MobileCause began in 2006 as a text-to-give system, with billing handled by cell phone carriers. In June 2012, the company added mobile pledging, which allows users to send a text message to make a donation and then click through on their phones to pay with a credit card. Donors can also add a message, which is displayed on the “donation thermometer” in real time at the event. Donors instantly receive a text message response that thanks them for the donation and provides a link to click through to input credit card information. The mobile site also provides a “remember me” option, which allows the organization to save the donor's information and use it for future communication. For those who opt not to pay at the event, MobileCause provides call center staff who contact each donor a few days later to fulfill the payment over the phone. Pricing ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 for consulting services, plus a transaction fee of 50 cents and between 5 percent and 7.25 percent per donation.
Bidding for Good launched in 2003 and has managed more than 16,000 fund-raising auctions through its online platform and has added a mobile system so users can bid from their smartphones or tablets. Hosts can share a link to their auction before the event begins so users can input credit card information and browse items ahead of time. The system sends instant alerts to users who are outbid, and the programmable leaderboard can be used at the event to thank sponsors and highlight featured items. In the next month the company will add real-time data that will update as bids are made. Hosts can also opt to keep their auctions open after an event or open them to a broader audience on the Bidding for Good Web site, where users worldwide can shop for items by category. Bidding for Good charges $595 for a one-year subscription, plus a performance fee tied to the amount of online transactions.
