Forward Thinking Nonprofits Implement Mobile Tools for Fundraising
As many of our readers know, BiddingForGood has been traveling the country to talk to nonprofits about mobile bidding. These seminars have been successful, as well as educational. Our recent Boston event was standing room only, with 200 nonprofit professionals engaged and armed with hours of questions how to incorporate mobile into their events.
It appears we are not alone. I recently came across a company called MobileCause and decided to reach out to them. I wanted to learn exactly what it is they do and how they view the world of nonprofits and mobile technology. They are a for-profit company with a mission to raise as much funds as possible for nonprofits. Sound familiar?
So what exactly does MobileCause do? The company empowers the nonprofit community with mobile giving, engagement, and CRM technology. The current MobileCause suite of services includes tools for Mobile Giving, Mobile Pledging, Mobile Polling, and Mobile Messaging.
During my call with Jeremy Koenig, Director of Marketing for MobileCause, I learned something interesting. I learned that their staff is similar to BiddingForGood’s staff; extremely dedicated and willing to go the extra mile for their mission.
I asked Jeremy why he thinks more nonprofit professionals are opening up to the world of mobile. His response is this: “The world has gone mobile and nonprofit leadership across the country is taking action to cultivate relationships with donors in new and effective ways.” He adds, “More nonprofits than ever before are using mobile tools to increase fundraising revenues and strengthen donor relationships.”
Jeremy is onto something here. In the history of BiddingForGood helping nonprofits raise funds with technology, never have we seen the level of engagement or the excitement that surrounds mobile. In a time where charitable giving is still at one of the lowest points in history and the need is greater than ever, nonprofits are warming up to the idea of change. Implementing new technology is becoming a part of their survival. Literally.
The stats surrounding mobile are astounding. Jeremy stated, “There are now more cell phones than personal computers and with email rates in sharp decline. “He adds, “Think about how many more cell phone calls and voicemails you received 5 years ago compared to today—and then compare that amount to the number of messages, images, links and videos you receive via your mobile phone."
For all the nonprofits out there that are thinking that they just aren’t ready for mobile yet (we hear this a lot), let me tell you: the time is now. The ratio of smart phones to standard cell phones is on the rise—which provides ever-increasing opportunity for mobile communication, mobile donation fulfillment, and yes, mobile bidding!
I chose to highlight MobileCause as a representative of "Goodness In Action” for two reasons. One, they are relevant in our space and prove how important mobile technology has become. Two, their staff is 100% dedicated to the nonprofit community and each MobileCause employee has experience with nonprofit causes in various sectors. (Again, sound familiar?)
At the end of the day, it is the power of great companies who use technology for social good that really makes a difference. There are strong technological trend lines for nonprofits these days. One day it is software, the next day it is mobile. I don’t know what is next, but I am happy to know that there are social entrepreneurs and tech geeks that do!
Want to learn more about MobileCause fundraising and engagement tools for nonprofits? Go to www.mobilecause.com/mobile-giving.html to learn more. You can also check out their portfolio of nonprofit causes from all sectors at www.mobilecause.com/blog.