As the world turns its attention to economic development in the Middle East, the role of philanthropy in fostering positive change remains a compelling story. Let’s take a look at foundations and institutions focused on areas as diverse as education, job creation, health care, and community development.
The Rise of Strategic Philanthropy
One of the most notable trends in philanthropy in the Middle East is the growing emphasis on strategic giving. According to a report by LGT and the Centre for Strategic Philanthropy at Cambridge Judge Business School, philanthropic giving in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is estimated at around $210 billion annually. The report also highlights the shift towards more strategic and professional philanthropy, driven by the younger generation taking over family businesses and philanthropic endeavors.
Philanthropy in the Middle East is deeply intertwined with cultural, religious and family values. While religious beliefs, such as the Islamic obligation of zakat, play a significant role in motivating giving, family values and cultural norms also shape philanthropic practices. The interplay of these elements creates a unique context for philanthropy in the region, where individual, family, and community considerations are closely intertwined.
Sulaiman Bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi Charitable Foundation:
Empowering Communities
Sulaiman Bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi, a prominent Saudi philanthropist, established the Sulaiman Bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi Charitable Foundation in 1983. This private institution for charitable activities has become a driving force in supporting community development initiatives. In 2011, Al Rajhi transferred half of his estimated $7 billion fortune to the foundation, making it one of the largest donations ever made by an Arab philanthropist.
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The foundation plays a critical role in selecting and supporting charitable projects throughout Saudi Arabia, focusing on the needs of Saudi society. Each year, it funds approximately 1,200 charitable projects benefiting various regions, cities and communities throughout the Kingdom.
Sawiris Foundation For Social Development:
Empowering Through Education
Established in Egypt in 2001, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development has been at the forefront of promoting social development through education and job creation. With a strong commitment to the development of Egyptian society, the foundation has made a significant impact by supporting individuals and organizations in need.
One of the foundation’s most notable initiatives is the Sawiris Cultural Award, which recognizes excellence in various fields. In addition, the foundation provides grants to support job creation and training programs, increase access to quality education, and establish specialized higher education institutions.
The Mansour Foundation For Development:
Enhancing Lives Through Education and Health
The Mansour Foundation for Development, the first non-profit grant-making organization fully funded by an Egyptian family, has been instrumental in supporting philanthropic and youth empowerment projects in Egypt. The foundation collaborates with academic and non-profit partners and sits on the boards of various development NGOs, CSR committees, and ministerial sustainability committees.
Through initiatives such as women’s leadership programs, entrepreneurship incubators, and health and education scholarships, the foundation has positively impacted the lives of more than 250,000 beneficiaries. The Mansour Foundation for Development plays a vital role in promoting education, health, and capacity building in Egypt.
Community Jameel:
A Comprehensive Approach to Development
Community Jameel, founded by the Jameel family in Saudi Arabia, is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to job creation, arts and culture, global development, education and healthcare. The Bab Rizq Jameel initiative, a part of Community Jameel, has helped create more than 300,000 jobs by distributing more than $533 million in microfinance loans.
In 2018, Community Jameel opened the Jameel Art Center, an exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art. The center attracted over 11,000 visitors in its first week, highlighting the growing interest in arts and culture in the region. Another notable initiative is the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a global research center focused on poverty alleviation.
The foundation’s commitment to education is evident through initiatives such as the Abdul Latif Jameel-Toyota Endowed Scholarship at MIT, which provides financial support to undergraduate students from over 25 countries in Asia and the MENA region.
Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation For Education:
Investing in the Future
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, one of the largest privately funded philanthropic education initiatives in the world, was established with an investment of $1.1 billion. In partnership with the Emirates Foundation, the foundation operates the Young Thinkers Program, an online platform that promotes college and career readiness.
Through the STEM Scholars Program, the foundation aims to reach at least 15,000 promising Arab youth over the next decade and foster their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education is dedicated to empowering young minds and shaping the future of education in the Arab world.
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