“The enormous support we’ve received from the LGBT community has been incredibly gratifying,” said Nick Lepetsos, Philanthropy Ventures LLC, Founder/CEO and EqualityCard creator. “We started this company with a single vision to bring to market a product that helps LGBT non-profit organizations execute their visions through this new and unique revenue source. We are elated that we’ve already begun doing that for so many organizations in the short period of time since our launch. As I’ve said many times, there is a limitless potential for giving in this world, and we are determined to play a role in realizing that potential for the LGBT movement.”
EqualityCard started with just over a dozen non-profit LGBT affiliates. In the last few months that number has grown to nearly 30 affiliates with more joining each day. Non-profit affiliates are able to add their profiles to EqualityCard’s™ non-profit donation portal, which allows EqualityCard members to browse and select non-profits that will be receiving 1 percent of the proceeds of all of their purchases. Some of those national and local organizations include: the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, The Trevor Project, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, Family Equality Council, the NYC LGBT Center, Circle of Voices Inc., SunServe in South Florida, The Transgender Law Center, The Hetrick-Martin Institute, The Alexander Foundation, COLAGE, and many others. Our two newest partners are: GMHC, the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy and The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the national organization that bolsters the strength of local LGBT activism in rural enclaves, small towns, and cities nationwide.
“We are excited about our new partnership with EqualityCard ,” said the Task Force’s Executive Director, Rea Carey. “EqualityCard has demonstrated its commitment to helping us raise funds to grow our vital grassroots programs throughout the country. The card will bring a welcome new income stream and help us advance our mission to secure full equality for LGBT people. So when you use your Equality card, you’re accessing all the services of VISA and investing in a great cause.”
“The potential to generate added revenue from EqualityCard will prove critical as GMHC continues the fight to end to the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected,” said GMHC Managing Director of Development Bruce Anderson.
EqualityCard has also begun partnering with businesses from within the LGBT community, including the New York City based, Classic Travel, one of the premier companies in the luxury travel business. When consumers book hotels on classictravel.com using the EqualityCard , they’ll receive a number of benefits including: Noon check-in upon arrival, when available, room upgrade upon arrival, when available, daily breakfast for two people, 4 PM late check-out, and additional special amenities unique to each property, such as a $100 food and beverage credit or a massage for two people.
EqualityCard’s newest business partner is PrideShack, on online retailer specializing in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender jewelry, gifts, apparel, and merchandise. PrideShack offers EqualityCard members discounts and exclusive coupons and offers at the PrideShack.com
online store.
EqualityCard fully expects to continue adding more non-profit affiliates throughout the next year and looks forward to bringing LGBT organizations added funding to help them pursue their unique missions. The company also anticipates growing its merchant partners to bring cardholders even more unique savings and benefits. EqualityCard connected with the LGBT and allied community at the GLBT Expo in New York City in March and at LGBT Pride month events in Denver and San Francisco in June. The EqualityCard team will participate in the Denver, Colorado AIDS Walk on August 16.
To learn more about EqualityCard , visit www.equalitycardproject.com
