What we do

“Give a man a fish,
and you feed him for
a day. Teach a man
to fish, and you feed
him for a lifetime.”
Ancient Proverb

The Pay It Backward Foundation was inspired and created by Tony March, to help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, encourage the brokenhearted and get them on their feet again. We are an organization not bound by bias, and consider people from all walks of life our brothers and sisters, our friends and our equals.

Through local, national and global initiatives, we reach back and lend a hand with financial support and aid. But what makes our hearts sing is creating opportunities for personal growth and self-sufficiency. We commit to initiatives which emphasize practical skills development and are supported with healthy living mentorship and guidance. Our ultimate delight is in helping to create a new reality of employment opportunities, personal passions and interests, and a life of with newfound stability. Our mission is not to rescue anyone: instead we aspire to affording them the gift of saving themselves.

Those in need are never an expense, but rather, an investment. We look to take the many in dark situations and realities out of survival mode, and give them the chance to lift their eyes to the horizon and make plans for bold and brighter futures – just like the rest of us. We believe it’s possible for each and everyone we connect with to overcome the cycle of poverty, abuse and despair, and flourish in self-dependency.

As an example of our Foundation’s purposeful mission, cause initiatives we support, such as the “Tampa Bay Food Fight” (with two recent events raising over $450,000), ensure culinary scholarships are available to those in the community who would otherwise not be afforded the opportunity to nurture and grow this skill. And at Metropolitan Ministries, a national beacon for community non-profits, Tampa Bay’s homeless and poor are welcomed with open arms, yet integrated into the shelter’s operational activities, requiring active participation and involvement in support of personal accommodations, meals, and healthcare necessities.

Through training and empowerment, a renewed sense of hope and pride can be instilled into the spirits of those long tarnished by stress and sadness. The Pay It Backward Foundation wishes for everyone, dignity, purpose and the dream of a bigger life. Our efforts make a difference, but there are untapped opportunities everywhere. Through our journey and activities, the Foundation aims to galvanize individuals and organizations into philanthropic action.

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Collaborating with Local and National Charity Groups and Organizations

With decades of philanthropic mindfulness and participation, the Pay It Backward Foundation has an extensive network of cooperative affiliations. Cooperation is key when you’re moving mountains. We love to create synergy with other groups doing good work. Just getting started and needing mentorship? We can help. You’re an expert in your field with energy to burn? Step right up. Hoping we’ll bring our strengths to your cause? Let’s talk.

Check out our foundation-sponsored “Paying It Backward” group book purchase initiative. With every group order and purchase of Tony inspiring giving back story, the Pay It Backward Foundation will donate a “Pay Back” to you or your organization!