Why we don’t need to wait to become rich to give back

Over the years I’ve watched so many celebrities using their platforms to raise awareness to specific causes, and it’s always inspiring to me. Most of those times I’ve been in awe of the impact and initiatives that were promoted.

Seeing someone like Emma Watson speak out about gender equality, or Leonardo DiCaprio pushing for climate change awareness, really makes you feel like you need to be on their level to give back in a meaningful way. But I’ve come to realize it’s not the size of your wallet or the size of your audience that matters.

I think sometimes we forget that giving back can look a lot of different ways. It can be as simple as offering your time, supporting local businesses, volunteering at shelters, or helping a neighbor in need. The small actions add up. You don’t need millions of dollars to make someone’s day a little brighter or help create positive change. In fact, sometimes the most meaningful contributions come from those who give in ways that aren’t seen by the public eye, but still make a huge difference in their communities.

It’s also about mindset, not just financial resources. You don’t need to wait until you have it all together or a big paycheck to start giving. Even when you’re in a position of just getting by, your time, kindness, or skills can be just as valuable. And often, the people who give the most are those who have less, because they understand the value of sharing what they have, even if it’s just a bit.

I believe there are a few reasons why we don’t need to wait until we’re rich or have to become celebrities or influencers with a large platform to start giving back in a meaningful way. Solving problems in the world can actually be very cheap. Here are several reasons why all of us can give back, regardless of our financial situation:

Charity offers relief, but empowerment creates change.

Charity has long been seen as a fundamental response to poverty, inequality, and suffering. It’s often the go-to solution for those in need, offering immediate relief and tangible support in times of crisis.

While charity can offer immediate relief, it may not address the root causes of poverty or inequality. Its long-term impact is often limited, as it often creates a cycle of dependency rather than long-term solutions.

When it comes to philanthropic work, I like to think of it in terms of empowerment. Empowerment, on the other hand, focuses on enabling individuals or communities to gain the skills, resources, and confidence they need to help themselves. Instead of giving temporary assistance, empowerment helps people create sustainable change by fostering independence, self-sufficiency, and a sense of agency. Empowering others allows them to take control of their lives and work toward lasting solutions, which has a more enduring and meaningful impact than charity alone.

In contrast, empowerment—giving individuals the tools, resources, and opportunities to help themselves—has proven to be a more sustainable and transformative approach. Empowerment doesn’t just alleviate the symptoms of hardship; it addresses the root causes, creating lasting change that enables individuals and communities to thrive independently. Empowerment, rather than charity, offers a more effective and sustainable solution to the world’s most pressing challenges.

While charity may provide temporary relief in times of crisis, it is empowerment that leads to lasting, sustainable change. By offering individuals the resources, skills, and opportunities to improve their own lives, we foster independence, dignity, and personal growth. Empowerment tackles the root causes of social issues, ensuring that those in need can rise above their circumstances and thrive without relying on handouts. As we move forward in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, we must shift our focus from charity to empowerment, helping people help themselves and building a world where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The power of time, talent, knowledge.

A lot of the work I’ve been learning more about over the last couple of years focuses on using AI and technology to solve big real-world problems. I’m really interested in how new ideas and innovations are changing education, the environment, and healthcare. One key insight I’ve gained is that while funding is often limited in philanthropic institutions, there are times when budgets are available—but the challenge isn’t money.

Sometimes, the real challenge is figuring out how to get the solution to the people who need it the most. How do we reach those living in remote areas, or how do we ensure that the solutions are actually used and locally embraced? These are challenges that go beyond financial constraints; they’re about accessibility, adoption, and effective implementation.

Melinda Gates, for example, shared in her TedTalk about a promising solution of bringing special toilets to local villages. While a Tiger Toilet is one of those promising innovations, the locals only used them to store food in the beginning. It wasn’t until the foundation paid attention to the local villagers, had conversations with them, and talked to them extensively, that they realized how they needed to tweak their message. This feedback could only come from those on the grounds, who have spent enough time with the people in those villages to know what the missing link was.

In other words, not all contributions are financial. If you’re not rich in money, you can still be rich in time, inside information, or talent. Volunteering at a shelter, tutoring students, or offering your expertise in a field can be incredibly valuable to those who need it. This way, changing the world doesn’t require much money. How much were Gandhi’s teachers paid? How much did it cost to give Dr. Martin Luther King the books that catalyzed his mind and actions? Think in terms of empowerment and the possibilities will show up to you.

Wealth is relative

I also believe that what one person views as a lack of wealth, another might view as enough to live comfortably.

Aside from the fact that many people who are not financially wealthy still have much to offer in terms of time, attention, and love, donating 5 dollars a month is an amount of money that a lot of people don’t even miss but can bring clean water to 3 families in the world.

Creating a ripple effect by inspiring others

Small acts of kindness, like volunteering, helping others with their time or skills, or donating items you no longer need, can have a significant positive effect on someone else’s life. When others see you giving what you can, they may be motivated to do the same, multiplying the effect of your generosity. Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference. Your actions can inspire others to give.

Giving back, even in small ways, cultivates generosity and empathy. When we give—whether it’s our time, knowledge, or resources—it encourages others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Fulfillment and Gratitude: Giving can actually make you feel more connected to the world and increase your sense of fulfillment. Research shows that acts of kindness can lead to a sense of well-being and happiness. It’s not about how much you give, but the intention behind it. In other words, giving is not solely about money; it’s about impact, intention, and kindness.

Building a Culture of Giving. Giving doesn’t always require large sums of money.

Habit of Giving

Back in 2023, I decided to commit 10% of the earnings I make from this website to girls’ education. As this platform continues to grow and I will continue to work on projects, the donations will grow with me. Even though we’re still a tiny corner on the Internet, the habit of giving has become a fundamental part of my journey. It’s an integral part of my philosophy to do what you can with what is given to me.

Therefore, I want to inspire a shift in how we view giving, making it more inclusive and focused on collective action rather than individual wealth. If we wait until we are “rich” or “famous” to give back, we may miss countless opportunities to help. The earlier we start giving, the more it becomes a natural part of our lives. Starting small teaches us the value of generosity and builds a mindset that will support giving at any level. Those who are given much have a social responsibility to do more with it, but in essence, giving back is about what we have to offer right now—whether that’s time, talent, or treasure.

I enjoy challenging the misconception that philanthropy is only for the wealthy. Work needs to be done on all levels of society, and if we focus on empowering people, there are often many ways we can do good. I believe anyone, regardless of financial status, can contribute to positive change. Using what you have — whether it’s time, expertise, or community connections–to create a meaningful impact. We don’t need to wait for a certain status or financial situation to make a difference. Every act of giving, no matter how small, can have a meaningful impact.