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GiveSendGo News7 Fun Ways to Pay It Forward (And Keep the Generosity Going!)
Posted by Alex Shipley on Apr 25, 2025
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.
GiveSendGo NewsMore Than Money: Honoring National Volunteer Month by Giving Your Time
Posted by Alex Shipley on Apr 23, 2025
April is National Volunteer Month-a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible impact volunteers make in their communities and around the world. At GiveSendGo, we believe giving isn't just about money-it's also about time, compassion, and presence. In a world often consumed with "more," volunteering is a beautiful act of selfless service that reflects the heart of God. The Power of Showing Up It's easy to think generosity starts and ends with what's in your wallet. But some of the most meaningful gifts can't be measured in dollars. Giving your time to help a neighbor, serve in your church, or volunteer with a local ministry can change lives-including your own. Scripture reminds us of the value of serving others: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." -1 Peter 4:10 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." -Galatians 6:9 Whether you're mentoring a student, delivering meals, visiting shut-ins, or picking up trash in your neighborhood, your time has eternal value. In fact, some of the most powerful moments of ministry happen when we simply show up. Giving Time AND Resources Volunteering and financial giving don't have to be either/or-they go hand in hand. Maybe you're planning a community outreach or organizing a mission trip where people will be volunteering their time and talents. These kinds of efforts still need practical support-transportation, accommodations, supplies, food, and more. That's where GiveSendGo comes in. Starting a campaign on GiveSendGo allows you to rally your community to support projects that combine both time and treasure. Whether you're: Leading a youth group on a service trip Hosting a local volunteer day and need funds for tools or food Helping someone launch a nonprofit that relies on volunteers Serving at a crisis response site and need help with travel, supplies, or lodging GiveSendGo helps you invite others to join in-through prayer, donations, and encouragement. Be the Hands and Feet Jesus said: "The greatest among you shall be your servant." -Matthew 23:11 This National Volunteer Month, let's reflect His love by stepping into the needs around us-not just with our money, but with our hands, our hearts, and our time. Whether you're scrubbing floors, praying with strangers, or starting a campaign to fuel a service project, you are planting seeds of hope. And hope grows best when we give generously-however we're able.
GiveSendGo NewsOur Answers
Posted by GiveSendGo on Apr 19, 2025
We have been asked a few questions from many media sources, most recently Christian Post. For transparency here are our uncut full answers to all the questions they sent over. 1. Can you share the kinds of responses GSG has received for the Karmelo Anthony campaign? The responses have been deeply divided, as we expected. Some have thanked us for holding the line on the presumption of innocence and not giving in to public pressure or media narratives. Others have expressed anger and confusion about why we would allow a campaign for someone charged with a serious crime. We understand and empathize with those emotions. At GiveSendGo, we've consistently held that we are not the judge and jury. Our role is to give people the opportunity to raise funds, while trusting the justice system to do its job. 2. In her tweet, Heather compared Anthony's case to that of Rittenhouse and Penny. However, there are significant differences, including that Metcalf was unarmed, neither Rittenhouse nor Penny had their bond reduced, nor were they granted house arrest. In a 4/17 X post, Jacob suggested the attacker had "just gone through a serious traumatic experience." Can you speak more on these public responses to the murder of Austin Metcalf? We understand the intensity of emotions surrounding this case. A young man lost his life, and that is a tragedy. People are right to grieve, to ask hard questions, and to demand accountability. At the same time, we believe it's important to approach all these situations-whether it's Karmelo Anthony, Kyle Rittenhouse, or Daniel Penny-with consistency and a commitment to due process. There are a few key things to keep in mind: In each of these high-profile cases, someone tragically lost their life. In each case, there was no mystery as to who was involved in the incident. The media narrative in each situation was filled with half-truths, omissions, and sensationalism, making it difficult for the public to grasp the full picture. And in each case, people gave-not necessarily because they supported the act itself-but because they believed in the importance of a fair trial and the presumption of innocence. The legal nuances-such as whether someone is granted house arrest or bond reduction-are ultimately in the hands of the courts. While we may not understand or agree with every decision, those determinations are made by judges with access to far more information than the public. From the beginning, GiveSendGo made the decision not to act as judge and jury. Our platform exists to provide a space where people can rally support, even in the most controversial of moments. That doesn't mean we endorse or celebrate the circumstances of every campaign-it means we uphold the principle that every person is entitled to a defense and the opportunity for due process. We know this commitment may be uncomfortable, but we believe it is essential to maintaining freedom and fairness in a world that too often rushes to judgment. 3. Reports indicate that the Anthony family is using the funds to purchase a new home even as their son awaits trial for murder. What's your response to that? This question proves exactly why it's so important not to believe everything we read online. It has since come out that Karmelo's family has not bought a house, and at the time those headlines were circulating, they hadn't even received any funds from the campaign yet. And yet, even here, we're responding to a question based on false "reports." That should give us all pause when it comes to how quickly misinformation spreads and how easily it becomes accepted as fact. That said, once funds are released to a campaign owner, we don't micromanage or control how they're used unless there's a direct violation of our terms of service. From what the family has shared, they've experienced significant trauma, displacement, and concern for their safety. If they were to use funds to secure stable housing during this time, that may be controversial-but it is not against our policies. We trust our donors to read campaigns, discern for themselves, and choose whether or not they want to give. Transparency and freedom go hand in hand, and our platform exists to allow people to show support where they feel led, not to police how hardship looks from the outside 4. Some have argued that the Karmelo campaign does indeed violate GSG's TOS, namely the prohibition against "campaigns that are racist, hateful, potentially libelous, support or promote physical violence, or are intended to financially benefit individuals for the commission of violent crimes are not permitted." In your view, why is the Karmelo page not subject to these terms? That's a valid and important question. The key word in that clause is commission-campaigns intended to benefit individuals for committing violent crimes. In this case, a legal process is still ongoing, and no conviction has been made. We do not have firsthand access to evidence or court proceedings, so we do not label someone guilty before the courts do. This standard has applied to other campaigns on our platform in the past, and we continue to apply it consistently. 5. Does GSG have any plans to restrict funds for certain purposes in cases where the recipient is charged with a crime, even a felony as in this case? We remain committed to free speech and the principle of due process. That said, we are always evaluating our policies. Our current terms are designed to prevent the glorification of violence or fundraising that directly incites harm or rewards criminal activity. If a campaign crosses those lines, we act quickly. But if someone is using funds to pay legal fees, relocate for safety, or support their family, we don't believe it's our role to restrict those decisions in the absence of a criminal conviction. 6. Can you speak a bit about your faith journey on this matter? How has this controversy informed your prayer life and impacted your faith walk in these last few days? This season has been heavy. I've wrestled with the weight of public criticism, the pain of victims' families, and the burden of making hard, unpopular decisions. But it has also driven me deeper into the heart of God-into prayer, into Scripture, and into remembering that truth and grace must coexist. I've been reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 5:44: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." That doesn't mean endorsing evil-it means keeping our hearts tender, even when the world is hard. Our team has fasted, prayed, and sought wise counsel. We're not perfect, but we are committed to seeking God's will in how we lead and love-even in the fire.
DevotionalsHe Is Risen… And We Are His
Posted by Alex Shipley on Apr 17, 2025
At GiveSendGo, sharing the hope of Jesus isn't just something we do-it's why we exist. It's why we pray for every campaign. It's why we keep building the best platform possible-to fuel generosity in life's best and hardest moments. And why we celebrate Easter with our whole hearts. Because without Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, there would be no hope. But because of Him, we have real hope. Living hope. Eternal hope. And it's not just hope for someday. It's hope for right now-hope that brings comfort in crisis, joy in the darkness, and peace when everything feels broken. Many who turn to GiveSendGo are walking through unimaginable pain. They've lost a job. A loved one. Been hit with tragedy or injustice. And in those moments, Jesus offers more than just relief-He offers Himself. That's the good news of Easter: Our hope has a name-Jesus. And He's alive. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore..." -Revelation 21:4 That's the promise of what's to come: No more pain. No more tears. No more death. But have you ever thought about this stunning truth? The greatest gift of eternity isn't just the absence of pain, or grief, or death. It's Who is present. We get God. Forever. Face to face. No more sin standing in the way. No more shame. No more distance. Just Him. That is our inheritance and our hope. "In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." -Psalm 16:11 This is the heart of Easter. Jesus lived, died, and rose again-not just to save us from hell, but to bring us back to God. To reconcile us to the Father. To make us holy, beloved, His. "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God..." -1 Peter 3:18 And here's what's even more incredible: We are God's inheritance, too. Let that sink in. The Father-who has lacked nothing for all eternity-chose you. He doesn't just let you in with a sigh. He wants you. He welcomes you. You are His joy. It's written all over Scripture "...that you may know... the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." -Ephesians 1:18 "All things were created through him and for him." -Colossians 1:16 "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory... that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them." -John 17:24, 26 Jesus wants us with Him. To see His glory. To share in the love He's always known. That's what Easter is all about. The resurrection isn't just a historical miracle. It's the proof that everything Jesus said is true. That the price was paid. That death doesn't win. And it's why we can boldly draw near to the throne of grace-because we are His and He says we belong. So... are we living like that's true? Are we living like we belong to God? Are we excited-not just for heaven's comforts-but for God Himself? For His radiance? For His glory? For worship that never ends? The hope of Easter isn't just that we're forgiven. It's that we're wanted. Brought near. Welcomed in. Not to live for ourselves-but to shine out His love, forever. And if you've never known that kind of hope-if you've felt far from God or unsure whether you could ever truly belong-know this: Jesus is waiting with arms wide open. He invites you into His presence. Into His family. Into a hope that will never fade. The door is open. The price has been paid. And He's not just offering you a better future-He's offering you Himself. Come to Him. Find rest. Find joy. Find the One your soul was made for. That's why GiveSendGo exists: To share the hope of Jesus, and invite the world to see- He is risen... and we are His.
Fundraising TipsSkip the Bake Sale. Try These 11 Fundraising Ideas Instead (Unless It’s a Really Good Bake Sale)
Posted by Alex Shipley on Apr 11, 2025
Spring is finally here! The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and it's the perfect time to start fundraising. Got a cause you're passionate about? Maybe you're going on a mission trip, your community is planning a project, your aunt has medical expenses, or you and your friends are gearing up for a fun trip. Or maybe you're not sure what to fundraise for yet-but you know you want to make a difference. Here are some fundraising ideas to help get you started! 1. Host a Spring 5K or Fun Run A spring 5K or fun run is a fresh, energizing way to rally support-whether you're raising funds to host the event itself (think sponsorships, t-shirts, signage, and permits) or using the race to support a bigger cause like a mission trip, medical need, or community project. Either way, GiveSendGo is the perfect place to collect donations, rally supporters, and share your story. It turns every step into an opportunity to give hope. 2. Raise Support for Spring Mission Trips Many churches and ministries send teams abroad during spring and early summer. If you or someone you know is going on a mission trip, start a campaign to cover travel costs, lodging, and ministry supplies. GiveSendGo isn't just about funding trips-it's about sharing the hope of Jesus wherever you go. 3. Help with Spring Tuition or School Fees Spring semester costs can sneak up on students and families. Whether it's college tuition, private school fees, or homeschooling resources, starting a campaign can ease the burden and rally community support during a season when finances are often tight. 4. Fund a Family Vacation or Special Getaway Not every trip is a luxury-some are much-needed moments of rest and connection, especially for families recovering from loss, health issues, or financial strain. A GiveSendGo campaign can help fund a meaningful vacation that restores hearts and builds memories. 5. Celebrate Mother's Day in a Meaningful Way This year, consider starting a campaign to honor your mom or mother-figure in your life. Whether she's in need of help, facing a tough season, or simply deserves something special, your campaign could fund a spa day, a new car seat, a home project-or even surprise her with a weekend away. Don't just give flowers. Give hope. 6. Provide Relief After Spring Storms and Tornadoes Spring often brings severe weather and natural disasters. If someone in your community is recovering from a storm, house fire, flood, or other emergency, you can quickly set up a campaign to help with cleanup, food and supplies, temporary housing, or rebuilding costs. These are the moments when hope shines brightest. 7. Support Graduation-Related Needs From senior trips and cap-and-gown fees to college deposits and dorm supplies, springtime can stretch families with graduating seniors. A GiveSendGo campaign can help them celebrate this milestone without the stress. 8. Raise Funds for a Spring Service Project Planning a park cleanup, garden project, or local outreach event this spring? Start a campaign to help cover the costs-like supplies, food, or transportation-so your team can focus on making an impact. These types of campaigns are a great way to bring people together and do something meaningful right in your own community. 9. Help with Adoption, Foster Care, or New Baby Costs Spring is a season of life and new beginnings-making it a perfect time to support families navigating adoption, foster care, or the arrival of a new baby. From agency fees and home studies to diapers and hospital bills, these journeys come with real costs. Starting a GiveSendGo campaign lets friends, family, and communities rally around families with love and generosity. 10. Fund Home Repairs or Spring Projects Has someone you know been putting off a necessary home repair? Maybe it's a single parent trying to fix a roof or an elderly neighbor needing accessibility updates. A GiveSendGo campaign can mobilize friends and family to pitch in. 11. Send Kids to Summer Camp Now's the time to start raising funds for summer camps, especially faith-based or special needs camps with higher costs. Don't wait until the last minute-use this spring season to give kids the experience of a lifetime. At GiveSendGo, we believe fundraising is more than meeting needs-it's about sharing hope. This spring, don't just let a good idea bloom and fade. Start your campaign, share your story, and invite others to be a part of something meaningful. Ready to get started? Start your campaign today.
GiversShare the Hope of Jesus with GiveSendGo During National Hope Month
Posted by Alex Shipley on Apr 4, 2025
At GiveSendGo, our mission is simple: to share the hope of Jesus through crowdfunding. We believe that crowdfunding on GiveSendGo isn't just about meeting financial needs-it's about offering something even greater: hope. And what better time to embrace this than National Hope Month? Hope changes lives. It lifts weary hearts, strengthens faith, and reminds us that no one walks alone. This April, we want to empower you to spread hope in a powerful way through GiveSendGo. Whether it's by starting a campaign, supporting someone in need, or simply leaving a prayer on a campaign, the possibilities are endless. Ways to Share Hope This National Hope Month 1. Start a Campaign That Shares Hope GiveSendGo is filled with people facing unexpected challenges-from medical bills to needs in your community, disaster relief, and more. You can be the one to share hope by starting a campaign for: A friend or family member in need - Help someone facing hardship by rallying support for them Mission trips & ministry work - Fundraising for a mission trip? Raising support for a ministry? Let others be part of the impact and the hope you plan to share. Community outreach projects - Start a campaign to feed the hungry, support foster care families, or help a struggling neighbor. 2. Give to a Campaign That Inspires You Sometimes the best way to share hope is through giving. Find a campaign that matters to you and give, knowing that your generosity is making a tangible difference. No gift is too small-every act of kindness brings hope. "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." - Hebrews 13:16 3. Leave a Prayer and a Word of Encouragement Did you know that GiveSendGo isn't just about fundraising? We prioritize prayer because we believe that God alone has the power to transform lives in ways no human effort ever could. That's why we go to Him first, seeking His intervention, provision, and peace. Every campaign on our platform includes a place where you can leave a prayer-and that prayer might be the hope someone desperately needs today. Take a moment to: Leave a heartfelt prayer on a campaign page. Encourage campaign owners with a Bible verse or an encouraging word. Share the campaign on social media with a note of support. "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Hope Starts with You National Hope Month is a reminder that we are called to be bearers of hope in a world that desperately needs it. Jesus is our ultimate hope, and through GiveSendGo, you can share that hope with others. This April, let's commit to making a difference. Start a campaign. Give generously. Pray boldly. Hope is contagious-let's spread it far and wide!
GiversThe Power of Giving: Why Teaching Generosity to Children Is Crucial in Today’s World
Posted by Heather Wilson on Mar 26, 2025
Looking back, I remember one of my earliest, most impactful lessons in generosity happened one Christmas when my parents gave us the opportunity to donate a portion-or even all-of our designated Christmas money to a family we knew in need. Each one of my siblings and I could put a card in an envelope with any amount from $0 to $100 written on it. It was completely private. There was no judgment, no guilt, and our choices weren't shared with our siblings. (There are 12 of us!) Our parents simply wanted to give us the opportunity to experience what it meant to give sacrificially. I still remember the internal struggle-wanting to be generous but also weighing what I might miss out on if I gave too much. It wasn't easy as a preteen. But now, almost 40 years later, I can tell you with certainty that I didn't miss the money I gave. I don't even remember what I got for Christmas that year. What I do remember is the impact it had on me, shaping a lifelong desire to look for ways to be generous. Teaching Generosity Doesn't Happen by Accident As parents, we often don't think about-or even know how-to teach our kids to be generous. Sure, we might tell them to share their toys when a friend comes over, and that is even debated these days, but true generosity goes beyond that. Teaching generosity is something we must be intentional about; we cannot just assume our children will develop it as they grow. The truth is, generosity isn't inherent to human nature. We aren't naturally wired to put others first, and we're already seeing the consequences of failing to teach and model it. Society is filled with entitled, self-focused people who believe they're owed something. What we are finding, as no surprise, is that when no one thinks about others, communities suffer. We're raising children in a world that constantly shouts, Get more! Have more! Be more! Social media and culture glorify self, rather than service. If we're not intentional, our kids will grow up believing that their worth is tied to what they accumulate rather than what they contribute. We're already seeing glimpses of this-the rise in loneliness, the breakdown of community, and the me-first mentality are all signs of a world that has forgotten how to give. The Power to Change the Future The good news? We have the power to change the trajectory. We can and must raise a generation that sees generosity as normal and important-one that understands the beauty of giving without expecting anything in return. But it takes intentional effort-not just modeling generosity ourselves, which is important for our kids to see, but also creating opportunities for our children to practice it. And here's the key: real generosity isn't just giving when we have extra. It's giving when it requires sacrifice. That's what truly changes hearts and changes lives. If we want to shift culture-to see less depression, loneliness, and entitlement in the next generation-we need to change the focus. Instead of centering life around me, we need to teach our children to ask, How can I make a difference in the world around me? That's where we see people thrive. When we move from a poor me mentality to gratitude, from tightly clutching our stuff in fear of losing it, to opening our hands in love, everything changes. God is a generous God, and He created us in His likeness. We are never more like Jesus than when we live a generous, giving life rather than a what's in it for me life. The Secret to a Life of Abundance Raising six generous kids has been one of the greatest joys of my life. But it didn't happen by accident. Just like anything worth learning, generosity must be taught, modeled, and lived out daily. As one of the founders of GiveSendGo-a platform built on the power of generosity-I've seen firsthand how giving changes lives. People often come to our platform struggling with fundraising, asking for the secret to success. My answer is always the same-the same lesson I taught my own children about life in general. I lean in and whisper-okay, maybe I say it a little louder than a whisper-Live generously. Be a giver. When you do that, you will flourish. You will be happier, more successful, and you'll never lack people who will give back when you find yourself in need. Teaching our children generosity isn't just important, it's essential. If we want them to experience a life of true abundance-not just materially, but spiritually and emotionally-generosity can't just be a nice idea. It has to be a way of life. We must model it. We must create opportunities for them to live it. Because a world filled with generous people is a world where everyone thrives.
GiveSendGo FeaturesHope is Calling: Meet The Team That Prays for You
Posted by Alex Shipley on Mar 14, 2025
Imagine this-you start a campaign on GiveSendGo, maybe for a medical need, a mission trip, or a family in crisis. Then, out of nowhere, your phone rings. On the other end? Someone from our Hope Team, calling to do something incredible-pray for you. This isn't just a kind gesture. It's a core part of GiveSendGo's mission to share the hope of Jesus through crowdfunding. We want to be MORE than just a platform that helps people raise money. We share hope, encouragement, and prayer with those in their time of need. Who Is the Hope Team? The Hope Team is a dedicated group of individuals who spend their time calling campaigns on GiveSendGo just to pray with them. No fundraising pitches. No strings attached. Just a genuine prayer and heartfelt conversation with someone who cares. Fun Facts You Might Not Know About the Hope Team They make thousands of calls every year, bringing encouragement and prayer to campaign owners worldwide. They're going global! The Hope Team has begun calling campaigns overseas, and we're actively working to expand this initiative. Hope knows no borders! They don't just call campaigns. They also call people who leave prayer requests on our Prayer Wall and members our Giver Army, ensuring no request goes unheard. They host a Prayer Hotline-also known as our Day of Prayer-on the first Saturday of every month, where anyone can call in to receive prayer. They share inspiring stories every month. Want to hear more about the miracles, answered prayers, and hope-filled moments they experience? Subscribe to our Hope Team newsletter to stay connected. One Call Can Make a Difference Many people turn to GiveSendGo during some of the hardest seasons of their lives. While money can help meet immediate physical needs, it doesn't necessarily remedy the loss, pain, or challenges they may be facing. That's why we share hope and sometimes, a simple phone call can make all the difference. Here's a couple examples of these calls: "Thank you for reaching out and for the thoughtful prayers and encouragement. It is truly uplifting to know that your team is interceding on our behalf and standing with us in faith." ~ Anonymous "I lost my child in a car accident 9 years ago...I just wanted to say thank you for the prayer. That was so beautiful. It gives me hope for this world that somebody would call and pray over the phone with me, even on my voicemail. God bless you guys. You guys do something special." ~ Anonymous [Click HERE to listen to this voicemail]. Want to experience this for yourself? Join us on our next Day of Prayer, leave a prayer request on our Prayer Wall, or Start a Campaign. You never know-you might just get a call from the Hope Team! Feeling inspired? Visit our Prayer Wall to leave a request or pray for someone today! Has our Hope Team prayed for you? Share your experience in the comments!
Fundraising Tips50 Acts of Generosity to Be a Difference Maker in 2025
Posted by Alex Shipley on Dec 24, 2024
The start of a new year is the perfect time to make meaningful changes in our lives - and what better change than to be more generous? Generosity doesn't have to be big or complicated. Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can have the most significant impact. If you're looking for creative, fun, and impactful ways to be a difference maker in 2025, we've got you covered. Here are 50 simple (but powerful) acts of generosity to inspire you for the year ahead. Some are big, some are small, and some might even surprise you. 1. Join the Giver Army Make 2025 the year you turn generosity into a habit. Join the Giver Army here and give to one of GiveSendGo Charities causes. Your gift, combined with the generosity of others, funds grants that support campaigns on GiveSendGo with the most need. Whether it's $5 or $50, your generosity makes a lasting impact. Be the crowd for the crowdless today! 2. Start a GiveSendGo Campaign for Someone in Need See someone in your community going through a tough time? Create a campaign on their behalf and rally others to support them. 3. Give to a GiveSendGo Campaign Give to campaigns you know about, or explore the thousands of incredible campaigns on GiveSendGo in need of support. You may be the answer to someone's prayer. 4. Leave a Generous Tip Next time you dine out or grab a coffee, surprise your server with a bigger-than-usual tip. 5. Pay for the Person Behind You in Line Drive-thru? Coffee shop? Grocery store? Pay for the person behind you and make their day unexpectedly brighter. 6. Call and Pray with Someone Who Needs Encouragement Got 10 minutes? Call a friend, family member, or coworker just to check in and pray with them. 7. Send an Anonymous Gift to a Friend Everyone loves surprises! Send a small gift, note, or treat to a friend just because. 8. Write a Positive Review for a Local Business Show support for local businesses by leaving a kind review online. It costs nothing but means everything to small businesses. While you're at it, spread the love to GiveSendGo by leaving us a Trustpilot review here! 9. Volunteer Your Time to a Local Cause Whether it's serving meals at a shelter, helping with a neighborhood cleanup, or volunteering at church, your time is one of the most generous gifts you can give. 10. Pray for Strangers on GiveSendGo Every campaign on GiveSendGo has a prayer button. Click it and send a prayer. It only takes a moment, but it means the world to the recipient. 11. Mentor Someone in Your Profession Share your knowledge and experience with someone just starting out. Your wisdom could change their life. 12. Write and Send a Thank You Note Old-school thank-you notes are rare but powerful. Write one to a teacher, pastor, or someone who impacted you. 13. Pay a Bill for a Friend or Family Member Surprise a friend or family member by covering a bill for them, like a utility or phone bill. 14. Donate Blood Your blood could save someone's life. Look for a local blood drive and give the gift of life. 15. Organize a Community Clothing Drive Gather gently used clothes from your community and donate them to those in need. 16. Drop Off Treats for First Responders Bring snacks, treats, or coffee to your local fire department, police station, or hospital. 17. Support a Missionary Through GiveSendGo Missionaries often rely on the generosity of others to continue their work. Find one on GiveSendGo and support their cause. 18. Share a GiveSendGo Campaign on Social Media You never know who might be willing to give when they see a need. Share a campaign that matters to you. 19. Offer Free Lessons for a Skill You Have Are you great at playing guitar, coding, or baking? Teach a friend, family member, or local community member for free. 20. Be the "Grocery Cart Hero" Return stray grocery carts to the cart corral in parking lots. It's small but surprisingly impactful. 21. Bring Flowers to a Friend or Neighbor Flowers have a way of lifting spirits. Drop some off for someone who could use a smile. 22. Support a School Supply Drive Teachers often buy supplies with their own money. Join a local drive or start one yourself. 23. Offer to Babysit for a Friend Give parents a much-needed night off. Your generosity = their sanity. 24. Sponsor a Child's Sports Season Many kids can't afford registration fees for sports teams. Pay for a child to play this season. 25. Leave Encouraging Notes in Public Places Write positive messages and leave them in library books, coffee shops, or public restrooms. 26. Pay It Forward at the Pump Gas prices are rough. Cover someone's gas and remind them there's good in the world. 27. Donate Your Old Electronics Old phones, tablets, and laptops can be repurposed for those in need. 28. Surprise a Friend with a "Just Because" Coffee or Lunch Delivery Use a delivery app to send a coffee or meal to a friend who's having a tough day. 29. Write Positive Comments Online Skip the negativity and flood someone's comment section with encouragement. 30. Shovel Snow or Mow the Lawn for a Neighbor Help neighbors who can't handle their own yard work. 31. Offer Rides to People Without Cars Sometimes, a simple ride to work can be life-changing. 32. Sponsor a Child's School Lunch Debt Cover unpaid lunch debts at a local school to ensure no child goes hungry. 33. Start a GiveSendGo Campaign for a Community Project Raise funds for a community garden, park, or another local project. 34. Pay for Someone's Laundry Visit a laundromat and surprise someone by paying for their wash and dry. 35. Donate Pet Supplies to an Animal Shelter Drop off food, toys, and blankets for furry friends in need. 36. Gift Your Unused Gift Cards Don't let gift cards go to waste. Pass them on to someone who could use them. 37. Pick Up Trash in Your Neighborhood Take a walk and clean up your neighborhood. It makes a huge difference. 38. Make Personalized "Blessing Jars" for Friends and Family Fill jars with notes of encouragement, Bible verses, or memories that they can open throughout the year. 39. Donate to a Disaster Relief Fund When disasters strike, donate to help communities rebuild. You can give here to GiveSendGo Charities' Hurricane Relief Fund. 40. Forgive Someone Sometimes, the most generous thing you can do is to offer forgiveness. 41. Share Your Favorite Book with a Handwritten Note Gift someone a copy of a book that changed your life and include a heartfelt note inside. 42. Be Generous With Compliments Compliments are free but powerful. Give them freely. 43. Help a Friend Move Be the friend who shows up with boxes and pizza. 44. Donate Unused Points or Rewards If you have extra airline miles or credit card points, consider donating them. 45. Sign Up as an Organ Donor Your decision could save a life. 46. Share Your Talents for Free Use your skills (like graphic design or cooking) to help someone. 47. Encourage Someone Who's Struggling Send a text or note of encouragement to someone going through a hard time. 48. Be a Listening Ear Sometimes, just being present for someone is the best gift. 49. Leave Snacks for Delivery Drivers Leave water, snacks, or treats for hardworking delivery drivers. 50. "Adopt" a Nursing Home Resident. Visit, write letters, or bring small gifts to a resident who doesn't have many visitors. Which Act of Generosity Will You Try in 2025?
Fundraising TipsYour Grandmother Crowdfunded Better Than You!
Posted by Alex Shipley on Dec 20, 2024
When most people hear the word "crowdfunding," they probably think of modern websites and online platforms like GiveSendGo, where people can raise money for the people and causes that matter most to them. But what if we told you that crowdfunding isn't a new phenomenon? In fact, it's been around for centuries - long before the internet even existed! Here's a look at the surprising history of crowdfunding and how it's evolved into the powerful tool for generosity and sharing hope that we know today. 1. The Statue of Liberty Was Funded Through Crowdfunding That's right - one of the most iconic symbols of freedom in the world was crowdfunded! In 1885, the Statue of Liberty was ready to be shipped from France to New York City, but there was a problem: the U.S. government didn't have enough money to build the pedestal for it. Enter Joseph Pulitzer, a newspaper publisher who used his newspaper, The New York World, to call on everyday Americans to contribute funds. Over 120,000 people donated small amounts of money (many under $1) to help build the pedestal. Thanks to this grassroots effort, Lady Liberty found her home in New York Harbor, and the world witnessed one of the earliest examples of successful crowdfunding. 2. Artists Have Been "Crowdfunding" Patrons for Centuries Long before platforms like GiveSendGo, artists, writers, and musicians relied on "patronage" - a fancy term for crowdfunding in the olden days. Wealthy patrons, like kings, queens, and noble families, would fund artists in exchange for works of art, music, or literature. But it wasn't always just the wealthy who provided support. In 17th- and 18th-century Europe, writers and composers would often pre-sell their works to "subscribers." Essentially, people would pay upfront for a book, opera, or piece of music, and their names would be listed as "subscribers" in the final work. Sound familiar? It's not all that different from modern crowdfunding, where some givers support a project in exchange for perks, early access, or recognition. 3. War Bonds: Community Funding on a National Scale During both World Wars, countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. issued "war bonds" to their citizens. Citizens would "invest" their money to help fund the war effort, with the promise of repayment with interest. While technically an investment, the emotional appeal of supporting a cause bigger than oneself drew millions of everyday people to participate. Governments marketed war bonds as an act of patriotism and solidarity - a way for people to feel like they were part of something bigger. This is similar to the emotional connection we feel when supporting someone's GiveSendGo campaign. Back then, they had posters and rallies; today, we have emails, events, and social media posts. But the heart behind it is the same. 4. Community Chests and "Whip-Rounds" If you've ever seen the Community Chest cards in Monopoly, you've stumbled upon another historical reference to crowdfunding. Community chests were literal collections of money used to support local community needs. These chests, managed by towns or local organizations, would distribute funds to help people facing financial hardship. A similar idea was found in "whip-rounds" (a British term) where coworkers or community members would "whip around" a collection for someone in need. Whether it was gathering money for a coworker's retirement gift or supporting a family that had suffered a loss, these small acts of collective giving have always been part of our human story. 5. Early "Subscriptions" for Print Media and Books Before printing presses became efficient enough to mass-produce books, authors would "crowdfund" their work by getting subscribers to pay for the book before it was even written. The author would use the funds to cover the cost of printing and paper. As a thank-you, subscribers' names would often be printed at the front of the book. This is eerily similar to modern crowdfunding, where donors of a project get early access or special credit. In fact, if you've ever seen a GiveSendGo campaign where givers' names are publicly listed as supporters, you're witnessing a modern take on an age-old practice. Crowdfunding Today: A New Era of Generosity While the methods and platforms have changed, the spirit of crowdfunding remains the same: people coming together to support something bigger than themselves. Today, platforms like GiveSendGo make it easier than ever for anyone to raise money for emergencies, projects, dreams, and any other causes that matter. No longer limited to artists, writers, and governments, crowdfunding has become a way for everyday people to make a difference. With modern technology, anyone with a dream, a cause, or a crisis can now create a campaign and invite friends, family, and even strangers to join them. It's never been more accessible, and the impact is bigger than ever. What Will You Crowdfund for in 2025? The power of crowdfunding is older than you think, but its potential is bigger than ever. If people in the 1800s could fund a giant statue or help a writer publish their book, imagine what you can do on GiveSendGo today. Whether it's supporting a family in crisis, funding a community project, or helping someone fulfill a dream, crowdfunding in 2025 could be the year you make a lasting impact. So, what's your big idea? What story will you tell? And most importantly, what will you fundraise for in 2025?
