Call them Spirit Pumps or Giving Pumps, the idea behind using specially designated gas pumps is to give consumers and the gas stations they patronize an easy way to support local charities with each fill-up and raise awareness about good works in their communities.

By the Numbers

$4.3 Million
Funds raised for the Boys and Girls Club by Shell wholesalers

$1.1 Million
Funds raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society via Shell Force for Good initiatives

Recently at The PRIDE of St. Charles in Illinois, customers could be seen picking the pump with the Living Well Cancer Resource Center pump topper indicating that a portion of the proceeds for the pump would benefit the Geneva, Illinois, nonprofit, which is part of NM Northwestern Medicine. The pump is wrapped in signage explaining the center’s programs. At this Lincoln Highway location, the spirit pump launched in July and runs for three months.

“A portion of every gallon of gas we sell goes toward the Living Well Foundation,” said Mario Spina, owner and CEO, of The PRIDE stores and Parent Petroleum. The pump not only supports Living Well, Spina said, but also raises awareness of the charity, which is just one of many that The PRIDE supports throughout the Chicagoland area each year.

C-stores like The PRIDE set a cents-per-gallon target for a pump on-site and pay for the fuel dispenser to be specially wrapped to signal the fundraiser. Pump toppers and other signs are usually included to catch drivers’ attention and raise awareness of the charity.

In Baraboo, Wisconsin, Pierce’s Express Market designates two fuel pumps as Baraboo Thunderbirds spirit pumps, where two cents of every gallon sold will go to a different school program each month.

In Cincinnati, Ohio, motorists can pick The Giving Pump that benefits Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church, located across the street from the Triumph Energy Shell station.

“The idea of allowing customers to choose the designated pumps and support our local school’s bottom line is a win-win situation,” Brian Pierce, the c-store’s owner, said on the store’s webpage outlining the program. “We believe a strong commitment to the community is vital to create a place we all can be proud of. It is our way to give back to the community.” Pierce Express Market’s program is part of the bp “fueling communities” initiative.

Citgo has a Spirit Pump program for participating stations interested in supporting local schools and other charities, while Shell in August launched The Giving Pump initiative at nearly 3,000 participating gas stations in 45 U.S. states to support children’s charities in local communities through September 30. In Grand Traverse County, Michigan, TrueNorth convenience stores are participating in The Giving Pump as part of Shell’s Force for Good fundraiser. A portion of the purchases made at the designated pump will support either local school districts or the Boys & Girls Club of America. In Cincinnati, Ohio, Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church posted to Facebook with a call to support the church by filling up on gasoline at the Triumph Energy Shell station across the street.

Since launching Force For Good, Shell has highlighted the impact Shell wholesalers have in the communities in which they operate, going beyond fuel quality and loyalty. Shell wholesalers have continued to be a Force For Good in local communities through initiatives like raising $1.1 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raising $4.3 million for Boys and Girls Club of Kennewick and more.

On Long Island, New York, GIVNGO supports local nonprofits through the Give and Go program. For every gallon pumped at a participating station, a portion of the proceeds go to support the PinkTie 1000 Foundation, which distributes needed funds to local charities each quarter.

“If more people realized that giving back would not only grow their business but also make them feel good because of the positive impact they are making in their community, I think the world would be a better place. This is a remarkable opportunity for people to give back and support local charities,” said Mike Cave, founder of PinkTie.org and PinkTie 1000.

The GATE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Jacksonville-based GATE Petroleum Company, and GATE customers raised $45,000 for Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Charities. Funds were raised January 1 – June 30 as part of GATE’s coin box campaign and charity round-up option.

“Ronald McDonald House Charities provide a safe haven and home away from home for families with children facing serious medical issues. It is an honor to support their work,” said Kathy Brady, executive director of the GATE Foundation.