Purpose
This circle is dedicated to help philanthropic organizations, individual philanthropists, and traditional grant-making organizations to better understand how they can effectively empower community leaders who are working on the ground to deliver urgent humanitarian and relief services in Gaza while also considering solutions that will ensure sustainable recovery and resilience for the ‘day-after’. While stopping the war remains the priority, efforts to establish visions to rebuilding Gaza are crucial to quickly intervene at the first days after the war.
The Circle of the Gaza emergency, relief and reconstruction fund will help circle’s members and users to act quickly to develop grant-making initiatives and projects that responds to emergency needs, relief efforts, housing rehabilitation, construction of temporary shelters, reconstruction of damaged physical infrastructure using building back better approach. The circle will also consider solutions to resilient economic plans, fostering long-term job creation, promoting economic growth and enhancing social cohesion. The circle will provide a space for like-minded individuals to connect and exchange ideas as well as to bring technical innovation and value while developing war-zone and context-aware solutions for emergency, relief services and reconstruction activities in Gaza.
Features
- Scout: identifying and vetting local nonprofit organizations, local thought leaders and implementing partners.
- Engage: Dive deep into key local issues, local context and power dynamics. Discuss strategic and specific objectives. At this stage members and users are setting the foundations to building trusted partnerships.
- Position: NGOs and philanthropists pool their time and funds to co-design and propose the best means and ends that satisfy the cause.
- Capture: Scope of work(s) are narrowed and defined, circle’s users of participating NGOs and implementing partners will pitch a 5-minutes presentation on how to transfer local ideas into reality. Continue building relationships.
Alaa Shaheen:
Giving Circle Leader
Engineer Alaa, a Palestinian citizen from Gaza Strip, has overseen construction and management of multiple international development projects, including the Gaza Rapid Housing Project and the Gaza Middle Areas Community Services Program. His expertise extends to designing the Gaza Court-house and managing the construction of schools and infrastructure projects. Alaa has also led evaluation missions for over 25 international development projects in Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. His significant contributions cover sectors such as democratic governance, decentralization, refugee and migration issues, civil society strengthening, youth employment, and women’s rights.
Sami Shaheen:
Giving Circle Manager
Sami is involved in a 5-year research project, “Beyond Neoliberalism: Voices from the Middle East and North Africa,” at The American University in Cairo, funded by the Ford Foundation. His research focuses on transformative economic development through industrial policy, innovation, and the knowledge economy. Sami spearheads the Giving Circle – MENA initiative, believing the best solutions emerge from radical collaboration, consensus, and political discernment. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The American University in Cairo and a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Glasgow.
Lubna Hamed:
Giving Circle Administrator
Lubna Hamed’s impactful work in youth empowerment and civic education is commendable. By securing job opportunities in Gaza, she has significantly improved youth resilience. Her collaboration with the Belgian development agency and Catholic Relief Services underscores her ability to achieve meaningful outcomes through international partnerships. Additionally, Lubna’s dedication to promoting women’s participation in decision-making and enhancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Gaza, along with managing initiatives against violence, highlights her comprehensive approach to addressing critical social issues.
Immerse yourself as active participants in the issues that truly matter to you.
Expand your knowledge, network, and connections.
Ticket fees
Local NGOs
200 US$
International Organizations
400 US$
Philanthropic Organizations
600 US$
Make a Donation
The situation in Gaza is urgent - your gift is needed!
*5% of the funded amount will be deducted for administrative activities.
