1 in 10 Americans Make ‘Impulse’ Donations Via Text [STUDY] ~ Pare News

“Impulse decision” usually has a negative connotation — except when it comes to making charitable donations via text message.

A recent study shows that almost one in 10 Americans has donated via text— and that it was an impulse donation.

The Pew Research Center surveyed the response time for donations that came in via text message in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Three quarters (73%) of people surveyed who donated made their contribution the same day they heard about the campaign.

And 76% said they do little research before making the donation.

There are some major pluses to donating via text. No snail mailing checks or waiting on hold while you call-in to make a contribution. The speed at which money can come pouring into relief efforts with text donations could have a major impact on the recovery efforts, possibly helping solutions be implemented quicker.

Those who were surveyed for this study gave to the “Text for Haiti” campaign, which was promoted by Michelle Obama in a public service announcement shortly after the quake.

The campaign asked people to donate by texting “HAITI” to 9-0-9-9-9 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross’ relief effort in Haiti.

The American Red Cross had a similar program after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Currently, the Red Cross has an ongoing text donation program. Just text “REDCROSS” to the same number above (9-0-9-9-9) to make a $10 donation to the organization.

Nonprofits are utilizing social media and real-time tools to make giving easier and faster. The World Food Programme released a food calculator app that lets users type in their favorite food, serving size and estimated cost and the app shows you how many children that could feed, and then make a donation.

Last year, an iOS app called iSnooze was released that donates your money every time you hit the snooze button.

Have you ever texted to donate? Do you prefer it to other methods? Tell us in the comments.

More About: donations, haiti earthquake, michelle obama, texting

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