BATON ROUGE — Taking a leadership role in the move to incorporate mobile technology into the world of philanthropy, Capital Area United Way announced a new strategy designed to capture donations via text message. Over the past few months, United Way, LSU Athletics, and Diane Allen & Associates Advertising & Public Relations, Inc. have been collaborating on this unique fundraising opportunity.
Capital Area United Way is the one of the first non-profits in the United States to embrace the mobile giving channel allowing donors to connect with the organization and contribute funds through text messaging. Cell phone users will have the chance to instantly react to fundraising appeals and confirm their donation by simply sending a text message. The donation is charged to the donor’s regular monthly cell phone bill and is separated from other transactions and identified as a non-taxable donation.
On Saturday night in Tiger Stadium during the first timeout of the first quarter of the LSU-Auburn game, LSU Athletics and United Way will make an appeal to over 90,000 individuals in Tiger Stadium. Fans will be asked to simultaneously pick up their mobile phones and unite for what could be the largest, one-time contribution in the history of Capital Area United Way. This event, in this venue, on this scale, has never been attempted before, and could mark a new era in fundraising by redefining the way money is raised for organizations.
Anyone with a mobile phone can make a donation to the Capital Area United Way by sending the text message “LSU” to 8-6-4-8-3-3 to make a $5.00 donation. The one-time $5 donation will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your pre-paid balance.
If everyone in Tiger Stadium participates, close to $500,000 would be raised in a just a few minutes. The money could help provide services to those who need it most. For example, over 4.7 million meals could be distributed to the hungry or 10,000 therapy sessions would be available for disabled children. The list is endless and the overall need in the community is great.
The text to give campaign is open and available to accept mobile donations. The big push is for the Auburn game; however, United Way will continue to integrate the mobile effort into its marketing, advertising, and community outreach efforts.
Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of Capital Area United Way by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.mGive.com/A. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 864833.