NO EXCEPTIONS. Other types of supported SMS campaigns include: - Polling - Community Building Sweepstakes - Contests - Couponing
Can I demo the text message donation process?
Yes. Simply text the word DEMO to the number 50555 to make a demo donation of $0. (Msg&Data Rates May Apply)
Who is your target audience for collecting mobile donations?
A target audience depends greatly on those who support your cause. Typically, commercial mobile participation rates are highest among younger, urban and minority populations (though that curve is flattening). We see similar demographics within the mobile giving channel, and one would be hard pressed to find a more underrepresented crowd in your donor pool than the typical mobile participant. Mobile giving is about acquiring and cultivating new supporters. People who might otherwise prefer not to engage with your organization now have the opportunity not only to interact with you, but also give to your organization. Mobile fundraising allows you to reach a larger, more diverse audience and offer them the opportunity to act quickly, easily and on their terms.
How long does it take to launch a mobile giving campaign?
The launch of your mobile giving campaign is determined by three factors: 1. Completion and submission of The mGive Foundation application and supporting documents through the mGive.com document upload center 2. The vetting and approval of your organization by the The mGive Foundation (typically one business day provided all information is complete) 3. Campaign submission and approval from the carriers. Your mobile donation keyword will be live on all participating wireless carriers within two weeks of The mGive Foundation approval. We will go ahead and enroll you into the mGive onboarding process so that you can begin planning your mobile strategy.
How long does it take for a mobile donation to reach the intended cause or charity?
The distribution of funds is based upon the individual carrier’s billing and payout schedule. This is typically within 60-90 days, depending on the date a mobile donation was made. Funds generated from your mobile donation campaign are remitted to The mGive Foundation by the wireless carriers, which then passes 100% of those funds along to your organization – along with a detailed remittance report for each donation campaign you have.
Can a mobile donor give more than once?
Yes. There are two mobile donation campaign options: $5 or $10. Your organization will determine the amount(s) to be collected when registering with mGive and creating their first keyword. Mobile donors can always give more than once - up to $25-$30 per keyword - per mobile bill cycle (varies by wireless carrier).
Does the mGive per-message fee (.35 cents + 3.5%) cover or include The mGive Foundation fee?
Yes. Part of each transaction fee goes to help The mGive Foundation maintain operations.
How many text message donations can be made at one time? Is it possible for thousands to come in within a short timeframe without overwhelming the system?
Our proprietary Evo2 mGive system is certified to handle 5,000 messages per second and over a million transactions per minute. If you are anticipating a large volume of messages, please notify your mGive Account Manager so they can actively work with you on your campaign.
Do you offer an iFrame donation tool, or a similar product, where I can collect mobile donations through my website?
Yes. With each mGive package we offer a variety of Flash-based and iFrame widgets and tools to collect mobile donations and register users for mobile updates.

Mobile Marketing

Nonprofit Approvals

Why does the check I receive come from The mGive Foundation?
The mGive Foundation www.mgive.org is a 501(c)(3)organization separate from mGive. The mGive Foundation is responsible for distributing funds collected through mobile donations.
Why does the The mGive Foundation require so many documents along with the The mGive Foundation application?
The mGive Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that works with mGive and the wireless carriers in order to help preserve the integrity of the mobile giving channel. The mGive Foundation is responsible for vetting each 501(c)(3) organization that wishes to participate in mobile giving. This protects all parties involved and assures donors and wireless carriers that participating charities are all in good standing. You can upload all the required documents right from your mGive.com dashboard once you have registered as an mGive client.
Is there any leeway on the requirement that nonprofits be registered with the IRS for at least one year before applying to receive mobile donations?
No. There are strict requirements for every nonprofit interested in pursuing a mobile giving campaign.
My company is awaiting 501(c)(3) approval by the IRS. Is there anything can we do to accept mobile donations in the mean time?
No. You must be a 501(c)(3) in good standing for at least one year to collect mobile donations. If your nonprofit organization does not yet qualify, please contact an mGive Account Executive (hyperlink) in order to learn about alternative programs that may empower your organization to start building a community of mobile supporters via standard rate (non-donation) mobile campaigns.
Do you have information about mobile fundraising for nonprofits that are not 501(c)(3) status?
At this time, only 501(c)(3) organizations have been authorized to use the mobile giving channel. We do offer mobile services to nonprofit organizations outside of donations. Contact us for more information.
Are mGive services only extended to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations?
At this time, only 501(c)(3) organizations are able to utilize mGive services.
My organization does not meet the The mGive Foundation annual revenue requirement. Are there any exceptions for smaller nonprofits?
Not at this time. The mGive Foundation and the wireless carriers established these benchmarks to get the giving channel started in the U.S. However, if you are interested in a mobile engagement strategy that does not require fundraising, we may be able to help. Contact an mGive Account Executive (HYPERLINK= to Sales list) for more information.

Other

What is SMS or Text Messaging?
A message sent via a Short Message Service (SMS); 160 characters long including spaces. Commonly referred to as a text message or txt. Text messaging is versatile across all mobile devices and can be used to drive instant communication, information exchange and more.
What is a keyword?
A keyword is a word sent in the body of a text message to a short code. Keywords trigger a donation or mobile community opt-in message through the mGive system from a nonprofit organization. For example, DEMO is the keyword in the call-to-action “Text DEMO to 50555 to give $0”. (Msg&Data rates may apply)
How can I access my Login information and/or change my personal information (address, etc…) with you?
Simply Log In, click on the “My Account” tab at the top use the links on the left.
Can my nonprofit organization create separate or segmented “mobile” lists?
Yes. Every mGive package includes at least one donation keyword and at least one mobile community keyword. Your mGive Account Manager will work with you on ways to segment lists to help drive your mobile strategy to success. mGive provides the ability to create, segment and manage your lists for more personal and targeted messages as your community grows.
Is it possible to become a reseller of mGive's services?
While we typically do not allow others to resell our services, there are unique opportunities where it does make sense. For more information on partnerships with mGive, please contact us.
Do you have a system that my organization can use to pass collected mobile numbers from our system over to yours?
Yes. If you are a current client, please contact your mGive Account Manager, who will assist in setting up a list management system.
How do I handle receipts?
The mobile phone bill can act as a receipt because the donation will appear on the bill as a separate line item recognized as a tax-deductible donation. Receipts can also be viewed and printed at mGive.org/R.
Can someone outside of the U.S. make a mobile donation?
At this time, the mGive system is only available in the US.
Is the reporting in real time?
The mGive system does report in near-real time. However, it is important to note that the donation amounts reported in mGive.com are considered pledges. A pledge does not become a fulfilled donation until that supporter pays their mobile phone bill in full.
What is a short code?
A short code replaces a traditional phone number; it is the number a keyword is texted to in order to initiate a donation or opt-in message through the mGive system from a nonprofit organization. Example: In the call-to-action “Text MGIVE to 50555,” 50555 is the short code and MGIVE is the keyword. (Msg&Data rates may apply)