About Us
HelpCard
Get to know HelpCard — our story, our mission, and the team working to create more equitable support for everyone.
OUR ORIGIN STORY
Brief History
HelpCard is a digital giving platform, founded by university student Attila Cankan alongside his brothers Hasan and Halil, to empower individuals experiencing homelessness and financial vulnerability.
We provide restricted top-up cards to be used at approved merchants for essential goods and services. Unlike traditional bank-issued cards, HelpCards are accessible to those without formal banking or credit arrangements.
Our platform also enables individuals and organisations to directly donate and top up these cards — a simple, transparent, and impactful way to support people in need.
A Growing Gap
Giving to people experiencing homelessness has fallen, while need is rising. HelpCard removes cash and trust barriers with restricted spend and full transparency.
of Brits gave money to the homeless in 2023
cite “not carrying cash” as a reason for not giving
avg. one-off online donation when impact is transparent
Source: Social Enterprise UK member update citing Beam's UK survey (Dec 2023).
OUR PROMISE
Our Commitment
In the short term, we charge a small transaction fee to cover the high fixed costs of card issuance and platform operation.
However, our long-term commitment is clear: as soon as the platform achieves financial sustainability through corporate partnerships and secondary revenue streams, 100% of public donations will go directly to cardholders.
This promise ensures that HelpCard grows responsibly, while staying true to our mission - every pound donated should ultimately reach the individual it was intended for.
Our Purpose, Mission & Vision
We are driven by a clear purpose, pursuing progress with ambitious goals and a unified vision.
Our purpose
Financial inclusion: give people excluded from banking fair access to essential goods and services through modern, cash-free tools.
Our mission
Rebuild trust and transparency in giving by showing exactly how funds are used and ensuring donations go directly to what helps most.
Our vision
A future where everyone can exit homelessness with dignity and stability, not just survive it.
We're Just Getting Started
HelpCard is an early-stage startup on a mission to modernise independent donating. We’re actively exploring funding, collaborations, and partnerships to scale our impact.
Partner with us