Petition: SMS fundraising

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Premium SMS not the be all and end all

WASPs can cover the full range of operator offerings and a non profit WASP should certainly attempt to cover more than just free from charges premium SMS. If you look at any of the TV/Online ads now most WASPs don't actually use the actual premium SMS product - they use shortcodes linked to online billing systems for subscriptions. Many services such as reversed billed SMS, IVR and USSD could be of great use to NPOs if made available in a low cost/easy to use package. Any representative non-profit WASP should look at the range of WASP services and look at securing the best possible deals for registered NPOs from all operators - it should also lobby for zero rated data zones for specific mobile based initiatives (e.g. mHealth / mEducation) due to the immense potential this has for social development and empowerment.
Monday, August 30, 2010 - 13:37
We are requesting that the mobile operators (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom) and their affiliates - including WASPS and service providers in South Africa - combine to enable short code donations where 100% of the donation is received by the Non-Profit. In order to achieve this we propose: Operators agree to forward 100% of donations given via these shortcodes to the Non-Profits (via the non-profit WASP) A set of shortcodes be allocated by operators for the exclusive use of non-profits. SANGONeT and other interested NGOs establish a non-profit WASP (similar to Mobile Giving Foundation) in the US) to vet and process applications by non-profits, and to ensure that only bona-fide organisations benefit. This organization could also be responsible for dispersal of funds. The Non-Profit WASP and all users of its short codes would agree to abide by WASPA rules concerning marketing, maximum levels of donations, privacy and other issues. We need to build substantial support for this proposal in order to convince mobile operators of the need to change how sms donations are treated. Please pledge your support to this campaign by filling out the form below:
Please select this this option if you are making a commitment on behalf of your organisation. Please do not check this box if you are making this commitment in your personal capacity.

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