OFA First Political Campaign in History to Accept
Text Message Donations
CHICAGO -- As part of its ongoing effort to build the largest grassroots campaign in history, Obama for America announced today that it will be the first political campaign in history to accept small-dollar donations via text message.
Following FEC advisory opinions issued in June and August, supporters with mobile phones on supported carriers will now be able to text “GIVE” to 62262, OFA's text short code, to quickly make small contributions, not exceeding $50 during any billing cycle for most carriers.
“Grassroots giving is powering this campaign,” said OFA Campaign Manager Jim Messina. “Since April 2011, more than 2.7 million people have pitched in to own a piece of the President’s campaign, and last month 98 percent of donors gave less than $250. Accepting small donations by text message will help us engage even more grassroots supporters who want to play a role by donating whatever they can afford to the campaign – and get the President re-elected in November.”
The service will begin for Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular customers starting this week, and with other carriers, including AT&T, anticipated to approve in the near future. Text message contributors will see their donations charged to a given month’s wireless bill.
OFA intends to promote this convenient new avenue of small-dollar donations when supporters are most likely to take out their mobile phones to contribute. For instance, a video screen at a grassroots event with President Obama could flash a message such as, “To contribute $10 to Obama for America, text GIVE to 62262.” A similar message could appear in a web video or on a piece of campaign literature.
This campaign’s strength has always come from the millions of grassroots supporters nationwide who are organizing their communities every day, and this function is another easy, low-barrier way for supporters to help build OFA’s unprecedented grassroots organization across the country. As we push through the last 100 days of this election, we remain focused on making this campaign as accessible as possible to the small-dollar donors that are the heart and soul of our organization.
Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible. Contribution charged to your cell phone bill. Must be 18 or older. Standard message and data rates may apply. Up to 6 msgs/mth from Obama for America. Additional information at http://ofa.bo/t. For help, text HELP. To cancel messages, text STOP.
