Spending Insights

Government agencies operating a financial aid program will likely want to see how recipients spend their aid. Recipient spending data is typically packaged in a final report and can help strengthen data-driven narratives. 

However, by leveraging spending data in real-time to engage with recipients proactively, government agencies can boost awareness of other government programs and philanthropic organizations that support the target audience.

As a managed service, we help government agencies understand the landscape of opportunities unique to their jurisdiction. We then continuously monitor card activity to engage proactively through secure in-app messages.

Let’s look at an example of a 41-year-old person recently released from prison after eight years and now participating in a financial aid program. The individual receives a debit card with $1,000 that can be spent without restrictions. 

Transaction: Transportation

  • Merchant Name: Lyft

  • Merchant Category: Taxicabs Limousines

  • Merchant Category Code: 4121

  • Merchant ID: ML8VGZKUUFD4FEM


Here, money is spent on transportation services. With this information, we can automatically send a secure in-app message informing the individual they may be eligible for free transportation through the LyftUp Program or another government program that provides free or reduced pricing for transportation tickets.

Transaction: Business Training & Certification

  • Merchant Name: 360 Training

  • Merchant Category: Business Secretarial Schools

  • Merchant Category Code: 8244

  • Merchant ID: 446024158995

Here, we see an individual investing in their marketable skills through a popular training and certification service for various trades and industries. Again, we can automatically send a secure in-app message to engage proactively.

First, we can ensure they know about free skill-building programs like those provided by Goodwill Industries. Second, we can ensure they know about services that make finding a job easier, such as Honest Jobs, the nation's leading job marketplace for people affected by the criminal justice system.

Transaction: Dental Care

  • Merchant Name: LSU Dental School

  • Merchant Category: Dentists Orthodontists

  • Merchant Category Code: 8021

  • Merchant ID: 572298901400330

Here, money is spent on a dentist or orthodontist. This presents an opportunity to ensure they are enrolled in appropriate dental insurance programs or highlight discounted care providers in their area, such as Rodeo Dental.

Conclusion

By monitoring transactions in real-time, a government agency can amplify the impact of their financial aid. Relevant and proactive engagement helps build awareness of other programs and involves trusted philanthropic partners providing relevant services.