Addressing SDoH with Gift Cards: How Nonprofits Drive Equity Through Flexible Aid

Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes—economic stability, food access, housing, education, and community context, among others. According to the CDC, SDoH impact up to 80-90% of health outcomes, making them a critical focus for nonprofits and social service providers aiming to promote health equity.

For nonprofit and charitable organizations, finding flexible, accountable, and scalable ways to meet these needs is essential. Gift cards are emerging as a vital tool in this effort.

Why Gift Cards Work for Addressing SDoH

Gift cards offer a powerful combination of autonomy for recipients and spending control for organizations. They ensure funds are used for approved purposes, while still giving recipients dignity and choice—two factors proven to increase the impact of aid.

Unlike unrestricted cash, gift cards can:

• Be restricted to certain retailers or product categories
• Be distributed digitally or physically for easy access
• Provide detailed reporting for grant compliance and program auditing

10 Ways Gift Cards Support SDoH Priorities for Nonprofits

Gift cards offer recipients more than just spending power—they provide autonomy, respect, and the means to meet urgent needs on their own terms. Below are ten practical, high-impact ways that gift cards can be integrated into SDoH-focused programs to support individuals and families across a wide range of challenges. Explore these brands and 300+ more available through the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform.

1. Food Security
   Support families in accessing nutritious meals from grocery stores, restaurants, or delivery platforms.
   Brands to consider: Walmart, Instacart, Subway^®, Uber Eats^®
   📊 38 million people in the U.S. experienced food insecurity in 2022.

2. Housing Stability
   Provide funds for home essentials, repairs, or temporary housing needs.
   Brands: Home Depot^®, Lowe’s^®, HomeGoods

3. Healthcare Access
   Offset costs of prescriptions, health supplies, or transportation to appointments.
   Brands: CVS Select+^™ Gift Card, Walgreens, Albertsons

4. Transportation Access
   Ensure clients can attend job interviews, classes, or doctor visits.
   Brands: Uber, Amtrak, AutoZone^®

5. Education Access
   Assist with purchasing school supplies, books, or technology for remote learning.
   Brands: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

6. Job Readiness & Career Development
   Provide support for training materials, professional attire, or transportation to job training.
   Brands: Kohl’s, Burlington, Macy’s

7. Childcare & Parenting Support
   Help parents access diapers, clothing, and children's essentials.
   Brands: Target, Old Navy, Amazon

8. Mental Health & Self-Care
   Support access to mental wellness tools, digital therapy apps, and personal care.
   Brands: Apple, Google Play, Amazon

9. Financial Stability
   Cover utilities, pay off bills, or provide financial literacy support.
   Brands: Visa^® Reward Card, CVS Select+^™ Gift Card (can be used on essentials in-store or online)

10. Community Engagement
    Enable individuals to stay connected with family, access digital services, or participate in community events.
    Brands: Engage2Reward^™ Choice Card, AT&T, Verizon

How the Engage2Reward Platform Helps Nonprofits Scale Impact

Powered by GiftCard Partners, the Engage2Reward Gift Card Ordering Platform makes it easy for nonprofits and program administrators to:

• Distribute bulk gift cards (digital or physical) in just a few clicks
• Track shipping and fulfillment with robust reporting tools
• Access exclusive nonprofit pricing and program support
• Customize delivery with branding or personal messages

For programs funded by grants, compliance and oversight are built in. Nonprofits can ensure gift cards align with allowable spending while giving recipients flexibility.

Join Us in Driving Change

GiftCard Partners is proud to partner with nonprofits, public health agencies, and mission-driven organizations to expand access to essentials and improve community health.

As a supporter of the RISE Summit on SDoH, we invite you to explore how branded gift cards like CVS Select+™ and flexible platforms like Engage2Reward can help your organization deliver smarter, faster support to those who need it most.

Together, we can close health equity gaps—one card at a time. Give us a call today to learn more about our flexible solutions for nonprofits.