Naively I have engaged in this kind of "loaning" myself. Several times. And trust me, it is the beginning of the end of these "relationships." Either you will be screwed and lose your money, or the provider will become resentful having to work for money that they have already received and spent, or both.
If you can afford to gift, gift. Otherwise, COVID-19 arms you with about 5,000 different excuses for not loaning money to non-family at this time.