Fair enough. But is the experience moving for the donor? Perhaps for some. Certainly, many will appreciate the speed and ease of mobile giving. Still. Some donors will be left wanting. What's missing?
Passion.
Remember what has become an adage about philanthropy being the mystical mingling of the joyful giver, artful asker, and grateful recipient? Hopefully we will continue to find ways to connect to the joy of giving even as we leverage new technology.
Since the American Red Cross initiated their "text to give" campaign in support of Haiti I've been intrigued with the idea and was surprised in how much they raised. For all of us working in philanthropy and development we focus on the relational rather than the transactional. But in organizations such as the one where I work, the transactional connection is an important aspect to fundraising events that, for the most part, raise funds through pledges. I would categorize special events to be transactional fundraising and philanthropy to be relational development. As I consider initiating a "text to give" campaign I see it as a vehicle that could be used in association with special events to increase the number of smaller gifts. I see the special event coordinators as working on this type of transaction and that the major gifts officers focus their efforts on philanthropy and building relationships with those who are deeply committed to the mission.
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