Arkansas Catholic is seeking Catholic groups and families who want to participate in the second annual Pay It Forward Campaign during Lent.
Last year, three groups were given $100 grants and turned it into $6,773 in donated items and money for local and worldwide charities.
The concept is based on the New Testament parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-28).
A 2000 dramatic movie, starring Kevin Spacey, made the phrase “pay it forward” popular. According to the movie, “When someone does you a big favor, don’t pay it back. Pay it forward.”
Thanks to an anonymous donor this year, six $100 grants will be handed out Feb. 17 to the best submissions. The winners — Catholic individuals, groups and families in Arkansas — will be chosen based on the following criteria: How they will “grow” the Arkansas Catholic investment during the 40 days of Lent? And who will benefit from their work?
The deadline to apply for a Pay It Forward grant is Feb. 5. The campaign begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17 and ends during Holy Week March 31. During that time, the winners will put their ideas into action.
A story on the grant winners’ projects will appear in an April issue of Arkansas Catholic following Easter. Updates and photos from the winners will appear on www.arkansas-catholic.org.
To get a Pay It Forward application, click here (PDF file) or send an e-mail to editor Malea Hargett.
Make a difference with a grant from Arkansas Catholic
