How Bag of Joy Works
A transparent and simple way to choose a cause, fundraise, and feel the shared joy you create.
STEP 1:
Choose a
Trusted Partner
STEP 2:
Pick a Wishlist or Project
STEP 3:
Fundraise to
Fulfill It
STEP 4:
Create Your JoyStory
STEP 5:
Celebrate the Shared Joy
Bag of Joy began in 2019 with one fifth-grader’s idea to brighten a child’s Christmas.
What started as one bag has grown into a youth-led platform on a mission to make giving transparent, simple, and joyful.
We make it easy for anyone — students, families, or companies — to give back with purpose.
In just five steps, you’ll see how your kindness turns into real impact for children around the world.
HOW BAG OF JOY WORKS
STEP 1: Choose a Trusted Partner
Bag of Joy isn’t a nonprofit — it’s a youth-led platform built on three values: transparent, simple, and joyful.
When Maahi, the founder, talked to people about giving back, she realized everyone wanted the same things — to know where their money goes, to give easily, and to feel the joy of helping others.
That’s why Bag of Joy partners only with nonprofits Maahi has personally met, ensuring every donation directly supports children.
Whether you give locally or globally, you’ll see how giving back can be transparent, simple, and joyful.
STEP 2: Pick a Wishlist or Project
Once you’ve chosen your Trusted Partner, it’s time to decide what you’d like to support.
Go to the Trusted Partners tab and pick the partner you’re most excited to help. That will take you to their Spread Joy page, where you can choose a wishlist or project to fund — like bringing Christmas joy to kids in foster care through Friends of Foster Kids, or helping students in Ghana with Project Okurase.
Each wishlist or project shows you exactly how you’re helping and how your kindness brings shared joy.
STEP 3: Fundraise to Fulfill It
Now that you’ve chosen your wishlist or project, it’s time to fundraise to make it happen!
At Bag of Joy, our ideas were created by a student, so they’re kid-friendly — but they’re for everyone too.
Students can fundraise with friends, clubs, or schools. Families can plan something fun together. Companies can make it a team effort — even inviting their kids to join in!
Explore our Fundraising Ideas page for simple, creative ways to raise funds and share your JoyStory — because when you give joy, you feel it too.
STEP 4: Create Your JoyStory
Every act of giving has a story behind it — yours.
Once you’ve started your fundraiser, create your JoyStory to share what you’re doing and why it matters.
Post updates, photos, or quick notes to show your progress and inspire others to join in.
When you share your JoyStory with friends, family, and your community, you’re not just asking for support — you’re reminding others that anyone can give back and feel the joy of doing it.
STEP 5: Celebrate the Shared Joy
When your fundraiser wraps up, take a moment to celebrate what you’ve created.
You’ll receive a Bag of Joy Impact Letter showing how your kindness made a difference — whether it helped a child open gifts on Christmas morning or a student enjoy a warm meal at school.
Share your results, photos, or reflections with your community, and feel proud of the change you’ve sparked.
Because every act of giving doesn’t just brighten someone else’s world — it fills yours with joy too.