All the ways The Points Guy gave back in 2020
Despite the various traumas of 2020, TPG raised and donated more than $475,000 for a variety of organizations this year. We also helped get some 18 million miles donated. It wouldn’t have been possible without help from our generous and loyal readers, so thank you for making this another special year and helping TPG help others.
Before we jump into 2021, let’s take a look at all the ways TPG and our readers gave back this year.
PeaceJam
PeaceJam brings Nobel Peace Prize winners to developing countries to mentor youth to change the world. It's one of our favorite charities, and while we couldn't visit any of our mentors in their home countries this year, we did manage to do virtual mentoring and raised a bunch of money. TPG donated nearly $180,000 and raised even more through our Omaze Campaign this fall. That money helped staff and fund PeaceJam communities in four countries - Ghana, Guatemala, Liberia, and South Africa. We also sponsored 12 TPG fellows. While we couldn't meet in person, 14 Points Guy and Red Ventures employees helped sponsor those mentees via phone, email, text and Zoom. (Red Ventures is TPG's parent company). All the TPG fellows get scholarships and guidance. We also help fund their higher education goals.
Donate to PeaceJam here.
Omaze Campaign
Omaze is a great way to engage our readers with our charitable partners in a unique way. Omaze helps run charity sweepstakes. It allows our readers to give back while also receiving something in return! In 2020, TPG launched an Omaze Campaign with Rvshare to raise money for PeaceJam. RVshare is a way to rent recreational vehicles without having to go through one of the RV rental companies. RVshare donated a two week RV rental to giveaway as a prize during the Omaze campaign. It ended up helping us raise $14,000 for PeaceJam. "Omazing!"
Giving Tuesday
We partnered with United and their Miles on a Mission program to announce a match of up to 5 million miles. A total of more than 18 million miles were raised for 40 different nonprofit organizations. Those groups work on a myriad of causes from disaster relief to diversity and inclusion efforts. 250,000 miles were raised for Rainbow Railroad, who supports LGBTQIA+ refugees seeking asylum from state-enabled violence, murder and persecution.
Related: How to donate your miles and points
Rainbow Railroad
As mentioned above, Rainbow Railroad is a cause that's near and dear to our hearts here at TPG. Not only did we help get the organization that rescues queer people from countries where they are in harm's way 250,000 miles, but we also are donating cash.
TPG founder Brian Kelly is working to get residency from Portugal through their "golden visa" program. He got TPG readers a special discount on the application, and all proceeds are being donated to Rainbow Railroad.
Related: My journey to EU citizenship
Kelly said, "Any money I receive from this affiliate relationship will be donated to Rainbow Railroad, an organization I’m very passionate about. It works to help LGBTQ people escape persecution in their home countries and build lives of freedom elsewhere in the world."
You can donate directly here.
Australian Red Cross
2020 was a pretty grim year, and we got an early taste of what the year would hold with devastating wildfires tearing through drought-stricken Australia in January. The brush fires burned some 46 million acres. TPG launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $20,000 for the Australian Red Cross.
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
The National Association of Black Journalists is an organization of African-American journalists, students, and media professionals that includes a few TPG staffers. Their purpose is to provide quality programs and services to and advocate on behalf of black journalists. In response to the racial injustice and black lives matter movement this spring, TPG donated $100,000 to NABJ to support their efforts in making the media industry more diverse and inclusive.
Ali Forney Center
The Ali Forney Center is the largest and most comprehensive program in the nation dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless LGBTQ youth. In June, TPG launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money and awareness for the Ali Forney Center. TPG ended up donating more than $67,000 to help homeless gay, lesbian and transgender youth. Donate here.
Home For Good Dog Rescue
This holiday season, The Points Guy team is raising money to benefit Home For Good Dog Rescue. It is a 100% foster-based, non-profit dog rescue in Summit, New Jersey. They rescue homeless dogs from high-kill shelters throughout South Carolina and Georgia, which are overflowing with unwanted dogs on the brink of being euthanized.
Home For Good Dog Rescue socializes, cares for, and provides them life-saving medical care at their property in Aiken, SC. They then transport them to their rescue in New Jersey, and nurture them in a network of foster families while they await adoption into loving homes – giving them a second chance at life.
TPG CEO and Founder, Brian Kelly, adopted his two pups, Marshall and Celine, from Home for Good Dog Rescue and is forever grateful.
The Points Guy & Brian will personally match $5,000 and so will TPG — for a total of $10,000. You can donate here.
Prosecutor Impact
Prosecutor Impact takes actions to improve outcomes for the millions of people impacted by the U.S. criminal justice system. It describes itself as "built around the mission of improving community safety in the United States through a better understanding of the most important actor in the criminal justice system: the criminal prosecutor."
TPG raised and then donated more than $60,000 in July through a GoFundMe campaign to contribute and help build awareness for the organization.
You can donate via PayPal here.
Gbowee Peace Foundation
The Gbowee Peace Foundation increases access of women and youth to quality education to reduce their risk of experiencing perpetual poverty. On November 16th, Brian hosted Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee’s fundraising event to both highlight the vibrancy and spirit of Liberian culture and mobilize funds to support the ongoing COVID relief work, and the education and peace-building programs of the foundation. To date, the fundraiser has raised $141,000! Donate here.
Other charity partners
In addition to these highlights, TPG’s charitable work helped many other organizations, including Big Brother Big Sister, FLYTE, The Kelly Gang, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Marjorie's Fund, NAMI, Steve's Camp, and Through the Heart.
Here at TPG, we are thankful for our ability to give back and for our generous readers who have contributed throughout the year. If there’s an organization you think would be a great fit for TPG, let us know.
Looking ahead to 2021, we hope to match — or top — our giving efforts so here’s to a happy, healthy and charitable 2021.
And if you want to know how to donate your miles and points to a worthy cause click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.