Two female volunteers prep dry goods packages on a table for Istanbul residents as part of the Pay It Forward program.

Pay It Forward: A city-run, user-friendly website that connects donors directly with neighbors in need

PAY IT FORWARD CAN HELP YOU ADDRESS:

  • The ongoing needs of residents struggling to meet basic needs 
  • Rapid mobilization of locally sourced and distributed financial aid in response to an emergency 
  • Mistrust in giving websites mediated by a third party

THE PROBLEM

Affluent Istanbul residents want to support households in need, but they are hindered by low trust in third-party entities mediating these donations.

THE SOLUTION

Pay It Forward is a user-friendly social giving website, managed by the city, that connects donors anonymously and directly to recipients in need, whether they are facing ongoing financial hardship or acute need following a crisis.

THE IMPACT

  • The Pay It Forward website was quickly mobilized to pay $470,779.32 in earthquake relief funds 
  • Since its inception, Pay It Forward has provided ~$1.6 million in support

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