If the mobile payment business doesn't work out, Boston-based startup LevelUp may have a bright future in public relations — and advocacy. The company, which has a knack for getting its name out, has announced the newest feature available when you pay with its app: Causes.

Normally, when users pay with the LevelUp app, they accrue funds in their account for their loyalty. Those funds can be used to save on subsequent purchases. With Causes, those users can take a portion of their accrued funds and channel them towards LevelUp's non-profit partners.

"Already, one in ten U.S. adults have made a charitable contribution by simply texting on mobile devices," said Seth Priebatsch, LevelUp's "chief ninja," in the announcement. "Now with nearly half of smartphone users open to some sort of mobile payment, including apps like LevelUp, the opportunity to link mobile commerce directly with charitable giving is huge, and can be done in some creative ways. That's why we developed LevelUp Causes — to link buying, saving and giving from inside one beautifully simple experience."

The feature is still in beta at the moment, but LevelUp is already partnering with several nonprofits. Initial partners are Feeding America, Jumpstart and the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

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