UF to use text messaging to collect scholarship donations

November 5, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Mobile phone users can now make a donation to the University of Florida’s Florida Opportunity Scholars program from their seat in The Swamp, from their tailgate party in the parking lot, from their car, home, or anywhere mobile phone service is available. The Nov. 7 game versus Vanderbilt University was the first time this latest form of charitable giving was available at a UF football game.

It works by texting the letters “UF” to the number “90999,” and then confirming a $5 donation to the Florida Opportunity Scholars program. The donation is added to the person’s mobile phone bill or deducted from their prepaid balance.

The Florida Opportunity Scholars program provides funds to UF students who are Florida residents and come from families whose annual family income falls below $40,000. The funds are used to help pay for living expenses, books and supplies while in school. Currently 1,375 UF students benefit from the program.

In October 2008, UF President Bernie Machen announced that UF head football coach Urban Meyer and head men’s basketball coach Billy Donovan would lead a drive to raise $50 million for the program. Since the announcement, $8 million has been raised in gifts and pledges.