Amex Round-Up Pilot Makes Giving Simple: Non-profits Talk about Removing Barriers to Charitable Giving

To empower customers to support the organizations that align to their passions, American Express is teaming up with Philanthropi to pilot a new tool called Amex Round-Up™.

The new digital feature, which is being piloted with a small group of American Express U.S. Card Members, offers them the option to round up purchases to $1, $5 or $10 and contribute the extra funds to non-profits of their choice. These Card Members can choose from nearly two million charities to direct their support.

“Our Card Members care about giving back and the Amex Round-Up pilot creates the opportunity for them to drive meaningful contributions to the charities that align with their values. It helps make giving a part of everyday life,” said Lisa Yokoyama, Vice President and Head of Product for Amex Digital Labs.

Keith Leaphart, Founder & CEO, Philanthropi, added, “Today, philanthropy is still too inefficient for both everyday givers and the non-profits they are supporting. That’s why we have made it our mission at Philanthropi to remove the barriers to charitable giving, and our partnership with American Express will help so many non-profits continue the work that makes a positive impact on our communities.”

Charitable organizations eligible to receive grants through the Philanthropi platform

include Greater Philadelphia YMCA, Big Brothers and Big Sisters Independence, Breastcancer.org, and Hampton University. Non-profit leaders from these organizations share below how customer contributions through Phiilanthropi help their communities:

“Working with Philanthropi helps power our mission of connecting people to healthier lives,” said Chris Tomlin, Chief Development Officer at YMCA of Greater Philadelphia. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to get connected to American Express Card Members who want to fuel that mission through the Amex Round-Up pilot.”

 “We’re continuing to look for new ways to engage donors and incorporate frictionless options for giving. Each donation helps us offer more one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth,” said Marcus Allen, CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence.

“We rely on the generosity of our donors to carry out our mission of helping people understand the complexity of their breast cancer diagnosis and empowering them to make the best decisions for their lives.” said Hope Wohl, CEO at Breastcancer.org. “We believe Amex Round-Up will truly help our donors give back in an easier way by simply having the option to round up on purchases.”