The Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF) announced that Qualcomm Incorporated
through its Wireless Reach(TM) initiative, has become the
organization’s founding patron to fulfill the MGF’s mission to create a
single “mobile giving channel” that allows more than 250 million wireless
users in the U.S. to make charitable contributions instantly through SMS
from their cell phones.
The MGF will facilitate charitable giving across wireless operators by acting as the messaging gateway, compliance entity, billing settlement and records clearinghouse between operators and participating charities. By using text messaging, donors can choose to send a small donation in support
of specific causes. These transactions will be recorded on the donor’s
wireless bill, with the MGF providing data feeds that will allow annual
notifications showing total contributions per donor, if desired.
“The generous support of Qualcomm and our contributors gives us the
financial underpinning to enable the mobile channel for charitable giving
through mobile phones,” said Jim Manis, founder of the MGF. “We believe the
ease of use and immediate response inherent in wireless communication will
have a very positive effect on fundraising efforts of charitable groups,
expand the U.S. base of giving and enable people to support their favorite
causes through a new channel committed to the highest standards.”
"Qualcomm is proud to be a founding patron of this effort," said Shawn
A. Covell, senior director of International Government Affairs for
Qualcomm. “The Company’s Wireless Reach initiative seeks to empower
communities through advanced wireless technologies and is committed to
innovations that redefine the way people interact with their world. We
support the mission of the MGF because it creates a new way for mobile
users to connect with charitable organizations that matter most to them.”
Manis, a wireless industry veteran who was instrumental along with the
U.S. wireless operators in launching wireless giving campaigns following
Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, has been working to
establish the MGF since 2007. Prior to Qualcomm’s participation, Manis and
a group of other wireless executives had achieved 501(c)3 tax exempt
status, enlisted significant wireless industry participation and certified
the participation of many non profit organizations.
The use of the mobile giving channel was tested during the Super Bowl
game in Arizona this February. United Way ran a single, 10-second spot to
encourage donations via text messaging to an anti-childhood obesity
campaign and was phenomenally successful according to Michael Schreiber,
CEO of United eWay.
Other campaigns utilizing text message responses to fundraising appeals
are currently underway, including the American Society for Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which can be supported by texting “give” to
27722, and singer Alicia Keys’ “Keep a Child Alive” campaign to fight AIDS
in Africa, which can be supported by texting “alive” to 90999.
In addition to Qualcomm's donation, the MGF has received additional
founding sponsorships from 1024 Wireless Services, Acta Wireless, Hook
Mobile, Mobile Accord and VeriSign. The foundation is attempting to raise a
$1 million operating budget for each of the next two years, and is planning
to launch a formal fundraising effort at the MMA Mobile Marketing Forum at
the Marriott Marquis Times Square Hotel in New York City on June 11, 2008.
About the Mobile Giving Foundation
The Mobile Giving Foundation is enabling the mobile channel for
charitable giving by providing the organizational layer, operational
guidelines and technical infrastructure for non profit organizations and
donors to use the incredible power and convenience of mobile technology.
For further information, please refer to the MGF Web site at
http://www.mobilegiving.org/.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm believes access to advanced wireless voice and data services
improves people’s lives. The Company’s Wireless Reach initiative supports
programs and solutions that bring the benefits of connectivity to
developing communities globally. By working with partners, Wireless Reach
projects create new ways for people to communicate, learn, access health
care and reach global markets. For more information, please visit
http://www.qualcomm.com/wirelessreach.