Built on Kindness. Rooted in Columbus.
Pay It Forward Columbus was formed so individuals, small businesses, nonprofits, and corporations could come together to show love to the world — one act of kindness at a time.
How It All Began
Pay It Forward Columbus was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that the world becomes a better place when people go out of their way to serve one another. In a time when too many people carry hate, face poverty, homelessness, illness, loneliness, or despair — we chose to respond with love.
We created a space where individuals, small businesses, schools, nonprofits, and large corporations could unite around a common purpose: doing daily acts of kindness for one another right here in Central Ohio.
"In order to move forward in life, you must give back." That founding principle still drives everything we do.
Together we can change the world, one good deed at a time.
— Pay It Forward Columbus
Founded in
Columbus, OH
Come Together. Show Love. Make a Difference.
Our mission is to bring together a community of individuals and businesses to create a fun, purposeful environment where people can network, share ideas, develop growth in their business and personal lives — and give back to those who need it most.
Authentic Relationships
We believe in building genuine, long-lasting connections that go beyond transactions.
Service First
We believe in serving others first — making a real difference in our community before anything else.
Strength in Diversity
We believe diversity is our core. Coming together as a group makes us stronger as individuals.
Acts of Kindness
We believe small acts of kindness, done consistently, have the power to transform lives and communities.
Jerry Pfeister
Founder & Community Leader
Jerry Pfeister founded Pay It Forward Columbus with a vision to unite Central Ohio's business community around a shared purpose: giving back. A longtime entrepreneur and community advocate, Jerry has built a network of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals committed to making Columbus a more connected, compassionate city.
Through PURE AQUA Columbus, Solar Brokers, and his work with Pay It Forward Columbus, Jerry has dedicated himself to connecting people with resources, opportunities, and each other. His philosophy is simple: when we lift others up, we all rise together.
What We've Accomplished Together
Since our founding, Pay It Forward Columbus has mobilized the community around drives, events, and acts of service that have touched thousands of lives across Central Ohio.
15+
Partner Organizations
3
Community Drives Completed
100s
Families Served
1
City. Unlimited Heart.
1st Annual Toy Drive
Collected toys for children newborn through age 18 across Central Ohio, delivered through Easton Town Center.
Columbus Relief Winter Clothing Drive
Gathered warm clothing for children through adults and distributed to those in need throughout Columbus.
Community Gathering at Estuary Park
Brought members, partners, and neighbors together for an evening of connection, reflection, and celebration.
Ready to Pay It Forward?
Whether you're a business owner, nonprofit, volunteer, or simply someone who wants to make a difference — there's a place for you in this community.