 donated nearly $3 million to global charities since the start of 2024 and shows little to no signs of slowing down.){kind=link}
Blackhawk Network (BHN), a global branded payments leader, has donated nearly $3 million to global charities since the start of 2024 and shows little to no signs of slowing down.
According to a press release, the firm’s goodwill extended to 73 charities across four continents, accentuating its commitment to “empowering communities.” Per the statement, the exact figure doled out to the scores of charities hovers around the $2.7 million mark and could hit 3 million before the end of the year.
BHN’s giving strategy revolves around its Giving Good Gift Cards, a spin on traditional vouchers allowing holders to decide on where to redeem the gift. Introduced in 2020, BHN donates 3% of the value of the gift card to the firm’s charity partners of the recipient’s choosing.
In 2024, BHN’s 3% donations surged to $2.7 million with Habitat for Humanity and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital receiving over $1 million each.
Other recipients include the American Cancer Society, Feeding America, Make-A-Wish, and the Wounded Warrior Project. The ripple effect of BHN’s donation is far-reaching, contributing to the coffers of a range of charity organizations spanning continents.
“We’re passionate about supporting organizations that drive positive change and empowering individuals and businesses to make an impact,” said BHN CEO Talbott Roche. “Through our partnerships and philanthropic initiatives, we aim to create opportunities for generosity that resonate far beyond a single moment.”
The success of BHN’s Giving Good Gift Cards stems from its inherent design and
customizability perks. Prices hover between $25 and $500 without the hassle of additional fees while its customization features have seen it attract a wider demographic of users.
One study theorized that individuals would be more likely to purchase gift cards if there is a clear link to a charitable donation, a feature underlying BHN’s offerings. BHN disclosed that a chunk of the gift card purchases came from individuals while enterprises made up a small minority.
A culture of volunteering
A close look at the internal operations at BHN reveals a strong volunteering culture with the firm providing incentives for full-time staff. Per the announcement, full-time employees are offered 16 hours of paid volunteering time per year, urging them to give back to their local communities.
The presence of an internal employee recognition system allows staff to earn redeemable points that can be donated to charitable causes in the form of money. Since the launch of the point system, BHN employees have donated nearly $100,000 to a raft of charities in the US including Convoy of Hope, Samaritan’s Purse, and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.