We’re just over a week into this year's Lent challenge, and already the impact has been amazing!
From playgrounds to workplaces, churches to high streets - acts of generosity are spreading fast. We kicked off on Wednesday 5 March with 26,058 pupils from 198 primary schools taking part in the Big Live Assembly, learning about how generosity can transform lives. And it’s not just children taking action - churches, families and individuals are stepping out in wonderful ways, using the range of resources we have available.
Around 45,000 people have been receiving the daily emails, and this number continues to grow every day. Many are also sharing their acts on social media with #40acts. Please join them in sharing your involvement in the acts.
If you haven’t joined yet, don’t worry it’s not too late! Every act of generosity makes a difference, whether big or small.
Generosity in action
On Friday, 7 March, something incredible happened. Our partner for the day, Acts 435, experienced over 500 new donors step forward, meeting 178 urgent needs for struggling families and individuals. By the end of the day, the Acts 435 website had ZERO unmet needs— every single urgent request had been fulfilled. But, the generosity didn’t stop there. Acts 435 also received gifts from our generous givers to their own general fund. This is the power of generosity in action!
And it’s not just about financial gifts – kind actions changed hearts too. 50% of people say that when someone is kind to them, it makes them feel cared for. Whether it's a helping hand or a word of encouragement, every act matters. One 40act-er shared how she followed the Day 5 act and texted a bible verse to a friend in their own language. They hadn’t spoken for over 2 years, but this simple gesture wonderfully reignited their friendship.
Despite what we sometimes hear, most of us believe in the goodness of those around us. In fact, 74% of people think their own communities are kind. And we’re seeing that truth lived out every day through 40acts. Whether it’s a simple note of encouragement, covering the cost of someone’s meal, or giving time to listen, these small acts are adding up to something extraordinary.
Inspiration for your 40acts journey
Generosity is even more powerful when we do it together, and there is a team at Stewardship who are walking alongside you. Every act is carried out by one of our own 40acts team members, just like you! Follow along on our social media channels and search #40acts to see how the rest of the community are putting their generosity into action.
If you need some further encouragement, take a look at the latest Active Generosity podcast episode which features Sam Malins, a Clinical Psychologist in the NHS, Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, and a Stewardship donor. Sam shares how his faith has shaped his giving, and the science-backed truth that generosity makes us happier! What a wonderful incentive to join in with 40acts!
It’s not too late to join!
If you haven’t signed up for 40acts 2025 yet, now is the perfect time! Whether you start today or catch up later, every act of kindness makes a difference. There is a community of tens of thousands who are already on this journey of generosity, and we'd love for you to join us.
Learn to live more generously
Join thousands receiving insights and reflections that encourage a life of generosity. Sign up to Generous today and receive a free digital copy of Money and the Gospel.
