Reclaiming Funding

Calling all PALESTINIANS AND ALLIES 

LET’S FUND SUSTAINABLE IMPACT, FOR REAL.

Transforming BuildPalestine Summit: A New Webinar Series on Reclaiming Funding in Times of Crisis

In light of the horrific aggression on our community, we are revamping the structure and topics of the BuildPalestine summit that was originally planned for Oct 7&8 on “Reclaiming Funding”. We are introducing a new webinar series named “Reclaiming Funding in Times of Crisis.” Each session within this series will delve into a range of topics.

Starting on November 6th, our weekly webinars are designed to address current challenges, including the process of reclaiming funding, the vital role of local organizations in responding to humanitarian crises, and the significance of innovation during these critical moments. These sessions will provide valuable insights, encourage meaningful discussions, and offer actionable items or activities to facilitate practical steps forward.

Our primary objective is to empower both individuals and organizations, enabling them to navigate these trying times effectively.

Webinar Recordings:

December 18th, 2023

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14:00 - 16:30

Palestine Time – UTC+2

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Panel Discussion

AR/EN Translation

Closing Webinar: Alternative Funding Methods for Palestinian Organizations

In response to the shifting funding landscape for Palestinian Civil Society Organizations, there is a need now more than ever to move away from restricted and political funding. The harm of aid in Palestine is well documented, and now the question is: how can we build new ways of funding? What can we learn from the experience of other movements when building alternative structures? What are creative alternatives? How might the global solidarity movement replace institutional funding and support the impact sector in Palestine to more innovatively design for liberation?

Panelists:

Reem Masrouji

Chairwoman at Inash Alusra

Alaa Tartir

Policy Advisor at Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network

Rahaf Rifai

Board Member – Dalia Association

Moderator:

Lama Amr

Executive Director at BuildPalestine 

November 20th, 2023

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15:00 - 17:00

Palestine Time – UTC+2

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Panel Discussion

AR/EN Translation

The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Times of Crisis 

This webinar will explore the critical role of social entrepreneurs in addressing societal challenges in times of crisis. This webinar examines the hardships faced by social entrepreneurs, including resource constraints and security concerns. Speakers and Entrepreneurs will share inspiring stories of innovation and resilience, highlighting the transformative impact of social enterprises on communities in conflict. Participants will learn about the importance of social entrepreneurship in fostering sustainable development and positive change, even in the midst of adversity.

Panelists:

Rafiq Hamawi

Member at Slingshot 

Asmahan Illian

Founder and CEO at Talleh Cultural Center

Sondos Mleitat

CEO & Co-Founder at Hakini

Moderator:

Yaqeen Yamani

Yaqeen Yamani

Co-Founder at Jericho Cinema Club

November 13th, 2023

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15:00 - 17:00

Palestine Time – UTC+2

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Panel Discussion

AR/EN Translation

Humanitarian Response in Times of Catastrophic Crisis

A report released in 2012 by the UN states that the Gaza Strip will be unlivable by 2020. The year is 2023 and the people of Gaza are experiencing devastating bombing by the Israeli Occupation. There is no electricity and no clean drinking water. What does the humanitarian response look like on the ground today? Who is able to actually reach people and what is the role of local organizations? What is the role of governments and how can individual donors think beyond that?

Panelists:

Nibal Farsakh

Spokesperson at Palestine Red Crescent Society

Bader Zamareh

Founding Member at Sharek Youth Forum

Moderator:

Besan Ramadan

Social Activist 

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Panel Discussion

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“Reclaiming Funding” in Times of Crisis

Join us for our first panel discussion where we explore how the funding landscape has evolved since October 7th. Questions we will delve into include: What does it mean to “reclaim funding” at this critical time? What lessons can we draw from past experiences in Palestine? And how can supporters be more intentional in their giving? This session will focus on the macro funding environment for local organizations and explore how funding can directly contribute to the liberation of our people.

Panelists:

Dua'a Qurie

Executive Director at PNGO

Motasem Zayed

Executive Director at Local Communities

Soheir Asaad

Advocacy Team member at Rawa Fund

Moderator:

Lama Amr

Executive Director at BuildPalestine

Reality-check

As Palestinians, we are able to see the consequences of the current financing paradigm. The unstable economy, lack of sovereignty, and volatile market in Palestine are all symptoms of the dependency on international aid as the main source of funding in Palestine.

Are there any alternatives?

It’s all about financial sustainability and sovereignty.

In BuildPalestine’s Summit 2023, we want to ask open-ended questions on the sources, utilization, and sustainability of funding in Palestine. We’ll open a safe space for everyone to bring their thoughts, with hopes of inspiring our community of Palestinians and friends of Palestine to build a self-sustainable economy.

What is “Reclaiming Funding”?

It’s about fixing the current funding paradigm to reclaim our power as Palestinians in taking our own independent decisions and achieving financial sustainability. This is done by revisiting how we acquire and spend international aid, and by finding alternative sources of funding for sustainable development.

Our goal is to mobilize our community to imagine a new funding paradigm and begin paving the way.