6 Charities You Can Donate To By Text - Easy Giving

The Rise of Text-to-Donate Campaigns

Following the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti in early 2010, text-to-donate initiatives proved remarkably effective, rapidly generating $10 million in aid. While the original Haiti campaign has concluded, the practice of donating via SMS continues.

Currently, similar donation-by-SMS programs are available to support disaster relief efforts in Japan and other regions impacted by the Pacific tsunami. Numerous non-profit organizations are now leveraging this convenient method for fundraising.

How Text-to-Donate Works

The simplicity of text-to-donate is a key factor in its success. Donating is a swift and straightforward process. Typically, after sending a text message to a designated number, a confirmation text is required to authorize the donation.

The donation amount is then conveniently added to your subsequent mobile phone bill. This streamlined approach makes charitable giving exceptionally accessible.

Charities Utilizing Text-to-Donate

Here are some prominent charities that accept donations via text message, though standard SMS charges from your carrier will still apply:

• American Red Cross: Provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education.
• Salvation Army: Offers a wide range of social services, including disaster relief and assistance to those in need.
• UNICEF: Works to protect the rights of children worldwide, providing healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid.
• CARE: Focuses on fighting global poverty and providing emergency relief.
• World Vision: Addresses poverty and injustice by providing sustainable solutions to communities in need.
• Habitat for Humanity: Builds affordable housing for families in need.

Important Note: While these organizations offer a convenient way to donate, remember that standard text messaging rates will apply.

The American Red Cross: Donation Information

The American Red Cross is a widely recognized organization, and a convenient method for US citizens to contribute financially is by texting “REDCROSS” to the number 90999. This action results in a $10 donation being made to the organization.

Donors are given a choice during the contribution process. They can direct their funds to aid victims of the earthquake and tsunami events impacting Japan and the wider Pacific region, or they can provide general support for the Red Cross’s ongoing initiatives.

Participating Mobile Carriers

A broad range of mobile network operators participate in this donation program. This includes the four largest national providers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

• Regional carriers such as U.S. Cellular and Cricket also support the initiative.
• It’s important to note that most wireless providers limit donations via text to a maximum of $30 per month, per keyword (like REDCROSS).

This text-to-donate option provides a quick and accessible way for individuals to offer financial assistance to the American Red Cross and support its humanitarian work.

Susan G. Komen For The Cure

Initially established as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, this organization currently stands as the most prominent and recognized breast cancer charity. Its primary focus is on funding vital breast cancer research, alongside providing crucial education, advocacy initiatives, and essential health services.

Key Areas of Impact

Susan G. Komen dedicates resources to social support programs throughout the United States. The organization is particularly recognized for its large-scale fundraising events.

Among these events, the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure is globally renowned. These races are held in numerous locations around the world, drawing significant participation and support.

Simple Donation Method

A convenient way to contribute $10 to Susan G. Komen is by sending the keyword “KOMEN” via text message to the number 90999. Donations are limited to a maximum of five contributions per monthly billing period.

This text-to-donate option provides a quick and accessible method for individuals to support the organization’s mission. Funds raised directly contribute to the advancement of breast cancer awareness and treatment.

Water.org

Individuals can contribute to Water.org by texting “POOPIN” to the number 27722, resulting in a $10 donation.

Water.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering assistance to developing regions lacking access to both safe water and proper sanitation facilities.

Mission and Co-founder

The primary objective of Water.org is to ensure universally available, safe drinking water.

This organization was co-established by actor and philanthropist Matt Damon, highlighting its commitment to global water security.

How Donations Help

Funds received through initiatives like the text-to-donate campaign are directly allocated to projects that improve water and sanitation infrastructure in underserved communities.

By supporting Water.org, donors contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for populations facing water scarcity challenges.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation

Established in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is dedicated to providing encouragement and happiness to children facing critical illnesses. These illnesses include life-threatening, degenerative, or malignant medical conditions.

The foundation achieves this by fulfilling the wishes of these children. Wishes can range from encounters with famous individuals to receiving specially designed spaces, such as a princess-themed bedroom.

How to Donate

Supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation is simple. A donation of $5 can be made by sending the text message “WISH” to the shortcode 90999.

This text-to-donate option offers a convenient way to contribute to the organization’s mission of bringing joy to children in need.

Make-A-Wish strives to create life-changing moments for children and their families during challenging times.

Keep A Child Alive

Support can be provided to Keep A Child Alive by texting “ALIVE” to the number 90999, resulting in a $5 donation.

This non-profit organization is dedicated to delivering vital medicine to families affected by HIV and AIDS across Africa and India.

Origins and Support

Keep A Child Alive was co-founded by renowned R&B artist Alicia Keys.

Keys actively participated in the “Digital Death” campaign, a unique fundraising initiative.

The Digital Death Campaign

The campaign involved a temporary digital withdrawal from social media platforms by several high-profile celebrities.

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Ryan Seacrest joined Alicia Keys in suspending their Twitter and Facebook activity.

This action was designed to encourage fans to donate to the charity in recognition of World AIDS Day.

Fundraising Goal

The “Digital Death” campaign aimed to achieve a fundraising target of $1 million.

Donations were sought to support Keep A Child Alive’s mission of providing essential medical resources.

Operation Smile

Established in 1982, Operation Smile functions as a non-profit medical organization dedicated to delivering surgical interventions for cleft lip and palate to children and teenagers worldwide.

A contribution of $240 is sufficient to finance a single surgery, profoundly altering the life of a child born with a cleft palate. This cost is notably lower than the price of many popular electronic devices.

Individuals can support Operation Smile by sending the keyword "SMILE" to the shortcode 90999, resulting in a $5 donation.

Supporting Through SMS

Further information regarding charities and educational institutions that facilitate donations via text message can be found on this dedicated page.

We encourage readers to share any additional charities accepting SMS donations in the comments section below.

Image Credit: Susan G. Komen For The Cure, Water.org, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Keep A Child Alive, Operation Smile, Shutterstock.

Operation Smile’s mission centers around providing access to safe, effective cleft palate surgery and related healthcare.

The organization’s work extends beyond surgical procedures, encompassing comprehensive cleft care solutions.

• Pre-operative evaluation
• Post-operative care
• Speech therapy

These services are crucial for ensuring optimal patient outcomes and long-term well-being.