Good Intentions: The Dilemma of Outside-In Help for Inside-Out Change (Fall 2006)

How can philanthropy effectively help people to help themselves? David Ellerman points to the basic conundrum that “money moving” organizations, including foundations and international aid agencies, face creating dependency and corruption in their efforts to support “inside-out” change. This conundrum is rooted in both the direct and short-term approach of many funders, as well as organizational cultures that discourage genuine learning.