Gratis is a 501c(3) registered, non-profit app that allows users to connect with their family and friends in a shared effort to support charities and to express gratitude towards one another.
Research has shown that demonstrating gratitude increases ones sense of happiness and offers emotional and physical benefits. Interestingly, showing gratitude in the context of a social relationship amplifies these benefits.
For example, donating to a charity can increase a persons sense of gratitude and happiness, but donating to someone elses charity creates an even more positive personal impact.
With Gratis, a user is able to express gratitude towards their family and friends for acts of kindness by donating to a charity of their choice. Supporting a charity is more impactful than giving a gift card or flowers.
The app also allows a user to invite friends and family to support their chosen charity instead of receiving a gift for a variety of life events, such as a birthday or graduation.
The app allows each user to select their own charity of choice by picking from a variety of charities that represent different needs, such as disaster relief, mental health, food insecurity, and gender inequity.
The user can change their selection dynamically, and new charities will be offered based on the current global situation.
In reading about and then selecting a charity, and also in viewing their friends charities, the app also creates awareness of various non-profits that working to improve the condition of humans, animals, and the environment.