What is SMS or text messaging?
SMS stands for Short Message Service, commonly know to consumers as text messaging. The protocol is designed to send text messages to and from mobile phones. The messages may be up to 160 characters in length including spaces. Almost 100% of today’s phones can send and receive text messages!
What is a short code?
Similar to a telephone number, short codes are special 5 or 6 digit codes used to route text messages from mobile phones to interactive mobile messaging applications, typically in combination with a keyword. They are designed to be shorter to read and easier to remember than normal telephone numbers. Short codes also allow for billing and other unique forms of interaction via the mobile phone such as television voting, ordering ringtones, charity donations and mobile chat services.
What is a keyword?
Used in combination with a short code, a keyword is a word that differentiates a mobile campaign from others on the same short code. The keyword and short code combination allows mobile phone users to make a donation to MGF sponsored mobile donation campaign. For example, an organization called Clean Water Planet might choose the keyword WATER. In order to make a donation, mobile phone users would send the word WATER as the body of his or her text message e.g. to the short code 20222.
Is my donation a one-time payment or will I be charged on a monthly basis?
At this time, Mobile Giving Foundation does not support recurring text donations. All donations are one-time payments. To confirm the donations made from your wireless number or obtain a tax receipt, please visit our mobile donation report page at www.mobilegiving.org/taxreceipt. If you receive a recurring charge on your wireless statement, it is not from a Mobile Giving Foundation supported charity.
Which wireless carriers are currently supporting Mobile Giving Foundation programs?
Currently, this service is available through the following wireless operators: Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, Sprint/Nextel, T-Mobile USA, US Cellular, Cricket Communications, Cincinnati Bell and Cellular South.
