Many people have reached out to us with questions about donating for Palestine: where we work, what we do, and how we do it.

We really appreciate the care, concern, and diligence of our donors, so we’ve done our best to answer your most frequently asked questions below. 

Do you have people actually in Gaza and the West Bank? 

Baitulmaal has been blessed with having field workers in Palestine for more than a decade supporting healthcare in the West Bank and refilling 300 water tanks in Gaza as well as winter aid, food assistance, education support, and responding to emergency aid across all of Palestine. Having resources inside Palestine enables Baitulmaal to quickly respond to the needs of Palestinians in times of crisis.

How are you responding to the current crisis in Gaza and Sheikh Jarrah? 

Baitulmaal is currently providing emergency food and water for families in Gaza and the Sheikh Jarrah area. From our assessments with our resources on the ground, the urgent need is food and water, but we are monitoring the situation and may expand our aid based on our assessments. 

What have you done to help Palestinians?

Since its inception, Baitulmaal has delivered: 

• Winter aid such as clothing, shoes, and heaters to impoverished families in Gaza; 
• Food assistance to families struggling with poverty in Gaza and the West Bank; 
• Emergency aid including food, water, and hygiene kits to families impacted and/or displaced by violence;
• Medications and supplies to Yazour Clinic that serves underprivileged Palestinians in the West Bank. 

Baitulmaal donors also sponsor Palestinian orphans in Lebanon and Jordan.

Aren’t some charities just taking advantage of the crisis to raise money? 

We can’t speak for other charities. However, in times of crisis, we all need to join together and help those in need. It is not opportunistic to respond to a crisis by appealing for help from donors and delivering that help to those in need. 

 

Baitulmaal is a conduit between the compassion of our donors and the needs of their beneficiaries. The best response to a crisis is compassion. The best forms of compassion are those we put into action.  

Why should I trust Baitulmaal?

Baitulmaal, Inc., earned a 4-star rating with Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from the charity watchdog group GuideStar — the highest ratings possible from each of these charity watch groups. Baitulmaal is also an active member of InterAction, a convener, thought leader, and voice for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working to eliminate extreme poverty, strengthen human rights and citizen participation, safeguard a sustainable planet, promote peace, and ensure dignity for all people. Baitulmaal was also listed by The New York Times and other media as one of a few highly rated charities doing good work in conflict zones.

How will I know my donation has reached people in need?

Baitulmaal routinely updates donors with field reports and media of their beneficiaries receiving the humanitarian aid their generosity made possible. These updates, which are typically composed after the aid delivery is underway or completed, are published on our website, through our email list, and on our social media platforms. 

What percentage of my donation actually goes to people in need? 

A portion of your donation (9% in 2020) goes toward reasonable administrative costs (3%) and other support expenses (6%) to ensure the delivery of charitable services. The percentage of donations that go toward programs is 91%.

I want to raise funds for Baitulmaal. How can I do that? 

You can start a fundraiser on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/fund/baitulmaal/ or like, share, and add our link in your bio. 

You can also ask your supervisor or human resources department if your employer has a gift matching program. Many employer gift matching programs will match your donation, essentially doubling your impact. 

We hope we’ve covered any questions you may have, and welcome your feedback at any time!

And on behalf of the beneficiaries you support, thank you!