Mobile giving FAQ’s from #RedCross

Q Will my wireless carrier charge me for text messaging to 90999?
A When you text the word “HAITI” to 90999 you donate $10 to the Red Cross. A
onetime $10 donation will be added to your phone bill. Depending on your carrier
agreement, message and data rates may apply. Reportedly, Verizon Wireless and
AT&T have both agreed to donate the cost of the back-and-forth text messages. Your
$10 donation will appear on your regular monthly mobile phone bill.

Q Is there a processing fee for the company hosting this service?
A Mobile Accord and mGive have generously donated their fees.

Q Has this kind of program been done before?
A Yes. In the past, the Red Cross has raised funds for domestic disasters through a
program called Text2Help. Text2Help initiative is a partnership between the Red Cross
and the Wireless Foundation.

Q  What’s the strategy behind the text donations?
A  Mobile giving is a fast and convenient way for people to make a donation that can
help save the day for people in need, and this effort has proven to be especially popular
in social media such as Twitter and Facebook. The American Red Cross is deeply
grateful to be the beneficiary of this opportunity created by the State Department and
powered by Mobile Accord and the MGive Foundation.

Q  How many times can someone make a text donation via 90999?
A  Two or three times.  AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers can donate three times.  If you
wish to donate more than $20 or $30, please visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED
CROSS.

Q  Are there other ways to donate larger amounts?
A  Yes.  If you would like to make a larger donation, please visit redcross.org or call 1-
800-RED CROSS.

Q  Why do you think people want to give this way?
A  It’s easy and convenient to donate using your mobile phone. A donation can be
made from any place you get a signal and you don’t have to enter in a lot of information
to give a quick and meaningful gift. Raising this amount of money $10 at a time is a true
testament to the generosity of the American people. The success of the mobile
campaign shows the powerful impact and opportunity this channel can have on
fundraising. The needs in Haiti are tremendous and we thank the people who continue
to donate and help the American Red Cross meet that need.

Q  How will people know that this texting program is legitimate?
A  The principal organizations behind the 90999 program (i.e., The State Department,
mGive Foundation, Mobile Accord, and The American Red Cross) have made public
statements to confirm their involvement in this special program. To document your
donation, after you send a text message you will receive a confirmation text that asks
you to reply “YES” if you intend to give a $10efforts.  A thank you text will follow.

Q  How did the text “Haiti” to 90999 mobile giving program come about?
A  The State Department worked with The mGive Foundation, Mobile Accord, CTIA
(CTIA-The Wireless Association) and The American Red Cross to set up an immediate
system to channel contributions for relief directly through cell phones. Quickly providing
necessary resources to assist with relief efforts is vital. Understanding that Americans
are eager to do their part to help, mGive, participating wireless service providers, and
the American Red Cross have created an easy and efficient way for their subscribers to
lend their support.

Q  Why is the State Department sponsoring mobile giving?  What is their role?
A  The State Department worked with The mGive Foundation, Mobile Accord, CTIA
(CTIA-The Wireless Association) and The American Red Cross to set up an immediate
system to channel contributions for relief directly through cell phones. The American
Red Cross is deeply grateful to be the beneficiary of this opportunity created by the
State Department and powered by Mobile Accord and the MGive Foundation.

Q  Why is the mobile donation fixed or limited to $10 dollars?
A  Current carrier and Mobile Marketing Association guidelines stipulate offering either
$5 and or $10 options.

Q  What happens after a donor opts in to receive additional news from the Red
Cross?
A  After your donation and acknowledgement, you will then receive one more text
asking you to reply with YES if you want to receive text updates from the Red Cross.
You do not need to reply to this message if you do not wish to receive updates. If you
DO want to receive text updates you will need to reply with YES. Red Cross can
communicate with opt in donors up to 4 times per month via text.

Q  How do I get a tax receipt for this donation?
A  Go to www.mgive.org/receipt and enter your mobile number. A PIN number will be
sent via text to your phone and you will need to enter it on the site where requested.
You will then be able to see confirmation of all donations you have made via the mobile
phone number that was entered. You can print a receipt for your records that can also
be treated as the official donation receipt for tax purposes.

Q  Will anyone other than the Red Cross have access to the donor data from the
90999 program?
A  Only mGive, working under an agreement with the Red Cross, and the Red Cross
have access to the donor information.

Q  Can people outside the US give using 90999?
A  Only US wireless subscribers can donate this way.

Q  How much money has the Red Cross raised via mobile giving for Haiti
Earthquake relief?
A  As of Friday morning, January 15, the text “Haiti” to 90999 program has raised more
than $8 million.  The Red Cross continues to receive donations for relief in Haiti.  You
can make a donation to the Red Cross by texting “Haiti” to 90999, visiting redcross.org
or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Q  How much has Red Cross raised via mobile versus other giving vehicles?
A  In the 48 hours since the earthquake struck in Haiti the American public pledged
more than$37 million specifically for this response and we are thankful for this
unprecedented outpouring of support. More than half of the total donations have been
through online contributions, with strong support as well from corporations and the
unprecedented activity over the past two days in mobile giving.

Q  How quickly does the Red Cross receive the donations after the donor text
messages the number?
A  The carriers and Mobile Accord will work to get the Red Cross these donations as
quickly as possible.  It can take anywhere from 60-90 days for the Red Cross to get
these funds.  Despite this delay in receiving funds, the American Red Cross will
continue to provide relief in Haiti and these donations will cover expenses incurred after
the fact.

Q  What challenges does mobile giving address for the Red Cross?
A  By accepting donations through the mobile sphere, the Red Cross can reach a wider
audience during times of disaster when support is needed immediately. Supporters are
not limited to writing a check and putting their gift in the mail nor having immediate
computer access and entering in credit card information – the donation can be made
instantly from a mobile phone.