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AFF NEWSLETTER – SPRING 2025

Dear Friend,

As we step into Spring 2025, our sector is navigating a period of profound transformation. The global landscape for development funding has shifted dramatically over the past year—with reductions in official development assistance and the reprioritization of donor agendas, many communities and civil society actors across our region are feeling the weight of these changes.

Yet in the face of these challenges, we are also witnessing something extraordinary: a growing recognition of the power of regional philanthropy to step in, step up, and lead. From localized giving initiatives to long-term systems change efforts, philanthropic actors across the Arab region are proving that our collective resilience is matched only by our determination to drive impact.

At the Arab Foundations Forum, we believe this moment—however uncertain—is also an inflection point. It is an opportunity to reimagine the role of Arab philanthropy not as a gap-filler for declining aid, but as a force for sustainable, community-driven solutions rooted in trust, solidarity, and regional ownership.

Over the past few months, we’ve seen this spirit of collaboration and leadership come to life across our network. Our annual Ramadan Calendar shared dozens of inspiring stories from our members—highlighting the diversity of philanthropic approaches across the region and resonating deeply with audiences who continue to engage with and learn from this work.

We also marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the Arab Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change. Joined by signatories and working group members, we introduced the framework guiding this region-wide commitment—set to be finalized and launched at COP 30 later this year. It is a powerful reminder that our sector has both the will and the capacity to act on urgent global challenges.

AFF remains deeply committed to fostering shared learning and meaningful exchange. From sessions on zakat in philanthropy to digital solutions in NGOs, our convenings continue to reflect the expertise and innovation across our membership. We encourage you to check our events calendar and take part in the dynamic conversations that are shaping our shared future.

This year, we are especially proud to be hosting our 2025 AFF Members' Meeting—an event that will also mark the beginning of our 20-year anniversary celebrations. This milestone is not just a moment of reflection—it is a call to look forward, to imagine what the next two decades of Arab philanthropy can achieve, and to build the architecture that will help us get there. We’ll begin sharing more details on the meeting very soon, and we hope to see many of you there.

As always, we welcome your thoughts, ideas, and engagement. And if you're not yet a member of AFF, we would be delighted to speak with you about how to join our growing network. Please reach out to our Deputy Director, Walid Nagi, to learn more.

With gratitude and resolve,

Naila Farouky

CEO, Arab Foundations Forum

Ramadan Calendar Campaign:

Honoring the Spirit of Giving Across the Region

Our annual Ramadan Calendar campaign returned this year to spotlight the vital work of our members across the Arab region. From frontline medical care and education to climate action, humanitarian relief, and community well-being, the calendar reflected the depth and diversity of philanthropic leadership in our network.

In a time marked by widespread hardship—especially in Gaza and other crisis-affected areas—this campaign served as a daily reminder of the role our sector plays in advancing dignity, compassion, and solidarity. Each featured organization offered a glimpse into sustained, locally rooted efforts to meet urgent needs and drive long-term change.

Highlights included:

HIHFAD’s critical support to Syrian and Gazan families through emergency relief and long-term development, protecting the most vulnerable and promoting justice.
HALO Trust, helping communities around the world reclaim land and rebuild safely by clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war—restoring livelihoods, safety, and dignity.
King Hussein Cancer Foundation, mobilizing Zakat donations to fund life-saving cancer care for refugees and vulnerable patients through its “Your Zakat is My Life” campaign.
Greenpeace MENA and Banlastic Egypt, bringing together faith and environmentalism in Podcast for Earth, a special Ramadan series on green waqf, eco-living, and sustainability in worship.
WHO Foundation, supporting maternal health in Gaza amid devastation—delivering medical kits and restoring care for mothers giving birth in near-impossible conditions.

This campaign is a cornerstone of AFF’s commitment to shared visibility and collective recognition. It affirms the values that unite our network and highlights the real-time impact of Arab philanthropy across geographies and sectors.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members and remain inspired by the work being carried out every day across the region.

Building Momentum Toward COP30

This February, AFF hosted a milestone webinar to reflect on the progress of the Arab Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change (APCCC) since its launch at COP29 in Baku. The session brought together signatories, partners, and regional stakeholders to deepen engagement with the Commitment’s seven pillars, explore pathways for regional collaboration, and preview the Working Group’s ambitious agenda for 2025.

Launched in November 2024, the APCCC is the first regional pledge of its kind—uniting Arab philanthropic institutions around a shared commitment to just and equitable climate action. Since its inception, the initiative has sparked growing momentum across the region, affirming the vital role of philanthropy in addressing the climate crisis through equity, solidarity, and systems-level coordination.

This initiative is held in partnership with WINGS.

For more information about signing onto the Commitment and what it entails, please contact Walid Nagi

Gathering for Impact: The AFF 2025 Members' Meeting

We’ll soon be announcing the date and location of this year’s AFF Members' Meeting, which will also mark the launch of AFF’s 20-year anniversary celebrations! This milestone is not just about reflection—it’s about building the future of Arab philanthropy, together.

Held every other year, the AFF Members' Meeting is our flagship convening—bringing together foundations, philanthropic institutions, and development actors from across the region to connect, learn, and collaborate.

Our last meeting, hosted in Cairo in September 2023, convened some of the Arab region’s most engaged philanthropic voices. Over three days of panels and workshops, participants explored issues shaping the future of our sector, including:

The future of Arab philanthropy in 2040
Green jobs and employment opportunities
The intersection of philanthropy, fragility, and the private sector
Expanding trust-based philanthropy
Leveraging climate solutions for sustainable development

If you or your organization are interested in supporting or partnering on the 2025 Member Meeting, please reach out to AFF's Deputy Director, Walid Nagi

Conversations that Shape the Sector

AFF continues to convene timely, sector-shaping discussions that draw on the expertise of our members and partners across the region.

In collaboration with Alfanar, we hosted a focused session on “Unlocking Zakat for Strategic Philanthropy”, exploring how zakat can evolve beyond traditional charitable giving to become a catalytic tool for sustainable development. The conversation brought together perspectives from Islamic finance, venture philanthropy, and grassroots implementation—highlighting practical pathways for aligning zakat with long-term impact.

As part of our ongoing AFF Speaker Series, we also welcomed Hazem Fahmy, MENA Regional Director of CARE International, for an in-depth conversation on the changing role of regional civil society. Drawing on his extensive experience, Hazem reflected on the future of development cooperation, localization, and the need for philanthropic models that are rooted in equity and trust.

These sessions exemplify AFF’s commitment to facilitating learning, exchange, and collective reflection on the evolving dynamics of philanthropy in our region.

We encourage all members to take part in future convenings, which you can find listed in our Events Calendar.

Humanitarian Relief and Response Task Force (HRRTF)

The Humanitarian Relief and Response Task Force (HRRTF) was established to foster coordination and collaboration among foundations and non-profits engaged in humanitarian response across the Arab region. At its core, HRRTF is driven by a commitment to information sharing and advancing localization in humanitarian efforts. The Task Force is open to both AFF members and non-members.

Haretna – Youth-led Research by Displaced Gazans in Cairo

As part of our commitment to supporting displaced communities, AFF is proud to back Haretna, a participatory research initiative led by Gazan university students currently living in Cairo

Under the guidance of faculty and graduate students from the American University in Cairo (AUC), 18 Gazan students completed a 12-hour training in late 2024 and have since co-developed all aspects of the project—from research design to field implementation.

Key Milestones:

Designed and tested an interview protocol on displacement realities
Practiced ethical research, informed consent, and data collection methods
Conducted mock interviews and refined tools to reflect evolving ground realities
Co-created the project website (currently under development): www.haretna.site

Rooted in a participatory approach, Haretna repositions displaced youth not as passive recipients, but as active researchers and narrators of their own stories. The initiative models trust, collaboration, and locally led knowledge creation.

Direct Relief

In parallel, HRRTF continues to respond to urgent needs in Gaza. On behalf of an anonymous donor, AFF has facilitated two humanitarian contributions:

$10,000 to Gaza Soup Kitchen
$10,000 to ANERA

Both organizations are operating under incredibly challenging conditions to provide food, shelter, and healthcare to Gazans. AFF has also covered the full processing fees, ensuring that 100% of the donations reach the communities that need them most.

We invite you to learn more and consider supporting their work directly:

Next HRRTF Meeting

The upcoming meeting is on May 14, 3:00 PM EEST (Cairo), 8:00 AM EDT(NY). It will be co-chaired by Yannick Du Pont. Please contact Nihal Mokbel for more information. To register, please click here.

Member News

Progress Report Released: International Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change

WINGS and Philea have released the first Progress Report for the International Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change (IPCCC)—a milestone resource highlighting how philanthropic institutions around the world are working to integrate climate action across governance, strategy, operations, and grantmaking.

Based on input from signatories across regions, the report showcases examples of good practice, surfaces shared challenges, and underscores the power of collective action in advancing climate-aligned philanthropy. It also provides practical insights into how foundations are applying the Commitment’s seven pillars to real-world contexts.

As a regional partner to the Commitment, AFF encourages all members to explore the report and reflect on how its findings can inform institutional approaches to climate resilience and justice.

Read the full report here

Alfanar Opens Applications for Jordan-Based Entrepreneurship Support Programmes

AFF member Alfanar, in partnership with SPARK and Impact Europe, has launched a new 4-month capacity-building programme for entrepreneurship support organizations in Jordan. The initiative is part of the European Union-funded programmes From Innovation to Creation and Impact Together.

The programme will provide three selected organizations—including accelerators, incubators, and tech hubs—with tailored support to enhance and diversify their services for impact-driven enterprises. Through training, mentorship, and strategic tools, the programme aims to strengthen Jordan’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and promote sustainable, scalable social enterprises.

Application Deadline: 8 May 2025

Questions? Contact applications@alfanar.org.uk by 28 April

The Asfari Foundation Launches Performance Excellence Grants

The Asfari Foundation has opened applications for its Performance Excellence Grants, designed to help civil society and social impact organizations strengthen key internal functions essential for long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Each grant offers £7,000 in financial support, complemented by up to 12 months of tailored technical assistance delivered by expert advisors.

Applicant organizations are invited to focus on one of the following areas:

Strengthening governance structures
Enhancing human resources, staff development, and wellbeing
Improving financial management systems
Advancing programme development and management
Building fundraising and sustainability strategies
Enhancing research and advocacy impact
Strengthening communication and digital infrastructure
Improving monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL)
Fostering innovation and exploring alternative solutions

This initiative reflects the Asfari Foundation’s continued commitment to capacity strengthening in the Arab region.

To learn more and apply, click here!

Hand in Hand UK Expands Emergency Response in Northern Syria

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving conditions for displaced communities, Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HIHFAD UK) is continuing to implement the Emergency Response Project across displacement camps in Idlib and Aleppo. The initiative aims to create safer, more dignified living environments by enhancing access to basic services, improving mobility, and promoting community safety.

Key activities carried out include:

Road maintenance in Al-Jihad, Al-Rayyan, and Maryam camps
Installation of lighting poles in Shams Al-Hurriya, southern rural Aleppo, Maryam, and Rayyan camps
Distribution of fire safety tools and extinguishers to Al-Gharbi-Al-Ziyara, Al-Rayyan, Ghaith and Rahma, Wadi Al-Adhib, southern rural Aleppo, Maryam, and Jarjanaz
Training on camp management and fire safety delivered in Al-Gharbi-Al-Ziyara, Al-Rayyan, Ghaith and Rahma, southern rural Aleppo, and Maryam

These efforts are vital in supporting displaced populations with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to respond to emergencies and live in greater safety and dignity.

Taawon and Jordanian Royal Medical Services Launch Gaza Mobile Health Initiative

Taawon, in partnership with the Jordanian Royal Medical Services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support and strengthen Gaza’s healthcare system through the launch of the Gaza Mobile Health Initiative.

The initiative will establish a network of mobile health units designed to deliver essential medical services directly to displaced communities. At a time when access to care is severely limited, this effort represents a crucial step in providing urgent medical support and restoring dignity in crisis-affected areas.

This collaboration underscores the importance of cross-border solidarity and coordinated response in times of humanitarian need.

Click here to learn more.

New Members

Meet Our New Members

We are delighted to welcome the wonderful organizations who have recently joined our AFF family:

Inkomoko empowers Micro and Small Entrepreneurs across Africa, including refugees, through capacity building, access to finance, market linkages, and advocacy.
Dr. Yannick du Pont, a leading expert in Theory of Change, is dedicated to catalyzing positive impact in international development and humanitarian efforts.

If you would like to find out more about AFF membership and all its benefits, please reach out to AFF Deputy Director Walid Nagi.

Dates for your Diary

Philanthropy Asia Summit (May 5–7, Singapore): A regional gathering focused on Asian-led solutions to global challenges in climate, education, and health.

Philea Forum 2025 (June 2–5, Lisbon): A key European philanthropy convening exploring how the sector can address power imbalances and promote equity.

East Africa Philanthropy Conference (June 11–13, Kigali): A regional platform advancing community philanthropy and collaborative funding across East Africa.

Global Sustainable Development Congress (June 16–19, Istanbul): A cross-sector summit focused on innovation and SDG solutions in the Global South.

African Philanthropy Conference (July 27–31, Cairo): The continent’s largest philanthropy convening, centered on sustainable finance and locally-led development.

TICAD 9 (August 20–22, Yokohama): A high-level conference co-organized by Japan and the African Union to co-create development solutions for Africa.