Mobile giving is a HOT topic of conversation right now. In light of the impact this medium has had on giving to Haiti, every NPO is trying to understand how to understand, use, and harness the potential of the still-new but sure-to-stay platform for giving.

To guide your thinking and your conversation, I would recommend you read Washington Nonprofit Conference Roundup: Lively Q&A at Session on Mobile Fundraising. Here are some highlights:

1. In most cases, the nonprofit only receives the donor’s cell phone number, the date and time at which the text was sent, and the word that was texted to make the donation. Nonprofits can follow up with a text message asking the donor to reply “yes” if she wishes to receive further communication from the organization; however, Bailey said,  “way less than 5 percent” of donors opt in to receive further communication, likening this type of donation to placing cash in a Salvation Army kettle outside of a supermarket.

2. It typically takes about 60 to 90 days from the time the person texts the donation [for the organization to receive the funds].

3. Retainers and processing fees vary by vendor.

4. Most mobile carriers have a $30 monthly limit on the amount a customer can donate via text.