A global perspectives series: Fundraising in Egypt
Dear Diary,
It is always a wonderful experience to travel and learn from others in fundraising, and through A Global Perspective Series, we truly achieve this and more. Today, we are learning about fundraising in Egypt from a fundraising consultant and educator, Azza Koura.
Thank you, Azza, for this learning moment, this was incredible.
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Question: Azza, what are the top three fundraising practices in Egypt that readers should know about?
Azza: I would like first to tell you that charity and doing good is deeply rooted in the Egyptian culture since the ancient Egyptian sculptures were found stating that no one will go to heaven unless others say that he was generous to needy people and used to help the underprivileged.
Fundraising in Egypt was always based on good intentions but recently social development organizations have become aware of the importance of professionalism, to create positive impact, and drive change. For example, I formed the Association of Fundraising Professional chapter in Egypt in 2010, and since then, hundreds of NGO employees have been trained to enhance their fundraising skills, and it has improved their work.
The second practice is that Egyptians are inclined to give towards basic needs so development and people rights were ignored, and NGOs working in these causes were obliged to seek international aid and funding. But in the last decade, development causes such as women empowerment and youth wellness started to find supporters especially in the corporate social responsibility space.
Finally, we define the popularity of the cause first to identify the donor segments then create the proper program for each of them, then we develop a complete fundraising plan for each source of donation: individuals, corporate and granting entities.
Question: Azza, thank you for mentioning Egyptian culture and how it plays a major role in fundraising practices. The word philanthropy is not universal, but all cultures are well-versed with what it means to be “a giver.” Can you tell us a little more about Egyptian culture, and how being “a giver” is embedded historically or culturally? Would you relate the Egyptian sculptures found as motivations for current day giving or is giving just part of the culture?
Azza: Egypt was exposed to all religions - so when Moses spoke with God in the land of Sinai, and Jesus Christ with his holy family fled from the oppression of the Romans, and came to Egypt; The journey of the Holy Family lasted more than three years, during which many churches and monasteries were built until the Islamic conquest. During that period, the Egyptians did not abandon their belief in the One God and the need to do good in order to please God, and hoping to go to Paradise. In the sixteenth century, the charitable endowment was the method of the rich in helping the poor. This lasted until the sixties of the last century when President Gamal Abdel Nasser abolished the endowment system despite its continuation in other countries that learned it from Egypt, and I think that Turkey is the best example of that, as many European countries have adopted it some modifications to suit modern life. As we all know that the largest and best universities and hospitals in America and the United Kingdom depend entirely on Trust funds, this did not prevent the Egyptians from doing good. Muslims have zakat as a cornerstone of their religion. Christians also pay their tithes to the church, which in turn carries out many social projects that help the poor and marginalized.
Question: What resources are used to learn more about new fundraising practices and strategies? How do you stay connected with other fundraising professionals outside of Egypt?
Azza: Having the AFP Egypt & MENA chapter in Cairo always gives us the chance to receive updated information about fundraising in the United States, and being involved with other NGOs in the Arab countries keeps us posted with appealing fundraising practices that suits the Arabic culture.
As I previously mentioned, we have many professional fundraisers who attend fundraising conferences in the US and Dubai to get exposed to new trends and practices. Also, Cairo University has a post-graduate diploma for the capacity building of NGOs’ staff including fundraising which I am proudly conducting.
Finally, the current use of technology is crucial for NGOs, it is important to get to know the latest applications and practices of fundraising, and also outreach to constituents.
Question: When you think about your fundraising career in Egypt, how would you describe the nonprofit landscape in Egypt, and why?
Azza: Fundraising is a new science in Egypt and most Egyptians feel embarrassed to make the ask. The fundraising career path is slowly getting believers and supporters because it’s a growing industry and very much needed. Professional fundraisers earn very high salaries and always get head-hunted from other NGOs. We have over 50,000 NGOs of which 1% is working professionally. Throughout my lectures I show my students how it is a noble and amazing career to earn your living from doing good, and how this career path has a promising path towards development and certification. They can upgrade and get more professional, and receive higher salaries. Many students have shifted to fundraising and the number is growing.
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Egypt, can you all believe it? Diary readers, I’m not sure where we are going next on this learning adventure, but I hope you will keep reading with me.
Until next time, July 15th!
