What limits the diffusion of neoliberal techniques? By analyzing the transformations of benevolence fields in Egypt and Turkey, this talk discusses when and why neoliberal governmentality falters. God’s and the community’s rights still structure the way most pious Egyptians manage poverty. The specific structure of the charitable field has led to an uneven diffusion of neoliberal techniques. By contrast, neoliberal organizational models and mentalities diffused quickly in Turkey. However, events of the last few years have created ambiguities regarding the basic assumptions of the charitable field. Organizational institutionalism provides cues about the mechanisms of diffusion, but only comparative-historical lenses can allow us to appreciate the depth of the current crisis.