Just one year after becoming one of the first mobile donation apps approved for Apple’s app store, CoinUP has been recognized for charting new territory in technology and philanthropy. The mobile app’s CEO, Leena Patidar, recently accepted the “2017 Start Up Tech of the Year” Pinnacle Award from Athena San Diego, a prestigious women’s organization supporting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Patidar is thrilled to be recognized by a group of dynamic women leaders that set the pace of STEM in San Diego. Of course, the 700 members of the audience were encouraged to download the Coin Up mobile donation app so they could start steering their virtual pocket change to the numerous nonprofits.
“Getting this recognition from Athena was such a powerful affirmation for me and the success of CoinUP,” Patidar said. “I can’t thank the women behind Athena enough. The experience and award help me reflect on the importance of building a company like Coin Up that is authentic and transparent in our giving environment.” Athena’s Annual Pinnacle Awards brings together hundreds of leaders in STEM and business to inspire, network and advance the mission of encouraging young women. This year’s 19th annual ceremony celebrated “the art of the possible.”
Coin Up allows users to channel their virtual spare change to qualified nonprofits, and see the real impact their donations make for a cause they are passionate about. Users of CoinUP can round up their transactions on any credit or debit card and direct the funds to an organization of their choice on the app – making an impact on the go every month. Think of the spare change that has collected in your car over the years, and everyone else’s car and couch cushions. It all adds up. Coin Up’s ability to aggregate each person’s virtual change and bundle it all together is a game-changer as we all move towards a “cashless” society. As the app continues to grow, so does its giving power with almost 150 national and regional charities. Coin Up users are empowered to make a difference in the world with every purchase, a nickel and dime at a time.
Some of the organizations that have Coined Up include Crescent Moon Foundation, founded by NFL Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon to provide for the educational pursuits of children that are most in need; Hire Heroes USA offering free, expert career coaching and job sourcing to more than a thousand U.S. military members and their spouses each week; Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation improving the care, quality of life, and survival rates of children with malignant diseases; and Heifer International whose mission is to end hunger and poverty around the world. “Part of what is great about using the Coin Up app is that it continues to spread awareness for all our nonprofit partners. It’s a platform to raise funds, but also to share knowledge and passion about the many worthy causes you don’t necessarily hear about every day,” Patidar said.
