Proposal to the City of Lodi
Implementing a Community-Centered Discount Card Program
Submitted by Path to Humanity
Date: [Insert Submission Date]

 
Introduction
Path to Humanity is honored to propose a partnership with the City of Lodi to implement a community-driven discount card program. This initiative is designed to generate a new revenue stream that requires no additional taxes, supporting programs aimed at alleviating homelessness and poverty while bolstering local businesses.
Our program offers a unique, transparent, and innovative approach to address pressing community issues while promoting economic activity in the City of Lodi.

 
Proposed Partnership
Path to Humanity envisions a collaborative relationship with the City of Lodi, where:
• Management Responsibilities: Path to Humanity will oversee the program’s management, ensuring the City is not burdened with administrative duties.
• Revenue Beneficiary: All funds raised, after third-party vendor fees, will directly benefit the City of Lodi. No portion of the funds will be allocated to Path to Humanity for administrative costs.
• Third-Party Vendor: A vendor will handle technical aspects, including card production and management. Vendor selection will occur with the City’s approval to ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Program Integration: This initiative can operate as a standalone agreement, a component of “Visit Lodi,” or within a Business Improvement District (B.I.D.), aligning with city guidelines.

 
Program Overview
Community Discount Card Program
In response to the financial challenges faced by families and businesses, this initiative introduces a regional discount card program spanning Northern California and Nevada. This card will:
• Highlight participating Lodi businesses, encouraging residents and visitors to shop locally.
• Provide consumers with discounts and special offers, fostering community engagement.
• Generate ongoing revenue to support programs targeting homelessness and poverty.
Program Operations
• Business Participation: Path to Humanity will actively engage local businesses to join the program, offering visibility and increased customer traffic.
• Consumer Engagement: Discount cards will be marketed to the public, driving participation and generating revenue.
• Vendor Management: The selected third-party vendor will handle membership services, merchant agreements, and back-end operations to ensure smooth execution.
• Transparency & Reporting: Path to Humanity will provide bi-weekly revenue remittances to the City of Lodi, alongside detailed reports on program performance and fund allocation.
Program Benefits
1. For the City of Lodi: A dedicated, sustainable funding source to address homelessness and poverty.
2. For Local Businesses: Increased foot traffic, greater visibility, and a stronger connection to the community.
3. For Consumers: Access to exclusive discounts while supporting local businesses and meaningful causes.

 
Commitment to Flexibility
Path to Humanity is dedicated to ensuring this program aligns seamlessly with the City of Lodi’s goals and vision. We will collaborate closely with city officials to adapt program elements as needed, ensuring compliance with local policies and optimizing benefits for the community.

 
Who We Are
Path to Humanity is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by retired firefighter/paramedic Travis Castle. Our mission is to create innovative solutions to combat homelessness and poverty, empowering communities through programs that deliver real impact.
Our organization has built a foundation of transparency, accountability, and community engagement. This proposal reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing critical social issues while fostering economic growth and community development.

 
Next Steps
We invite the City of Lodi to consider this proposal and partner with Path to Humanity to bring this innovative program to life. We are available to meet with city officials, provide additional details, and collaboratively outline the implementation process.
Together, we can create meaningful change for our community—one that supports those in need, strengthens local businesses, and inspires a brighter future for Lodi.

 
Contact Information
Travis Castle
Founder, Path to Humanity

This is a request for the city to consider the plan. We ask you to sign and share this Petition. Attached are examples of what the program would look like and how it is managed. 

This program generates millions of dollars of funding to reduce homelessness and improve public safety without using a penny from Taxpayers. 

 

What is the Path to Humanity?

The Path to Humanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the state of California. (6245103)

The Path to Humanity offers a multi-phase system to create funding for local Cities to improve conditions, reduce poverty and other issues. 

There are no bylaws or other red tape dictating how the plan can be implemented. Any part of the program modified. We can start with the first phase and then move to other phases at your discretion.

Look at it like a tool box, use what you need when you need it. The goal is to help. We don’t accept any money. All funding goes directly to you.

 

What will it cost to roll out The Path to Humanity?

This plan is created to generate funds to solve current issues. It’s built to generate money, not cost money. There are no fees or any payments to The Path to Humanity.

 

What is required to roll out the program?

1.     Agree to start the program.

2.     Determine how you would like to roll out the program. (Start with discount cards only, full phase 1 etc.)

3.     We RFP the discount card provider and/or business membership provider. (They will manage the customers, business outreach, sales and distribution. Cards can be used throughout Northern California and Nevada) 

4.     Set up accounts to accept checks from RFP program provider(s).

5.     The money will be sent directly to The City from the 3rd party membership vendors.

6.     The city can determine how the money is spent.

7.     RFP/sub contract tasks to nonprofits.

8.     Distribute funding for agreed upon projects.   

9.     Review process and make adjustments. (See Flow chart for example) 

 

How will this program be managed? 

There are many options. The goal is to get the help in place so anything can be adjusted.

One option would be-

The Path to Humanity serves as the Program Administrator. We form an agreement with the government entity (City, County Etc.) and then they help manage the program. The government entity can create an oversight committee consisting of nonprofits and community members to distribute tasks to increase efficiency. Other cities can join the program and create a unified front to produce immediate change with continuous secure funding.   

 

What would we have to do to start the discount card part of the program?

The Path to Humanity hires a 3rd party vendor via RFP process. There are currently local vendors that have agreements with businesses to donate discounts for their card program. The winning company can manage the memberships, sales of cards and maintain memberships similar to their existing program. Most discount companies have relationships throughout Northern California. The discount card company will provide all required information and distribute the checks to you for alienation. The Path to Humanity will not accept any direct payments. All funds will go directly to you.

 

 

Is The Path to Humanity a political movement?

No. We are a nonprofit with the intent to improve current issues in a bipartisan manner without the need for taxes or grants. 

 

 

What would we have to do to start the business membership part of the program?

1.     RFP to 3rd party provider to manage program. 

2.     Provider builds program with local businesses. 

3.     Businesses pay participation fees and stickers are distributed.

4.     3rd party provider distributes proceeds to directly to the city. 

Businesses are struggling, how can we expect a business to give anything else?

Businesses are always looking for an advantage. This is why they use for profit listings companies such as Yelp. Many listings agency’s charge $400-$1,500/month per listing. The Path to Humanity business membership fee is only $40/month. Businesses can improve their visibility to customers and support their cause of choice. If a customer is passionate about decreasing poverty and they see that a business also supports that cause, they will be more likely to support that business. Therefore, helping others becomes profitable. Website link