Connecting communities through Kindness: The story behind our Kindness Wall

The Kindness Wall began with a simple yet powerful idea: how can we make a meaningful impact in every community we visit? The inspiration came from a conversation with T. Clay Buck, CFRE, who shared how stepping back into the “real world” after a conference’s warmth and camaraderie can feel jarring. Quite often, just outside the event doors, we see people facing hardship—individuals who could benefit from the resources our nonprofit community works so hard to provide.

That left us thinking, How CAN we make a real difference when we are on the road, attending conferences? That spark of curiosity and intention to give back led us to start the Kindness Wall. Through it, our hope is to spotlight and support the vital work of local nonprofits and spread the compassion and positive change we see nonprofit professionals enacting on a daily basis.

What is a Kindness Wall?

A Kindness Wall is a dedicated space with encouragement, gratitude, and inspirational messages. It invites people to write heartfelt notes to colleagues, friends, or mentors, and share them for all to see by pinning them on the Kindness Wall. These walls often turn kindness into action by linking each message with a small donation to a local nonprofit. Through this simple act, the Kindness Wall becomes a bridge, connecting people with the communities they visit while spreading the compassion at the heart of the nonprofit world.

How we built our Kindsight Kindness Wall

At Kindsight, we wanted our Kindness Wall to be easy and impactful without requiring much space. Our wall can be set up at conference venues and events — or even exist digitally. For each note posted, we donate $5 to a local nonprofit.

Each donation supports organizations already doing incredible work to help those in need, so the wall serves as more than just a collection of warm and fuzzies. It’s a tangible way for conference attendees to leave a legacy of kindness and support, reminding us that we’re all part of a larger community. It’s a simple gesture with a significant impact: by the end of each conference, the wall becomes a powerful symbol of generosity and unity.

Want to create your own Kindness Wall?

Are you looking to foster a spirit of kindness and support? Of course you are! A Kindness Wall is an easy, impactful way to unite people while supporting your mission. Whether you create one for your organization’s employees or suggest it to local partners, a Kindness Wall is a powerful way to boost morale and make a difference.

1. Define your purpose

Establish the intention behind your Kindness Wall. This might mean fostering a culture of gratitude and appreciation in your organization. Consider partnering with local businesses or community spaces to set up a Kindness Wall that raises awareness and donations for your cause.

2. Select a location

Choose a visible, high-traffic spot, such as a hallway, break room, or lobby. If your team works remotely, set up a digital Kindness Wall on a platform like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

3. Gather materials (physical wall)

• Board or wall space: Use a corkboard, freestanding wall, or designated bulletin board.
• Sticky notes or cards: Provide sticky notes or cards where people can write messages.
• Pins, tape, or clips: Use fasteners to attach the notes.
• Donation signage: To encourage participation, display a sign explaining the purpose, such as “$5 donated to [nonprofit] for each message posted.”

For nonprofits, this signage can also include information about your mission and services, raising awareness among new audiences.

4. Encourage participation

Invite people to write messages of gratitude, inspiration, or support. Emphasize these notes’ positive impact—either by uplifting colleagues internally or gathering support for your cause. Share stories or examples that illustrate the power of small acts of kindness, creating an inviting space for reflection.

5. Track and share the impact

Share updates on the Kindness Wall’s impact to keep participants engaged. Post regular updates on how many notes have been shared and the resulting donations, building momentum and inspiring even more kindness.

The impact and legacy of a Kindness Wall

Since its inception, the Kindsight Kindness Wall has supported nonprofits like Second Harvest, Louie’s HUWE, and Sound Generations. The wall becomes a powerful visual reminder of generosity and unity—a symbol that we’re all part of a larger community no matter where we come from.

Looking ahead, the Kindness Wall will continue to serve as a symbol—a reminder that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether physical or digital, each Kindness Wall is a bridge connecting people and the community, transforming simple notes into a lasting legacy of kindness.

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Bre Alexander