SHARE

We are happy to hear from organizations and individuals who are paying it forward. If you have a Pay It Forward story to share, email us.

GIVE

We accept donations to help us educate and inspire young people to realize that they can change the world, and provide them with opportunities to do so. To make a contribution online, click here. To make a contribution by mail, send your check or money order to:

The Pay It Forward Foundation
P.O. Box 552
Cambria, CA 93428

To inquire about specific giving opportunities, including planned gifts, bequests, and memorial or honorary contributions, please email us.

SEEK

We answer questions every day about how to pay it forward, apply for a grant, make a donation to the Foundation, contact the author, and more. Before you contact us, please read the following FAQs to see if your question is answered here. If after reviewing these answers you still have a question, please email us.

How can I pay it forward?

The premise of the novel “Pay It Forward” is one that any person can implement in his or her own life, at any time. It begins with doing a favor for another person – without any expectation of being paid back. Indeed one would request that the recipient of that favor do the same for someone else – ideally, for three other people. The unconditional favors can be large or small. As 12-year-old Trevor observes in the novel: it doesn't have to be a big thing. It can just seem that way, depending on whom you do it for. Both to inspire and to educate, the Pay It Forward Foundation post projects, activities and stories useful to those interested in paying it forward to this website and to the Pay It Forward Movement website. There’s really no end to what you can do when you set your mind to pay it forward.

Is the phrase “pay it forward” protected by copyright?

The Pay It Forward Foundation does not "own" the phrase "pay it forward," nor the idea; we encourage all who want to promote the concept of paying it forward to do so. "Pay It Forward" the movie and the movie website are the property of Warner Bros., not the Pay It Forward Foundation. We do not have the authority to grant permission for use of any clips or materials from these sources. We urge anyone wishing to use the phrase commercially to check with the studio.

Are donations to the Pay It Forward Foundation tax deductible?

The Pay It Forward Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit public benefit organization. Tax deductible donations can be made online or by sending a check or money order to The Pay It Forward Foundation, P.O. Box 552, Cambria, CA 93428. We are happy to send a donation acknowledgement for tax purposes upon receipt.

How do we apply for a Pay It Forward Foundation grant?

The Pay It Forward Foundation reviews applications for its grant program three times a year. Application deadlines are January 15, April 15 and October 15. Projects must contain a “pay it forward” focus to be considered – that is, they must be based on the concept of one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others, with the results growing exponentially. For more information, see Grants.

Can Catherine Ryan Hyde come speak at our event or to our group?

The founder of the Pay It Forward Foundation and author of the novel “Pay It Forward” is available on a limited basis to make appearances and presentations on behalf of the Pay It Forward Foundation. If you are interested in possibly hosting such a visit, please let us know the details, including the nature and date of the event, number of people participating (especially young people), what you require of Ms. Hyde, and costs you are willing to cover including travel, accommodations and speaking stipend. We also have references for other speakers who implement the Pay It Forward concept in various settings, such as businesses, schools, and youth groups. Please let us know of your specific needs.

Would it be possible to speak with Catherine Ryan Hyde directly?

As you can imagine, Ms. Hyde maintains a full writing and speaking schedule, particularly with several new books being published and/or in the works. If your request concerns Foundation activities, a potential speaking engagement or other such request, you may email it to the Foundation.