Wikipedia is one of the best known websites on the Internet, but did you know it’s actually run by a non-profit called the Wikimedia Foundation? Thanks to the generous support of donors over the years, Wikipedia has been able to keep their invaluable service running for us all to use. Wikipedia also runs a fantastic mobile version of their web site, optimized for small phone screens and mini web browsers.

Mobile Commons is thrilled to announce that we’re working with Wikimedia Foundation to power their new text-to-give mobile fundraising campaign. By simply texting the word WIKI to 25383, Wikipedia users can immediately give $10 to the foundation. U.S. visitors to the mobile version of Wikipedia will see a small call-to-action asking them to support Wikipedia just by sending a text.

How Does it Work?
Through a special partnership with the mobile carriers and the Mobile Giving Foundation, Mobile Commons is able to collect charitable donations via text message without the carriers taking a percentage of the transaction. Typically, when users pay for a ringtone or wallpaper with their mobile phone, the carriers take a fee, which isn’t ideal for non-profits trying to raise money.

The end-user experience is incredibly simple. First, users send a text message to a special 5-digit short code that has been approved by the carriers for charitable donations. They then receive a text message back asking to confirm their donation. At the end of the month, a $5 or $10 charge shows up on their phone bill and the organization gets the donation.