Donating to charity from a mobile phone

Charities have been quick to realise the impact that mobile phones and smartphones can have on their causes, allowing generous people the world over to make a difference with only minimal effort.

So even if you don’t have time to bake cakes or train for a charity fun run, you can still do your bit. Your mobile phone is the key to helping charities raise money and support for some of the world’s most deserving issues.

Charity donations via text message

In the last few years the number of charities accepting financial donations via text message has increased substantially, so it’s now easier than ever to give a one-off donation to, an earthquake appeal on the other side of the world, for example.

Donating to charity is extremely simple - you simply text a specific word to a specially created number. The donation amount is usually fixed, with the sum added to your phone bill. Some operators will also charge you for the price of the text though.

If you’re a pay-monthly customer then the donation will, in most cases, only be passed across to the charity when you pay the bill. So your cause could be waiting several weeks before it gets the money. Pay-as-you-go customers should see the amount debited instantly from available credit.

Keep your eye out for short-term text donation services in the wake of disasters, such as the Japanese earthquake. But if you’d rather donate when you feel like it then consider:

• JustTextGiving - make donations to one of over 1,000 UK charities by texting a free number. You can give up to £10
• Lifeline for the Homeless - make a £2 donation by texting the word “home” to 70099
• Oxfam - donate to by texting “donate” to 70066.

Charity smartphone apps

Some of the largest global charities have also launched free smartphone apps that, in addition to taking donations, let you see how and where the money will be spent or get involved with charity work in other ways.

Popular charity smartphone apps include:

• JustGiving - if you’re signed up for a charity fun run then this app helps you quickly and easily see how much friends and family have donated. You can also upload photos and share your progress over Twitter and Facebook
• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home - view the live list of needy animals and donate to the registered charity directly from your smartphone
• AiCandle - Amnesty International’s app lets you take part in international campaigns, appeals for action and petitions directly from your smartphone
• Touch To Give - make a donation to charities connected with animal rescue, breast cancer and hunger relief.

Recycle your old phone for charity

If you’re thinking of buying a new mobile phone then recycling your old handset and giving the proceeds to charity is a great way of raising money without hurting your own pocket.

The Compare and Recycle website lets you nominate a charity and recycle your phone in two simple steps. The money earned is then sent directly to your nominated charity.

It’s worth noting that some phone recycling websites pay slightly less for your phone when the proceeds are being sent directly to charity. So your chosen cause could be better off if you went down the traditional phone recycling route and then simply donated the money you made.

Read our guide to mobile phone recycling.

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