09/05/2011 Txt – the gr8 way to donate

Today Vodafone are officially launching  their new service JustTextGiving. 

For the very first time in the UK, hundreds of thousands of charities and fundraisers will be able to set up codes and collect donations using the simplicity and spontaneity of a text message.

And the really great bit…it’s totally free and anyone, on any network can use it – there are no set up or running costs for charities, no network charges for people making donations, and every penny raised, including Gift Aid, goes to the charity. It simply doesn’t get better than that!

From today registered charities can set up their code – called a VIC or Vodafone Individual code. In June we’ll be extending this to fundraisers – when they set up a JustGiving fundraising event page they’ll be able to set up a text code too.

How does it work?

Charities can take part by calling 0800 0521 081 or, if they’re a JustGiving member, by logging into their JustGiving account. Once they’ve set up and personalised their code they can start collecting donations of up to £10 at a time.

To donate to a charity you simply text their VIC and the amount you want to donate to 70070. You’ll then receive a thank you text which includes the option to claim GiftAid. The money donated is added to your bill, or deducted from your credit if you’re on pay as you go.

To help charities promote their VIC we’ve created an online support pack. Here they can download templates for things like leaflets and posters to print and add their code to, or get logos and other useful information if they’re designing their own.

Also, for the first six months we’re offering each charity a fully personalised pack of promotional material – professionally printed and delivered for free!

How are we telling people about it?

Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be writing to all of Britain’s 184,000 charities encouraging them to get involved. There’s also a new co.uk page where charities and fundraisers can find out more.

PR activity to support the launch has already started. Don’t forget, this is open to all registered charities – from schools and community groups, to hospices and animal sanctuaries.

Fundraising will never be the same again.

Find out more at http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-uk/about-us/just-text-giving/?cid=rdr-1306-01