Marcel LeBrun, CEO of Radian6, has a philosophy for businesses, organizations, causes and even individuals - "Listen and Engage At the Point of Need."  And the immediate need facing the people of Haiti is being heard.   Since the earthquake tragedy that has devastated the country - people across the globe have rallied and coordinated efforts to engage and support where they can.
 
From international relief efforts led by the Red Cross to last Friday's "Hope for Haiti Now" live telethon - coordinated and shown simultaneously by leading broadcast and cable stations along with CNN's Anderson Cooper live from Haiti - support for the People of Haiti and families across the world is emerging.

Also, as part of the Haiti relief efforts, a host of initiatives in digital fundraising have emerged. This 60-second podcast showcases examples of mobile giving, social network philanthropy, online gaming for charity, and canvassing through text messaging.


These new trends are solidifying their role onto the world stage to aid those in need.  Microgiving through mobile devices and harnessing the talent and passion of technologists to help address fundamental communications needs for supporters to reach and help family members affected by the earthquake tragedy.
    
In response to the tragedy in Haiti, microgiving via texting has resulted in more than $30 million in donations for Haiti relief efforts.  Microgiving has emerged as the most immediate form of personal giving during this tragedy because it is easy for many people to donate a small amount, such as $5 or $10 at a time.  Last week, American Red Cross spokeswoman Abi Weaver noted that Americans have tapped out rapid-fire donation messages to the relief agency at the rate of about $100,000 an hour.

However, its important to remember, monetary transactions via mobile were originally developed as a way of paying for content and downloads.  Short code payments were never designed as a means for immediate donations.  Typically operators bill their customers for the transaction at the end of the month, and once bills are paid, the funds are then paid out to the recipient, whether charity or developer.  There is an encouraging movement to help address this delay issue.

Due to the immediate need for the relief dollars though, Verizon Wireless and other operators have begun advancing the funds directly to the Red Cross.  There is also a movement among Wireless carriers Verizon, ATT, Sprint and T-Mobile to waive any fees for earthquake relief donations.

I believe Jim Manis, CEO with Mobile Giving Foundation, summed the mobile movement up best: "Consumers know they have a new channel available to them to help immediately after a disaster occurs, one that allows to them to act on their immediate emotion."  

Mobile-based Haiti relief efforts may have become a tipping point where the repercussions and applications will be felt long afterwards.  The same heart felt draw that led the millions to immediately pledge their support to Haiti support could be tapped in non-disaster situations.  Other pubic service announcements and even advertisements may start to point people directly to short codes rather than have them call hotlines or enter a URL in a web browser for the simplicity, immediacy and ease of the transaction could promote a huge spike in charitable giving.

Photo Credit: International Federation of Red Cross