Photo credit: Ammar Marwan, Tawasal | |
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Greetings!
Summer is usually a time for slowing down, but at AFF we've been busy working with and for our network to make change for the better.
We've been bringing our members and other organizations together to collaborate on addressing two of the biggest issues facing our world today: climate change and humanitarian crises. The Climate Commitment Working Group we co-host with WINGS and our Humanitarian Relief and Recovery Task Force have already made great progress, and you can read more about both in this newsletter.
We continue to offer our members a platform to share what they know and the work they do, over a wide range of topics. In the past few months, we've hosted webinars on the social and solidarity economy, innovative fundraising strategies, and new thinking on orphan care. Through our consultancy services, we've been working with regional and global organizations to build up research on philanthropy in the Arab region. And the AFF family keeps growing, with five new members joining since our last newsletter — meet them below.
As we host events, foster collaboration, and produce knowledge, we also continue to bring attention to the trauma caused by the attacks on Gaza and keep calling on the sector to do more to ease the region's devastating humanitarian crisis. Advocacy is one of our key pillars, and right now we feel there is no better use of our time, talent, and resources than making sure voices from Gaza are being heard. We've published thought pieces about the impact of the assault on the region, and I've written a deeply personal article on philanthropy's moral obligation to speak up and step up to support Gaza.
We are also incredibly proud of our new Speaker Series, The Gaza Chronicles. These intimate conversations with amazing people inside the region and those supporting them from the outside show us a side of the crisis that rarely makes the headlines and, we hope, will galvanize support for the traumatized community. Read on to find out more about our advocacy around Gaza, including the latest news on how our AFF Pooled Fund is helping grassroots groups provide critical supplies, food, and clean water to Gazans.
We have to keep talking about Gaza and keep working on issues like climate change that impact us all. If making positive change is a priority for you and your organization, we can help. Please reach out to Deputy Director Walid Nagi to learn about the benefits of joining AFF.
Stay safe and Free Palestine!
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Naila Farouky
CEO, Arab Foundations Forum
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Photo credit: Ammar Marwan, Tawasal | |
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For more than 10 months, Israel has been raining down bombs on the population of Gaza. More than 39,000 people have been killed, and most of the region's 2.3 million residents have been displaced — many of them several times. International bodies are calling it a humanitarian crisis on a scale we have never seen in modern history. And even after Israel's war on Gaza ends, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) estimates that clearing the Gaza Strip of rubble will take 15 years.
Israel is making it almost impossible to get aid to Gaza, but through our AFF Pooled Fund, we are getting vital funding directly to organizations on the ground. If you contributed to our fund, your money has gone a long way to supporting the people in Gaza — we have already sent more than $20,000 to the region so far.
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Since we launched the fund in October, $17,000 has gone to our member Tawasal inside the region, which went towards providing coats for Gazans during the freezing winter and building a water well that brings much-needed clean drinking water to communities in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
At the same time, we are working to support the increasingly large population of displaced Palestinians in Egypt. Estimates say more than 115,000 Palestinians have fled into Egypt, with needs ranging from basics such as accommodation, medical care, food, and clothing to education options and mental health support. We have donated $5,000 from our Pooled Fund to the Gaza Mutual Aid Network, a group of young Egyptian and Arab organizers who crowdsource funds to support and rehabilitate up to 250 displaced Gazan families in Egypt. The funds will go to covering monthly rent and expenses for 25 families, as well as help with medical bills and surgeries for injuries sustained in the bombings. We are currently aggregating more data on the organizations in Egypt providing support to displaced Gazans to see where else we, our networks, and our members can help.
Along with our Pooled Fund, we have also donated almost $4,000 on behalf of our partner the Network for Empowered Aid Response (NEAR) to buy food for hungry Gazans through our joint GoFundMe campaign. The donations went to:
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The Gaza Soup Kitchen, created by Hani Almadhoun from UNRWA USA and his family in Gaza to provide hot meals for their community. Hani has managed to raise over $1.5 million so far to support his family's three soup kitchens that feed upwards of 5,000 people daily. You can donate to the Gaza Soup Kitchen here.
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Watermelon Relief, a group of activists who have been on the ground in Gaza since the very beginning of the war providing meals for the hungry. Each meal for three people costs $3-5, so a little goes a long way. In addition, the group has distributed family stoves to two camps in central Gaza. The stoves are specially designed to facilitate cooking with wood, since the closure of border crossings means families have struggled to obtain cooking gas to cook what little food they have. You can contribute to their campaign here.
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It's easy to feel helpless in the face of all the destruction and trauma happening in Gaza. But at AFF we believe that our sector — with our political connections, our access to funding, and our focus on solutions — can play a major role in both calling for a ceasefire and helping Gaza heal in the years after. First, though, philanthropists need to stop being afraid to speak out. AFF CEO Naila Farouky's hard-hitting wake-up call to the sector about its responsibility to publicly stand up for Gaza has sparked a very necessary conversation around the issue. You can read more articles and essays on the Gaza crisis on the Publications page on our site.
The Gaza Chronicles, our new Speaker Series, is another way we are breaking the silence around Gaza. These intimate, open conversations with people in Gaza and outside of it who are all dedicated to helping the besieged community shine a light on the challenges of supporting Gaza and celebrate the successes. Our first speaker was Hani Almadhoun, director of philanthropy for UNRWA USA and co-founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen. His story is powerful, moving, and inspiring. If you missed it, you can catch up on our YouTube channel. There, you'll also find two earlier sessions with organizations doing amazing work to support families in Gaza and check back for future sessions, which will focus on issues such as education, Palestinian women during the genocide, and art as a form of resistance.
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Climate & Humanitarian Crises | |
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Our Arab #PhilanthropyforClimate Working Group has made significant steps towards developing an Arab Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change for the region, based on the framework of the International Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change developed by our partner and Working Group co-host WINGS. The group's members have held four meetings so far and started work on drafting the Pillars that will serve as the blueprint for the Arab region's #PhilanthropyforClimate movement. These guidelines on issues such as transparency, education and learning, and endowments and assets, all written with the Arab context in mind, will help philanthropic organizations around the region take real action on climate change.
Our Humanitarian Relief and Recovery Task Force (HRRTF) held its third meeting in July. The agenda focused on early humanitarian recovery efforts, donor fatigue in our region, and localization initiatives built around and in spite of reduced donor funding and ongoing roadblocks against cross-border giving. The Task Force is working collaboratively on producing a paper on localization that will outline regional trends and case studies of successful strategies engaged by our members in humanitarian crisis relief and recovery contexts. The group meets bi-monthly and continues welcoming new members. To learn more or to join our conversations contact our Project Manager Nihal Mokbel.
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A New Look for the WHO Foundation
Established four years ago to support the World Health Organization, the WHO Foundation is thrilled to unveil its refreshed brand and redesigned website. This update reflects its mission of "Sharing the Health" ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare.
The Foundation, an independent Swiss entity, builds bridges between visionary private donors and impactful health initiatives. Leveraging WHO’s global platform while maintaining its own autonomy, the Foundation drives systemic change with agility and speed.
The engaging new website showcases the difference made by private sector support. It also makes it easier for donors interested in participating in individual giving to give and manage their contributions through the improved giving system at donate.who.foundation. With these updates, the WHO Foundation aims to enhance connectivity with supporters and highlight the significant impact of their contributions worldwide. For more information, visit who.foundation or follow the Foundation on social media.
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In the Face of Challenges, UPA's Programs Grow
As United Palestinian Appeal (UPA) celebrates 45 years of service to the Palestinian people, the team is proud of having doubled down to keep their programs stable and growing throughout Palestine, in Jordan, and in Lebanon. Their investment of resources in the Hebron Valley yielded brilliant results, enabling farmers to hold on to their lands, keep their orchards fertile, and increase their livestock. The significance of their stable presence in Area C thanks to these initiatives cannot be overstated. UPA's community center in Jordan’s Gaza Camp completed its first year of operation to great success in the areas of education and training. In Lebanon, the team's staff carried out programs in small business development and community building, both vital to their mission to build resilience.
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Most significantly, though their ongoing programs in Gaza were halted over the last nine months, UPA has never looked away from Gaza. They have provided large infusions of food, water, clothing, and medical supplies, remaining vigilant at all times with regard to opportunities to do more. In June, UPA delivered a massive shipment of scarce pharmaceuticals and supplies to Gaza, including life-saving adrenaline injections, antibiotics, anesthetics, and burn creams, chronic disease treatments, prenatal vitamins, and items necessary for surgery. Onward!
If you'd like to help UPA continue its amazing work, you can donate through their website or use the QR code above.
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HiHFAD Celebrates Milestones
Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HiHFAD) has had an eventful few months, with lots of great news. The organization's short film "Surviving Amid Crises and Disasters" was selected from over 1,000 submissions as a finalist for the fifth edition of the WHO's annual #HealthForAll competition. The film, which sadly didn't take home a prize, centers on the experience of Ahmad, a teacher in northwestern Syria who lived through the devastating earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria in February 2023, destroying homes, killing more than 55,000 and leaving hundreds of thousands more injured. The film showcases the swift humanitarian response within the healthcare sector, with the aim of raising awareness and appealing for more assistance to the region, while also honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.
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Continuing its focus on healthcare, HiHFAD has established a new primary healthcare center at the "Hilal Kent 2" refugee camp in Hatay, southern Türkiye, a project that promises to improve the health and wellbeing of thousands of Syrian refugees by providing accessible, comprehensive healthcare and psychosocial support. You can read more about it here.
There has also been promising progress on the case of the bombing of Kafranobol Surgical Hospital, a hospital operated by HiHFAD in rural Idlib that was directly targeted in several airstrikes by the Russian air force in May 2019. This resulted in the death of two civilians and several injuries and forced the hospital to shut down. After five years of intensive investigation by media outlets including the New York Times and organizations such as Open Society, the International Court of Justice has formally accepted the case, a recognition that the attack on the hospital was part of a systematic violation on hospitals and healthcare facilities in northwest Syria. The issuance of an international judicial decision of this kind paves the way for broader accountability and the protection of human rights in many other violations awaiting investigation and necessary action.
And last but not least, HiHFAD is thrilled to release its comprehensive impact report on achievements, responses, and humanitarian efforts for 2022 and 2023. The report provides an in-depth look at their dedicated efforts to accomplish objectives and strategically amplify positive impact for the communities they serve.
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Coverage of Reimagining Philanthropy in the Global South
Co-edited by AFF member and philanthropy advisor Clare Woodcraft, the new book Reimagining Philanthropy in the Global South, which examines how newer models of philanthropy are tackling development, has been spotlighted in the media outlets since its official launch in June. Alliance magazine says, "The book’s ten chapters are testimony to how philanthropy in the global south found and finds solutions to ... broader challenges, drives social impact but also moves within a familiar framework." The book is published by Cambridge University Press and is available to buy or download for free.
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Red Noses and Blue Hearts
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 50,000 children in Jordan, who often face social isolation and exclusion from community activities, placing significant emotional, economic, and caregiving burdens on their families. In response to this pressing need, RED NOSES-Jordan, in collaboration with Safe Hands for Training and Rehabilitation, has launched the Blue Heart Circus Project to promote social inclusion and humor relief for children with ASD and their families in Jordan. Adopting the "Nothing About Them Without Them" approach, it actively involves ASD children in shaping its mission. By harnessing the power of arts and laughter, the project further aims to bridge social divides and create a supportive environment where ASD children can thrive alongside their neurotypical peers.
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Through a series of workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns, the project empowers ASD children, caregivers, and community service providers. RNJO clowns underwent extensive training by its specialized partner to effectively engage with and support ASD children, while caregivers and service providers receive training on providing support at home and within the community. The project focuses on children aged 7 to 14, their families and service providers and is implemented in the middle and southern regions of Jordan, with activities planned in the governorates of Madaba, Aqaba, and Salt. Funded by Red Noses International’s Innovation Fund, the Blue Heart Circus Project is expected to continue until October 2024.
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IMC's Find and Treat Campaign
The International Medical Corps (IMC) and its partners have launched the "Find and Treat" campaign in Gaza to combat the severe rise in malnutrition amid ongoing conflict in the region. The campaign — bolstered by 100 metric tons of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and looking to reach at least 200,000 malnourished children — will send volunteers into communities to conduct mass screenings, provide RUTF to kids in need, enhance micronutrient supplementation, and enroll malnourished children in outpatient therapeutic programs.
The campaign underscores the global humanitarian organization’s concerted effort to alleviate child malnutrition, ensuring a healthier future for Gaza’s young population. Find out how to support IMC's efforts in Gaza.
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Crisis in Sudan
The AFF HRRTF wants to highlight the current overwhelming humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has so far displaced up to 10.7 million people and put more than 25 million people at risk of acute hunger. In addition, Sudan has been particularly vulnerable to climate change, with the resulting competition for water and farming land escalating the conflict and decimating many farmers’ livelihoods. With a failing healthcare system and ongoing violence, Sudan is on the brink. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that only 32% of the $2.7 billion needed in aid has been achieved.
Amidst all the ongoing regional crises around the world, we must not forget the incredible human suffering taking place in Sudan. Below is a list of resources where you can find out more or get involved in the relief efforts:
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Meet Our New Members
A massive welcome to the incredible organizations who have recently joined us at AFF:
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Dedicated to cultural understanding, community development, women's and youth empowerment, disaster relief and clean energy, Alwaleed Philanthropies initiates, supports and collaborates on impactful philanthropic projects and campaigns around the world.
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Funding for Real Change, an initiative of the EDGE Funders Alliance, is dedicated to helping funders invest in the crucial core resources that nonprofits need to thrive.
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Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HiHFAD) provides crucial on-the-ground support for the civilians displaced, in danger, and in need as a result of the conflict in Syria.
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By supporting the creation and sharing of important social science research, the Arab Council for the Social Sciences helps enrich the debate about the challenges facing Arab societies.
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United Palestinian Appeal does amazing work in the occupied Palestinian territories and refugee camps in Jordan and Lebanon, empowering Palestinians through programs in health, education, and community and economic development.
If you would like to find out more about AFF membership and all its benefits, please reach out to Walid Nagi.
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October 22-25: The International Fundraising Congress 2024, in Noordwijk in the Netherlands. Register now for four days of rich and innovation-led learning and sharing and the chance to connect with more than 1,200 fundraisers and social impact leaders.
October 27-29: This year, the African Philanthropy Forum Conference is in Marrakech, Morocco, with a theme that also serves as a call to action: "A New Agenda for African Philanthropy: Catalyzing Funding to Accelerate Africa's Transformation". Registration is now open.
November 7-8: First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogota, Colombia. The registration deadline has been extended to Aug. 31.
December 6-8: The Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) holds its 17th Annual Forum, in Amman, Jordan. Follow ARIJ on social media for information on all the sessions, panels, workshops, and more.
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Become a Member
For more information on how to join our growing network, please visit our website for a membership application.
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The Arab Foundations Forum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization EIN 84-4966210. | | | | |
