How the Vaccination Rewards Website and App Were Created During the COVID-19 Crisis
Discover how volunteers built Vaccination Rewards to aggregate COVID-19 vaccine incentives nationwide. Learn how this platform empowered millions.
A National Effort Born in Crisis
In 2021, during one of the most challenging years in American public health history, COVID-19 was ravaging communities and overwhelming hospitals. With over 1.2 million lives lost in the U.S., efforts to encourage vaccinations became a national priority.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, a nonprofit organization called Bright Mind launched the Vaccination Rewards website and mobile app in July 2021. This powerful platform was created to help Americans find and share vaccine incentives more easily across the country.
Why Vaccination Rewards Was Needed
At the time, governments, retailers, corporations, and other institutions were offering more than $223 million in vaccine incentives—from free groceries and gift cards to paid time off and childcare assistance. Yet, there was no single source to access or track them.
While a basic nationwide spreadsheet briefly existed, most information disappeared within days. The lack of a central database made it hard for people, especially vulnerable populations, to discover and benefit from these incentives.
The Power of Volunteers and Innovation
Bright Mind responded by building a one-of-a-kind digital platform in just 12 days, with no budget and powered entirely by passionate volunteers.
The Vaccination Rewards app and website featured:
- An interactive, color-coded map to locate incentives by area
- Expiration dates and direct links for each reward
- Shareable features to help users promote incentives to family and friends
- Like and history functions for easy tracking of saved incentives
- A user-friendly interface tailored to skeptical and underserved audiences
These tools didn’t try to ‘convince’ users—they simply made it easier to take action for one’s health.
Expanding Reach Through Media and Community
Bright Mind’s outreach strategy involved creating dozens of short videos and sharing them daily on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. To further amplify their reach, they engaged over 1,500 local and national media outlets, securing coverage from CBS, ABC, Newsweek, POLITICO, and more.
CBS News captured the platform’s value best:
“Health experts have said friends and family are key to getting those who aren’t vaccinated, and experts say this app will start those conversations.”
The Ongoing Mission
Vaccination Rewards continues to be part of Bright Mind’s broader health education mission. The organization has helped empower communities through:
The Vaccination Rewards app and website featured:
- Volunteer-led community wellness initiatives
- The Street Care program supporting homeless veterans
- Ongoing partnerships with public health and educational organizations
Whether you are a nonprofit, volunteer, or simply someone who wants to help build healthier communities, Bright Mind invites you to join the movement.
💡 Make a Real Difference—Right Now
The pandemic showed how much impact a few dedicated people can make.
You can be part of that change.
👉 Volunteer your time to support the community
💖 Donate to power free tools that save lives
🤝 Partner with us to reach more people, faster
🔗 Take Action Today → Visit Our Website – Bright Mind | Street Care
📩 Got questions or stories to share? Email us at info@brightmindenrichment.org
📞 Or call us directly at (347) 719-1134
