How It Works
Pay It Forward Detroit is a movement that makes kindness visible. Here's how you can be part of spreading love through our community, one act at a time.
← Back to HomePick Up a PIFD Card
Cards are available at participating local businesses, community events, and from other PIFD members throughout Detroit and surrounding areas.
- Each card has a unique serial number (e.g., PIFD-0001)
- Cards are free and designed to be passed forward
- Look for them at coffee shops, libraries, community centers, and local events
- Ask friends or family who are already part of the movement
Don't have a card yet? That's okay! You can still participate by tracking cards you encounter or by requesting cards through our community partners.
Perform an Act of Kindness
With your card in hand, look for opportunities to brighten someone's day. Acts of kindness can be big or small—what matters is the intention.
- Buy coffee for the person behind you in line
- Help someone carry their groceries
- Pay for a stranger's meal
- Leave an encouraging note with a tip
- Offer your seat on public transportation
- Help a neighbor with yard work
- Share your umbrella on a rainy day
Remember: The size doesn't matter. A smile, a compliment, or holding the door can be just as powerful as a grand gesture.
Give the Card Away
After you've done something kind, give the card to the person you helped or someone nearby. Explain that they're now part of a chain of kindness.
- Tell them about Pay It Forward Detroit
- Explain they should do something kind for someone else
- Encourage them to log their story on pifdetroit.com
- Let them know they're part of a growing movement
Important: The card is meant to keep moving. Don't hold onto it—the magic happens when it travels!
Track the Journey
When you receive a card, visit pifdetroit.com to log where you got it, what kind deed you experienced, and your message to the world.
- Enter the card's serial number (found on the card)
- Share your city and state
- Describe the act of kindness you received
- Add an inspiring message (optional but encouraged!)
- Watch your pin appear on our live map
Why log it? When you share your story, you create a visible record of kindness spreading. Others can see the card's complete journey and be inspired to participate!
A Real Journey: Card PIFD-0001
Detroit, MI • October 1, 2025
Sarah bought coffee for the person behind her at Great Lakes Coffee. She gave them Card PIFD-0001 and said, "Pass it forward when you can!"
Midtown Detroit, MI • October 3, 2025
Marcus received the card with his coffee. Two days later, he helped an elderly woman carry her groceries to her car and gave her the card. His message: "Small acts matter."
Northeast Detroit, MI • October 5, 2025
Mrs. Johnson was touched by Marcus's help. She paid for a family's meal at a local restaurant and passed the card to them with the message: "Spreading joy, one deed at a time."
✨ The Ripple Effect
3 acts of kindness. 3 people touched. Countless smiles created. And Card PIFD-0001 continues its journey today, spreading love through our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lose the card?
No worries! The important thing is the act of kindness itself. If you lose the card before passing it on, just perform your kind deed anyway. You can still come to the website and share your story—just explain what happened in your entry.
Do I have to log the card online?
While we encourage everyone to log their cards (it's how we track kindness spreading!), it's not mandatory. If you receive a card and don't have internet access, you can still participate by doing something kind and passing the card forward.
Can I keep the card as a memento?
We understand the temptation! But the cards are designed to keep moving. The true memento is your story on our map and knowing you're part of a chain of kindness. If you really want to keep something, take a photo of the card before passing it on!
What if someone doesn't pass the card forward?
That's okay—not everyone will participate, and that's part of life. The important thing is that YOU did something kind. Your act still matters, even if the card's journey ends there. Plus, you can always get another card and try again!
Can I get multiple cards?
Absolutely! If you're inspired to do multiple acts of kindness, you can carry and distribute multiple cards. Each card has its own unique serial number, so their journeys will be tracked separately on our map.
How do I get cards to distribute?
Check our website for pickup locations, or contact us directly. We're always looking for community partners to help distribute cards. Local businesses, community centers, libraries, and events are great places to find them.
Is there a cost to participate?
No! Pay It Forward Detroit is completely free. The cards are free, logging your story is free, and participating is free. The only "cost" is the kindness you choose to spread—and that's priceless.
What if I receive a card from outside Detroit?
That's amazing! It means kindness is spreading beyond our city. You can still log it on our website—just enter the city and state where you received it. We love seeing how far these cards travel!
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join hundreds of others spreading kindness through Detroit and beyond. Every act matters. Every card tells a story. Every story inspires action.
Log Your Card Now