I love my BlackBerry and my iPad. Each of these mobile devices have added some fun and functionality to my life that I only saw on TV shows growing up. It’s amazing to think about how these tools will develop over the next 5, 10, and 20 years.

As a leader of a non-profit organization, I couldn’t overlook the fact that more than $40 million was raised via text messages shortly after the Haiti earthquake. That’s a lot of money. We’ve also had tremendous success offering our donors the option to give via text message.

I do, however, approach this subject with some caution. I want to know who my donors are. I want to know their names and what’s important to them. Anyone who gives over $500 today, receives a call directly from me. Many non-profit leaders only reserve that type of interaction for the largest givers. I believe it’s vitally important that we know who our donors are and respond to their needs and desires.

Text-message giving makes having a personal interaction with your donor virtually impossible. Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m grateful for any and all donations that help Soles4Souls accomplish its goal to distribute shoes to every person in need. My only hesitation (not complaint or frustration) is that I no longer have the option of reaching out to them when someone gives via text-message.

Harvard University’s recent study on the mobile giving habits by age group confirmed what I already knew: younger donors tend to be more willing, open, and prefer text-message giving methods. I was, however, surprised to read that 26% of donors in their 20s mailed a donation in the past two years.

My hope is that over time those who choose to give via mobile platforms will naturally move to e-mail, Web, or even mail for donations. These options are worth growing into. They benefit the donor and Soles4Souls. When we know who you are:

1. We can tell you what we did with your donations rather than give you general information.
2. We can make you aware of opportunities to engage with the people directly impacted by your gift.
3. We can offer opportunities to co-create our strategy with us.

None of those options take place if we don’t know who the person is behind the text-message.

I’m in favor of text-message giving and have given to others via this giving option. While I do find myself conflicted at times over my desire to connect with the donor and the safe distance a text-message gives to the giver, I appreciate the gift and hope that it is the beginning of a lasting relationship that develops through more meaning giving channels.