How a timeless proverb may actually be costing your non-profit
In times like these, every dollar and every hour matters. When budgets are tight and teams are stretched, the question isn’t “What can we build?” but “What’s truly worth building?”
We’ve all heard that old saying: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” It’s a timeless reminder about empowerment, that teaching someone how to sustain themselves is more valuable than offering a quick fix.
In the digital world, many agencies take this proverb to heart. They hand over tools and training to help organizations manage their own websites, marketing, and systems, empowering them to be self-sufficient.
But here’s the thing:
Not everyone has the time or energy to be empowered to do everything. Most purpose-driven teams are already overextended. Even if they know how to fish, they simply don’t have the time to go fishing. (Anyone else got the “Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That” meme going off in their heads?)
Imagine a farmer who’s busy tending crops that feed the community. Teaching them to fish is valuable, but every hour they spend at the river is an hour away from doing what they do best. The smarter move isn’t to make them fish, it’s to collaborate. Let the fisherman fish, let the farmer farm, and trade so everyone thrives.
That’s how we see it at Serious Otters. We believe in building intentionally, with care, clarity, and purpose.
We help organizations invest their limited time and budget into what truly matters, supporting them with the strategy, technology, and partnership they need to create lasting impact.
Because sometimes, the best way to help someone thrive isn’t to hand them a fishing rod. It’s to fish with them, and make sure we’re all building something that truly sustains the village.
