Text-to-give is a convenient and quick way to donate to a charity. You simply text a keyword to a short code and a donation is added to your phone bill and given to a designated charity. 

But wait. Do you know how, when and where your money is going and feel sure that it will be used wisely? Before picking up your phone to text to give, here's what you need to know about texting-to-give or mobile giving.

Since your donation is collected through your normal cell phone billing cycle, according to Mobile Accord, a for-profit company that operates mobile donation campaigns through the mGive Foundation and the Mobile Giving Foundation, it can take up to 90 days before the intended charity will receive your donation. mGive Foundation recently tweeted that it is "working with cell phone carriers to reduce this window." 

It is also important to make sure that you give to an organization you trust. Do you feel confident that the organization has the infrastructure and the capacity to put your donation to good use effectively? Rather than making a decision based solely on emotional reaction to images on the news, make sure your gift will make the greatest difference. Our online Giving Guide provides information about charities that you can access easily and quickly. Be sure to also check out tips on giving smart in times of disasters and the list of organizations providing disaster relief in response to the Haiti earthquake.

We all have the power to make positive changes and ease the suffering of others. If you are able to, please join with the millions of people who are acting now to give generously to support these critical relief efforts. By working together, we can have a greater impact and make a difference.