The Magic of Compassionate Activism

In today's episode of The Influential Nonprofit, we explore a remarkable transformation story. Ali Horiath, a former finance executive, walked away from a life of financial success and wealth to embark on a mission of global compassion and social impact. With a background rooted in confidence, education, and multicultural experiences, Ali’s journey demonstrates the power of following your passion and prioritizing social good over profit.

Founding Compassionate Activist: A Bold Move Toward Global Social Impact

In 2016, Ali left his lucrative finance career to prioritize social impact over profit. By 2020, he founded Compassionate Activist, a global organization focused on bringing social change. His vision was never small—he aimed to create a global impact and inspire others to follow their passion for humanitarian work.

"I realized my calling had always been social impact. I quit finance, gave away my fortune, and founded Compassionate Activist to focus on creating real change."

Giving Away $100 Million: A Radical Act of Compassion

One of the most striking parts of Ali’s story is his decision to give away over $100 million. This radical act of compassion was driven by his desire to detach from material wealth and immerse himself fully in his passion for helping others. For six weeks, he lived without a home, using this time to reflect and grow personally.

"I gave away every penny—over $100 million—and spent six weeks sleeping in parks and train stations. It was a humbling and life-changing experience."

Having traveled to 164 countries, Ali’s experiences opened his eyes to diverse cultures and the struggles people face worldwide. His travels became an integral part of his education, teaching him empathy and inclusivity. He believes that travel has shaped his worldview, allowing him to embrace the challenges and triumphs of different communities.

Living Compassion Beyond Emotion

While many wealthy individuals feel compassion for societal issues, Ali highlights an important distinction: compassion without action leads nowhere. He speaks of how many may hear tragic stories of poverty or injustice, feel bad for a moment, and then move on with their lives. That’s where Compassiviste Foundation comes in—Ali’s mission was to bridge the gap between feeling compassion and acting on it.

Compassiviste , the organization Ali founded in 2020, isn’t just another nonprofit. It’s a mindset shift, a collective movement that encourages individuals to prioritize compassion in their everyday actions. Ali’s goal is to create a culture where decisions are driven by empathy and consideration for others.

"Activism isn’t just about protests or placards. It’s about the small choices we make every moment. When compassion drives every decision, society as a whole can change."

Ali deliberately chose the name Compassive to emphasize the balance between compassion and activism. The added "E" in the name also serves as a reminder of the feminine force that drives nurturing and care.

Money as a Tool, Not the Solution

Ali's reflections emphasize that money, while useful, is not the ultimate solution to the world’s problems. He argues that people are the ones who solve problems, and money is merely a tool. In the nonprofit world, there is often a scarcity mindset, where organizations feel there’s never enough money. But Ali flips this perspective, suggesting that money doesn’t solve problems by itself—people and the way they use resources effectively do.

"Money didn’t solve your problem. The lack of money solved your problem.”

Ali also stresses the importance of having an "exit strategy" in nonprofit projects. Without a clear goal or exit plan, no amount of money will ever be enough. Many nonprofits, according to Ali, suffer from this lack of strategic planning, constantly pursuing more funding without knowing when they've achieved their mission.

Flowing Resources for Impact

Drawing from the concept in the book The Soul of Money, Ali touches on the idea that money is a flow. Instead of clinging to resources out of fear or scarcity, people and organizations should focus on circulating money for positive change, allowing it to flow back into the world. This belief further supported his decision to release all his wealth for impactful causes rather than hoarding it.

Ali's approach to fundraising and nonprofit work centers around the importance of community, not just the money itself. He emphasizes that real, lasting change comes when a group of committed individuals unites behind a cause. Instead of relying on a single wealthy donor, he prefers the power of collective support. For example, raising $7 million from 700,000 people each contributing $10 is far more impactful than a single $7 million check from someone who doesn't share the deeper connection to the mission. This grassroots support brings with it energy, engagement, and momentum that money alone can't provide.

A Movement for the Future

Compassionate activism is more than a trend; it’s a shift in consciousness that places love and empathy at the heart of social change. As we face increasingly complex global challenges—climate change, inequality, political unrest—compassionate activism offers a hopeful, sustainable way forward.

It teaches us that the most profound changes happen when we act from the heart. By fostering understanding, cooperation, and holistic solutions, compassionate activism turns idealism into tangible, impactful results. Whether in education, work, non-profits, or global movements, the magic of compassionate activism is real—it transforms both individuals and society for the better.