Money, Money, Money, Is Only a Scroll Away
Instagram page Cash Drop Providence invites Rhode Islanders to seek out cash hidden throughout the Ocean State.
Photo courtesy of Cash Drop Providence.
When my sister called me in a huff, voicing her disappointment that she hadn’t found the $50 dollars she claimed was hidden at India Point Park, all I could say was, “huh?” Though constantly out and about trying to keep up with the hottest new local happenings and trends, sometimes I am late to the party. And so, in a tone that just bordered patronizing, my sister Scout explained to me what she was talking about. “This page on Instagram called Cash Drop Providence posts videos hiding money around the city for people to find,” Scout said. “It’s a race to find the money before everyone else does.”
‘Surely it can’t be a super involved race,’ I thought naively. After searching for the page on Instagram, I realized how wrong I was. The page had more than 30,000 followers and a sea of videos that all took place in different locations. Locations that any Rhode Islander could identify. Locations that, for the time being, had various big bills hidden away in them. I was blown away that one, I hadn’t heard of the page, and two. that 30,000 others had.
You know that phenomenon where once you hear a word for the first time, you start hearing it and seeing it everywhere? Well, that was this. As soon as I was clued in on Cash Drop Providence’s existence, I started to see it everywhere. I began noticing my friends, both real life and parasocial ones, all posting videos at the drop sites looking for the cash with dozens of others. It felt almost reminiscent of 2016’s Pokemon Go frenzy. With my intrigue piqued, I had to find out more about this Providence cash drop craze that was providing participants a fun way to make a buck, or 100. Speaking with the anonymous person behind Cash Drop Providence provided me some answers to my burning questions about the Instagram page’s conceptualization and future.
Where did the idea to hide money all over Providence come from?
Honestly, I saw something similar done on a really big scale in another state, and I thought it was such a creative and generous way to bring people together. I knew Rhode Island needed something like that, a mix of community, excitement and positivity. No one was doing anything like it here, so I figured, why not us? I gave it a try, and the reaction was instant. People were hooked, they started following, and it turned into something really cool.
Can you tell me a bit more about how it works?
It’s kind of like a treasure hunt. I announce a drop on Instagram the day of, I give reminders and then post a video of where the money is hidden. It is usually somewhere in Providence, like near a mural, a park or a local landmark. Everyone who follows @cashdropprov on Instagram gets a shot, and whoever gets there first walks away with the cash. Totally free to play.
Sometimes I also collaborate with local businesses to give away a little something extra! I’ve given away free ice cream, sandwiches, coffee and plants, turning anywhere into a whole community experience.
When you started this, did you have any idea that it would become something that 30k people on Instagram would follow?
I knew it had potential, but I didn’t expect it to take off this fast. The reaction was instant, people were locked in, showing up to drops, tagging their friends. It went from an idea to a movement almost overnight. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a page. It tapped into something people were missing; real-life fun, a little mystery, and a chance to win.
Now local businesses are partnering with you during your cash drops, notably local businesses like Artisan Bites, Thea Plant Co. and GiGi’s Scoops. Do you have more businesses you’re partnering with in development?
Yes, and I’m always looking for more. Some businesses do one-time drops where they contribute to the cash or give away a little something extra, like an ice cream shop that offered free cones to the first group of people who came for the drop. It really depends on the business, and I love tailoring it to their aesthetic. A big part of this is about shining a light on small businesses and getting the community to show up for them. People discover new spots, and businesses get real foot traffic and attention. I’m always looking to partner with places that care about the community like I do. That’s what keeps it meaningful.
I’ve been covering most of the cash drops myself since day one, and to be real, it’s been a financial stretch at times. But I keep doing it because I see how much it matters to people. That said, I truly need businesses to step up and help support this if it’s going to continue. Their involvement not only helps lighten the load but also makes it possible to grow this in a sustainable way and to reach more people, do bigger things, and keep delivering that sense of excitement and connection.
Photo courtesy of Cash Drop Providence.
What is your craziest story from a certain cash drop?
For my 10K follower appreciation giveaway, I went all out and did five drops in one day. Honestly, I probably bit off more than I could chew. The first drop was at Lincoln Woods, where I buried the cash in the sand. The crowd showed up within minutes, digging through the beach like pirates. From there, I kept it moving, four more drops across the state, all in different locations, and people followed the whole day. The energy was unreal but trying to plan and execute it all was one of the hardest things I’ve done. Still, it was one of the most unforgettable days and a huge reminder of how locked in this community really is.
So many are struggling financially currently, what do you think about anyone whose stress is alleviated a little by your drops?
That’s one of the biggest reasons I keep doing it. I know what it’s like to feel pressure, to be stuck between bills and basic needs. Even a little cash can make a real difference, whether it’s gas for the week, diapers, groceries, or just something that lifts your spirits. It’s great when people share stories about how the drop helped them get through a hard day or brought joy they hadn’t felt in a while. A reason to smile, to get outside, to feel a little hope. If I can give people even a moment of relief or excitement during a tough time, then I’m doing something right.
While on drops, I frequently give cash directly to people experiencing homelessness. It’s not about going viral; it’s about showing people they matter. These are the moments that remind me why I started this.
What do you hope comes from these cash drops, and what would you like to see it become in the future?
My biggest hope is that people feel like they’re part of something positive. Whether they find the cash or not, I want them to enjoy the fun. Everyone enjoys the comments and the stories that come from Cash Drops. I want everyone to feel like a winner in some way.
In the future, I’d love to take this concept even further. Surrounding cities, more partnerships, more ways for people to give and receive. But most of all, I want to keep building something that brings people together and reminds them that good things still happen, and it is right around the corner. With the right support from the community and businesses, we can keep that momentum going and make it even more impactful.
Would you like your identity known?
I’d rather stay anonymous. This has never been about me. It’s about shining a light on community connection and collaborative giving from small and large businesses, and I’m grateful to be able to amplify that message.
These days, a lot of social media is built around people selling their face or image. But this page isn’t about that. It’s about giving back and creating something that brings people together. I want people to feel like they’re part of something bigger than just watching another influencer. The focus should stay on the experience, the excitement, and the connection it brings to the city, not who’s behind it.
To be part of the fun, follow @cashdropprov on Instagram and if you’ve made it this far, congratulations! The code for the August 8th drops is 0401, good luck!
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