Visible hand of generosity

Over the years, I’ve been warned many times not to be so public with my work. After praising me as a humanitarian, some have even quoted the Biblical saying, “Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” It’s a call to give quietly, without seeking recognition — apparently even from yourself.

Heaven forbid if people get inspired by seeing the good work that others are doing. Back in 2013, when Lee Eun-koo and I began activities to empower North Korean refugees, we were funding the work out of our own pockets and managing everything ourselves. We realized that to expand our reach and deepen our impact, we would need a more sustainable path forward. In 2015, I began meeting with prominent South Koreans to ask for advice on how to build a nonprofit in South Korea.

One adviser made his case like a prosecutor presenting evidence in court. I am surprised he didn’t call witnesses to testify against me. After listing four reasons we would have trouble with raising money in South Korea, he pointed at me and said, “You’re a foreigner. Koreans will think you’ll run away with their money.” He advised me not to be publicly visible.

I ignored him and have enjoyed the experience of publicly creating an organization, but over the years I have also seen the wisdom of his advice. Being public means you will have your integrity attacked, motives questioned, character impugned, your past picked apart, your decisions second-guessed and your successes denounced as self-promotion. Even Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa were attacked in such ways, so get used to it.

While I disagree with the saying, “Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” I still understand the wisdom behind it. For some donors, public recognition attracts criticism, opportunists and unwanted demands. One of our most generous donors told me that as soon as people learned about his giving, many began approaching him for personal loans and business investments. He has found that being invisible allows him to give without unnecessary complications. Plus, when an organization is involved in a scandal, donors may find themselves caught up in it by association and even threatened by boycotts.

Okay, so I can understand the reason for some big‑time donors remaining private. But the rest of you?

Ethicists and psychologists have pointed out that when giving is hidden, its ability to influence others may be reduced. A donor sharing their gift openly both funds a cause and may inspire others. Social science confirms that when people witness acts of generosity, they’re more likely to give themselves. Public pledges, challenge grants and fundraising campaigns thrive in part because others see what is possible. In a country like South Korea, where charitable norms are still developing, visible examples of generosity can make a difference.

Matching donations — where a donor agrees to match the amount raised by others —was a new concept to our South Korean supporters. Since introducing it, we’ve had so many offers that there’s now a waiting list of donors eager to launch their own matching donation challenge. One Korean donor recently pledged $50 for every fundraiser set up by a supporter, committing to match up to 80 in total. So far, 25 fundraisers have been launched, each raising around 100,000 won. Inspired by this momentum, an American supporter joined in, adding $20 for every fundraiser created. Both donors have chosen to remain anonymous, although the American has allowed us to refer to him as Conrad, in honor of his late grandfather.

Even though those donors don’t want to be identified, that doesn’t stop me from shouting their support from the rooftops.

I’ve seen how generosity, when made visible, can gain momentum and invite others to participate. As co-country leader of Giving Tuesday Korea, I’ve watched people respond to examples they can relate to. Giving Tuesday helps show that generosity isn’t limited to wealth — it can be expressed in countless ways.

Posting a thoughtful book review of one of the memoirs we’ve published by North Korean refugees, mentoring a North Korean refugee speaker, introducing our work to your network or simply sharing our message with your community — these are all meaningful contributions.

We live in a world where many hide their virtue or good deeds. If we want a more robust culture of generosity — especially in environments where mistrust dominates — then it is better to show that giving is something everyday people can do. Being visible can open doors, create momentum and encourage others to take action. When the two are aligned, both hands working in full view can build something stronger than either working alone. Letting others see what your hands are doing is what the world needs.

Casey Lartigue Jr. (CJL@alumni.harvard.edu) is the co-founder of Freedom Speakers International with Lee Eun-koo, and co-author with Han Song-mi of her memoir "Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter’s Search for Her Mother and Herself.”