Vancouver, May 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iATS Payments (iATS), a leading provider of payment solutions for nonprofit organizations around the world, is giving back to North American nonprofits, and today announced the winners of the inaugural iATS Innovator Award. Worth a combined value of over $20,000 USD, the award is dedicated to giving nonprofit organizations access to the resources and critical business skills they need to thrive in the increasingly competitive nonprofit sector. This is the first year of the initiative and represents the next horizon of the company’s significant investment in nonprofits and the business of giving in the digital age.
“Formalizing a program that not only recognizes but encourages, the growth and innovation of North America’s nonprofits has been a longtime goal for the iATS team,” says Andrew Mosawi, President of iATS Payments. “We’ve spent over 20 years delivering secure payment solutions for nonprofits. Today marks an important milestone for us at iATS, as we look to leverage that service, alongside our extensive industry knowledge and connections to give back to the nonprofit sector and support those who direct positive change in the world.”
For its innovation and excellence in the areas of fundraising, donor management and use of technology, Seva Canada, a Vancouver, British Columbia-based organization dedicated to restoring sight and preventing blindness in developing countries, has been crowned the overall 2018 iATS Innovator Award winner.
Selected from almost 250 applicants, Seva Canada receives a significant financial donation in addition to various support services as part of the grand prize, valued at $10,000 USD. The organization will have the opportunity to work with the iATS team to determine the most effective services needed for their cause. Benefits include sales, public relations, and marketing support alongside world-class mentoring from experienced nonprofit and iATS executives.
In response to the hundreds of applications submitted by nonprofits across North America, iATS seized the opportunity to expand the award program and recognize five additional nonprofits for their achievements.
The Incubator category recognizes two organizations for their innovations in fundraising and their demonstrated potential for sustained growth:
- The Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, a Phoenix, Arizona-based nonprofit, is dedicated to bringing dignity and comfort into the harsh world of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
- The Nest - Center for Women, Children and Families, local to Lexington, Kentucky, provides a safe place for education, counseling and support to women, children and families in crisis.
The Local Hero category acknowledges two organizations for their contributions to the community of Vancouver, British Columbia:
- The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre provides safe space, basic needs, and a continuum of care for women in the Downtown Eastside, offering refuge and support to vulnerable women.
- Green Teams Canada inspires the stewardship of nature by connecting diverse individuals through hands-on educational environmental activities.
Additionally, PepUp Tech is recognized as the Innovator Award runner up. PepUp Tech gives bright and underserved students the skills, mentors and confidence needed to begin careers in tech.
All of the award winners receive prize packages, including donations and services designed to enable the growth of each cause.
With plans to make the Innovator Award an annual campaign, iATS eagerly anticipates the 2019 selection process.
About iATS Payments
With over 10,000 clients and billions of dollars in annual processing, iATS Payments is a leading provider of payment solutions to nonprofit organizations and technology partners around the world. iATS draws on over 20 years of experience providing secure, simple and cost-effective credit card and direct debit (ACH) processing. http://www.iatspayments.com.
About Seva Canada
Seva Canada (seva.ca) is a charitable organization that restores sight and prevents blindness in developing countries. Since 1982, Seva has given over 4 million people the power of sight through life-changing surgeries and provided eye care services including glasses and medicine to millions more.
Seva works with local partners to create sustainable eye care programs that achieve long-term change, are culturally sensitive and reach those most in need – women, children and people living in extreme poverty and isolation. https://www.seva.ca/
Registered charity number: 13072 4941 RR0001
About Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in celebration of Amanda Hope’s life. Our mission is to bring dignity and comfort into the harsh world of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases through our Comfycozy’s for Chemo adaptive apparel, Comfort and Care counseling, Major Distractions events, and Financial Assistance programs. Find us online @ahrangels and https://www.amandahope.org/
About The Nest - Center for Women, Children and Families
The Nest – Center for Women, Children and Families is a local, nonprofit organization located in Central Kentucky. We were formed in 1977 to provide a safe place for education, counselling and support to Women, Children and Families in crisis. Last year, The Nest staff and volunteers helped over 4,200 individuals by providing intimate partner violence services and advocacy to women in over 10 counties, full-time and respite child care, parent education and support, and basic human needs for families facing crisis with basic human needs. The Nest offers these four distinct services for free to families in need. This holistic approach helps Kentucky families build a strong, self-sufficient community! Together with everyone’s support, we are giving children a chance, victims a voice and families a future! Find us online @TheNestLex and http://thenestlexington.org/