In recent years, traditional models of philanthropic giving have been eclipsed by new ways of making donations. The change is linked most closely to an increase in the use of cell phones. Across the country, from San Antonio to New York to LA, About one-third of Americans now use their mobile devices as their primary means of accessing the Internet. Mobile technology has replaced checks and plastic cards as the primary means of paying one’s bills and making purchases, and the same holds true for philanthropic giving.
Mobile campaigns have targeted such wide-ranging issues as entrepreneurship to spur economic development in East Africa and increase the ability of teachers in the United States to have a real impact on the lives of their students. PayPal remains a major driver of this new trend. From December 2011 to December 2012, the total value of mobile donations made through PayPal increased by 242 percent.
By tracking trends like the shift toward mobile giving, philanthropic causes can create better and more targeted campaigns that ultimately result in greater support for individuals in need around the world.
Mobile campaigns have targeted such wide-ranging issues as entrepreneurship to spur economic development in East Africa and increase the ability of teachers in the United States to have a real impact on the lives of their students. PayPal remains a major driver of this new trend. From December 2011 to December 2012, the total value of mobile donations made through PayPal increased by 242 percent.
By tracking trends like the shift toward mobile giving, philanthropic causes can create better and more targeted campaigns that ultimately result in greater support for individuals in need around the world.