There’s something special about unexpected kindness. The kind that pops up on an ordinary Tuesday and turns someone’s whole week around. That’s exactly what Pay It Forward Day (April 28th) is all about—starting a chain reaction of generosity with one small (or big!) act of kindness.

Whether you’ve got 60 seconds or a few hours, here are 7 creative ways to pay it forward—some sweet and simple, others bold and beautiful. A few even involve your favorite fundraising platform (wink wink!).

1. The Classic Coffee Move

Buy coffee for the person behind you in the drive-thru or café line. Leave a little note on the cup if you can: “You’ve been paid for—now go pay it forward!”

Simple, but powerful. Bonus: it’s a great way to brighten a stranger’s Monday morning.

2. Send Flowers (Anonymously!)

Drop off a bouquet on a neighbor’s doorstep or have a small arrangement delivered to someone going through a hard time—with no name on the tag. Just a message like: “Someone is thinking of you today,” or “Someone wanted you to know you're appreciated today.”

3. Start a GiveSendGo Campaign… for Someone Else

Know someone who’s always giving but never asks for help? Or maybe someone who’s going through a rough season and could use some help and hope? Surprise them with a GiveSendGo campaign to bless their socks off. Whether they’re fostering kids, starting a ministry, or battling medical bills, this could be the most meaningful surprise they’ve had all year.

Pro tip: Loop in friends and family who also care about the person you're blessing. Invite them to give, pray, and spread the word—it’s amazing how fast generosity can grow when it comes from a community that loves someone well.

4. Create a “Kindness Kit” for a Stranger

Fill a backpack or tote bag with water, snacks, hygiene items, a handwritten note, and maybe a gift card or two. Keep it in your car and give it to someone in need when the moment arises.

Want to go big? Rally your friends, church, or school to make dozens of these and hand them out as a group.

5. Launch a “Pay It Forward Challenge” Campaign on GiveSendGo

Make it fun and interactive! Start a campaign where every donation funds small random acts of kindness. Maybe every $5 buys a coffee, every $20 covers a meal for a family, and every $50 goes toward blessing someone big-time.

Pro tip: Use your updates section to post photos and stories as you go—and challenge givers to do the same in their own towns.

6. Send a Letter to Someone Who Changed Your Life

You know that teacher who believed in you? That pastor who prayed with you? That friend who didn’t give up on you when you were in a hard place?

Write them a heartfelt letter or email. Or record a short video telling them what their kindness meant. It’s free—but unforgettable.

Bonus: Share the story on your socials to inspire others to do the same.

7. Throw a "Blessing Night" Party

Invite a few friends over and each of you brings $10–20 (or more) to pool together. Then brainstorm how to bless someone:

Surprise gift for a single mom
Lunch for your local fire department
Go out to dinner together and bless the waitress with a major tip!
A GiveSendGo campaign that could use a boost
Cash stuffed in envelopes to drop off at random mailboxes with sweet note

Make it a night of generosity, laughter, and creativity!

Whatever you do—do it with a “cheerful heart”.

Pay It Forward Day isn’t about going viral or checking a box. It’s about genuine generosity and planting seeds of hope, kindness, and love that ripple far beyond just one day.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

We believe that cheerful giving is contagious. When you give with joy, it sparks something in others. It inspires more giving, more hope, and more stories of lives changed for the better.

So let’s get out there and start a generosity chain that doesn’t end on April 28th, but becomes a habit in your life and the lives of those around you.

Tag us @GiveSendGo on social media if you do something fun or meaningful—we’d love to share your story and inspire others to join in!

Ready, set… Pay it forward.

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7 Fun Ways to Pay It Forward (And Keep the Generosity Going!)

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