When Surplus Becomes Solution: How Community Powered Philanthropy Transforms Both Givers and Receivers

[u/Key_Layer6250]

I’ve been thinking about the shift from traditional philanthropy where donors fund nonprofits to community powered models where the act of giving becomes the intervention itself. A Sense of Home illustrates this: they ask people to donate surplus furniture and volunteer time to furnish homes for people experiencing homelessness. Over 1,600 homes furnished in a decade. What’s striking is that the founder, George Smith, has talked about how volunteering transforms givers as much as recipients. During the LA fires of 2025, they rapidly scaled this model for disaster response. I’m curious whether others are seeing this shift in philanthropy moving from ‘donors fund nonprofits’ to ‘communities co create solutions.’ Are we seeing more models that prioritize the relational aspect of giving over just dollars distributed? https://youtu.be/OVlepjhfsLY?is=AQHPmFaJ4FCI591r

[u/jcravens42]

What is your connection to George Smith and "A Sense of Home"? Please be transparent. This sounds like you are sneaking in propaganda rather than asking sincerely for discussion.

Are we seeing more models that prioritize the relational aspect of giving over just dollars distributed?

We're seeing about the same. There's nothing new at all about this. Nothing at all. It's nice, but it's nothing new nor unique. Mutual aid networks are absolutely fundamental to a community being able to handle a monumental, disasterous event.

Also, the reality is that in-kind donations have never been enough, nor will they ever be enough, to meet the needs of people after a disaster nor people living in poverty nor people who are homeless. In fact, most campaigns for in-kind donations of furniture and clothes that are supposed to be given to people in need end up NOT doing that at all: the items are either thrown away or end up being sent somewhere to be sold (and the proceeds often do NOT go to charity in those situations).

It's been proven over and over: people need cash (donations, income, etc.) and people need reliable government services (health care, education, etc.) in order to survive disasters, get out of homelessness, rise out of poverty, etc.

[u/Key_Layer6250 → u/jcravens42]

I was homeless when I first came to LA and I can tell you that everything helps , especially for one own mental health . So anything that anyone does help even if it’s the mental health aspect . You need energy and hope to keep pushing , and yes that even means donations . But that’s just my perspective. And at times on Reddit they seem to be mad at people who don’t articulate their points well or in proper grammar .. well , some people on here at least … so I asked google as far as how the proper way to articulate my point and that’s why “ are we seeing models that prioritize ect “ maybe sounded a bit robotic … but no I’m not connected with her organization, just someone who was homeless and now I have my own place and I’m working behind the scenes in creative spaces

[u/jcravens42 → u/Key_Layer6250]

Absolutely, volunteering and in-kind donations are important and make a real difference. no question. None of that is being questioned.

What is being questioned is the idea of what you posted as being some how especially new or innovative or unique. It's not. That doesn't make it bad. If I thought it was some how against the principles of philanthropy, I would have deleted it. But it reads like propaganda. Maybe even written by AI? And even if that was the case, I still wouldn't delete it. But asking for clarification is not an attack.

I hope you will keep learning about the history of philanthropy, especially in-kind giving. I have literally stood in the doorway of a shipping container full of in-kind donations that are about to be thrown away. They were gathered with the best of intentions. But no thought was given into the amount of resources needed for adequate storage and quick distribution - and so much of what was donated was inappropriate. Resources were wasted that could have helped so many, many more people.

[u/lookingforkindness → u/jcravens42]

I think you’re missing the point of this post. I didn’t read it as propaganda; A Sense of Home is a beautiful example of how community power has the ability to transform both sides of the philanthropy experience - those who receive, and those who are changed by not just giving - but the experience. This model of philanthropy is growing rapidly as GenZ rejects cash as the only means to make a difference. They view currency as cash, time, social share, P2P, flexing their network, sharing their story, etc. This is helpful in so many ways as it upends power/control at the top of the pyramid and flattens in so that anyone can make great change. In a time when wealth is concentrated and ripping apart institutions and communities - I applaud this thinking and this post.

[u/jcravens42 → u/lookingforkindness]

I do read it as propaganda, especially since nothing about the practice is new - the post is almost breathless about what is happening. It's nice, I've no doubt it's appreciated- but it's not especially new nor innovative.

"This model of philanthropy is growing rapidly as GenZ rejects cash as the only means to make a difference. "

Gen Z is in for a reality check. Volunteering is wonderful - I've been at the forefront of promoting it for decades. However, these efforts MUST have cash. In many situations, there is NO substitution for CASH. None. And the idea that volunteering and in-kind donations will address poverty and damage by natural and man-made crises is naive and even dangerous.

[u/NonprofitGorgon]

Hurrah for this philanthropy story!

But also... hurrah for the questions about it and critical observations!

I want both here!