Hand Up, Not Handout – Changing Global Philanthropic Work
- May 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Written by Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO
Wayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises. Among his independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs.
Have you ever considered that the old ways of doing philanthropic work are broken? I've always believed that the best way to support people in our communities across our country and worldwide is to give them opportunities. That means giving them a hand-up and paths to achieve for themselves. It's that old adage of teaching a person to fish for a lifetime instead of simply giving them a fish to eat that day.
Let’s take a look at poverty, for instance. Unfortunately, many families across our country have serious financial issues. What's the best way to support families? Yes, ensure their basic needs first and foremost, but the best long-term approach to providing people with a viable future is to provide them with opportunities. We have to move past handing out aid without building communities as hubs of opportunity and lead with compelling visions of a better society.
The truth is philanthropic giving is undergoing a long-overdue transformation. The phrase that should be tattooed onto every nonprofit boardroom wall from New York to Washington State is this: “Give a hand up, not a handout.” It's more than a catchy tagline. It's the foundation of what real, effective philanthropic support can look like now and in the future.
The shift to a “hand up” model
In the traditional philanthropic model, organizations give food, clothes, and even shoes to “help” those in need. But too often, the recipients of that help have no input, no say, and no ability to build from what they’re given. The result? Disempowerment and a narrative of saviorism that has overstayed its welcome by about a century. Think of nonprofit boards, for instance. How many have recipients of aid on those boards?
Here’s where we change the game. The “hand up” model is grounded in empowerment, not simple charity. It assumes that people, regardless of where they live or how little they currently have, are capable of building their futures. If social enterprises and nonprofits are smart enough to invest in tools, not just tokens, it’s a way to lift off all boats and not just a few. For instance, the reuse economy (i.e., the circular economy) is a step in that direction.
We all, including companies, social enterprises, and nonprofits, have a part to play in social responsibility. As an example, our social enterprises are deep into the reuse economy. What that means for us is that unwanted and worn shoes and sneakers collected by our American partners in the US go to 4,000 partners worldwide. In turn, our international partners sell quality preloved shoes and sneakers for a living in places where sustainable work opportunities are scarce. In other words, we provide opportunities, pride, and ownership.
What philanthropy looks like when you follow the need
If you're a supporter or board member of philanthropic efforts, have you noticed the organization you support dropping off supplies and then moving on to the next? Have you heard people ask the people they serve, "What do you need?" In my conversations with people in the Global South and other places, one of the biggest refrains is that they need a way to make a good living.
Our team doesn't tell people in communities across the US what's best for their towns and neighborhoods. We create partnerships, handle global logistics, and get out of the way. Although our companies are social enterprises, we're keenly aware that we're practicing philanthropy in the way it was intended. You see, the power of philanthropy is rooted in listening, partnership, trust, and sustainable opportunities.
The most powerful philanthropic models today are circular, not hierarchical. They’re built on reuse, regeneration, and reinvestment. And they work because they’re designed with real-world economics in mind. When someone can resell a pair of shoes, they earn income, support their family, and participate in a local marketplace. That dollar changes hands repeatedly in commerce, and that’s an economic impact, which is also good for families.
What the new philanthropic leader looks like
This shift in how we "do good" isn't just about what we fund but how we approach the solutions. The new philanthropic leader isn’t a gatekeeper. They’re not the hero of the story. They’re the stage crew, making sure the spotlight is shining where it belongs—on the people doing the real work in their communities. They know the value of impact over intention. They measure success not in one-time outputs but in long-term, generational outcomes.
They understand that “helping” isn’t enough if organizations aren’t also building capacity, systems, and self-sufficiency. Look, I'm not saying there's no place for aid. Emergency relief is critical. Direct service has its role. However, sustainability, equity, and giving that provide opportunities must be the heart of modern philanthropy. So, if you’re serious about making a difference, ask yourself:
Are you giving a hand up?
Are you co-creating solutions with the communities you serve?
Are you investing in agency and self-empowerment, not just outcomes?
The truth is, philanthropic work that empowers doesn’t just change lives—it changes everything. And that’s a legacy worth building.
© 2025 Wayne Elsey. All Rights Reserved.
Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO
Wayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises. Among his independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs. This social enterprise helps nonprofits, schools, churches, civic groups, individuals, and others raise funds while helping to support micro-enterprise (small business) opportunities in developing nations and the environment.
