“I learned generosity like I learned a lot of other significant life skills—from my parents and from the Ramallah community I grew up in. My Palestinian heritage was my greatest teacher. And I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. So, I did what I could to give back to my Palestinian…
I remember my dad making contributions to the church, every Sunday, no matter what. Philanthropy, from a small scale, became a familial act and—to this day—my favorite philanthropic experiences are ones where I feel like family. My mother is Lebanese and my father is French Canadian but, like so many people of their generation, they…
Fatima Taj is nothing short of a rising star in Dearborn, MI. The recent high school graduate has already made a name for herself through prolific involvement in her community. As president of her high school’s Art Club, she worked with her fellow peers to beautify their learning environment by doing such projects as painting…
Planned giving is a form of strategic philanthropy that is often overlooked. Sometimes referred to as gift planning or legacy giving, it is a way to support nonprofits that enable individuals to make larger gifts than they could make from ordinary income. In short, a planned gift is any major gift, made in lifetime or at death…
Fleeing bombs and bullets, Dr. Aref Alkhouli and his family fled Al Ghouta, Syria. They arrived in 2016 to Dearborn, Michigan, seeking refuge. The family had lost their home, their job, and even their loved ones. Dr. Alkhouli had worked as a veterinarian in Syria, but after months of searching, he had yet to find employment…
On March 25, the Center for Arab American Philanthropy presented the 2018 Piano Keys for Syrian Kids event, a piano concert intended to raise funds and awareness about the plight of Syrian refugees. High school students – and twin brothers – Omar and Ziad Fehmi had the idea to host a concert with their friends…
Friday, March 16, 2018 marked an incredibly special occasion: CAAP’s inaugural Threads of Giving Gala. Held for the first time in Houston, TX, the long-awaited event delivered spectacularly, and represented a milestone in CAAP’s evolution. CAAP honored Dr. Farouk Shami, entrepreneur and founder of Farouk Systems, Inc., with the very first Outstanding Arab American Philanthropist…
By Henry Ballout, CAAP Intern I am typing this blog shortly after the closing session of MOVE 2017 in Dearborn, Michigan and I am going to admit that I’ve found the whole conference experience amazing. It was such a privilege for me to be able to attend. MOVE 2017 was a first-of-its-kind national gathering that…
Growing up in Southwest Detroit, Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) fund-holder Rachid Elabed and his friends didn’t have a safe place to play outside. Drawing on his belief that youth everywhere should have a safe place to play and enjoy their childhood, Rachid is partnering with Neinas Elementary School and other community organizations to…
CAAP extends a warm welcome to our newest board member: Peter Farah. Peter is currently the Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, and Assistant Secretary of The J. M. Smucker Company, where he has primary responsibility within the Legal Department for mergers and acquisitions, securities, finance, and corporate governance. He received his Juris Doctor from Boston College…