The Structure
The Mutual Aid model is a legal and direct route for emergency aid / relief that bypasses much of the legislative red tape around incorporation, or 501 (c)(3) status, which can be a lengthy and expensive process. In response to the heightened urgency around food insecurity and exposure to the cold for the smallest and most vulnerable, the Humanitarian Fund for Displaced Children in Gaza was created to serve as an immediately accessible framework through which the impact of a non-profit could be achieved without the delay of incorporation.
Our Board of Directors is composed of a team of international advocates who are deeply connected to the families we serve and committed to achieving the most consequential impact for the maximum number of children with each donation.
Each decision made regarding the allocation of funds to a particular family is individually considered and collaboratively agreed upon by our Board of Directors to ensure equity, objectivity, and the mindful use of funds to achieve the highest good. All actions pertaining to the designation and transfer of funds are either openly published via our Fund Allocation Document or available to view upon request at displacedchildrensfund@gmail.com.
Process
(1) Contact with the Family
(2) The Family is Verified
Board members are contacted with details about families in need by global advocacy colleagues or by individual family members themselves.
Each family included in the Fund is verified by both an advocate external to the Fund and then again independently by a Fund Board member. This process consists of:
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The collection of identification documents for adults in the household confirming Palestinian citizenship
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OFAC clearance for adults in household
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GPS confirmation of physical location within the Palestinian Territories
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Video calls with the children- confirming their living conditions and other aspects of their need
(3) Families are Added to the Fund
Fund families are in an established relationship with Fund Board members and volunteers, who are made aware of their needs and changes in circumstances on a daily basis.
(4) Donation Designation
Designated donations are distributed according to donor stipulation (based on the family identified and items gifted).
The receipt of undesignated donations initiates a fast-moving needs-assessment among all of our families to determine what needs are most urgent. The Board meets to discuss cases and decide on the most equitable distribution of funds, using the following factors:
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vulnerability of the child due to age, medical status, length of time without food or formula
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exposure to cold / lack of protective items like clothing or blankets
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recent donations received by each family.
Once received, all donations are distributed as quickly as reasonably possible due to the extreme urgency of need.
(5) Distribution of Goods
Goods are ordered and delivered to families through partnerships with mutual aid organizations who have teams working on the ground in Gaza. (It is not possible to send goods into Gaza at this time).
(6) Documentation
The Funding Allocation document is updated and photos of the delivered items are posted via updates on the Chuffed website. Messages are communicated from donors to families and vice versa.
Your Questions Are Welcome Here
We understand that the learning curve is steep as not many people are aware of the dynamics of Mutual Aid on the ground in disaster. We believe that every donation deserves the utmost respect and the investment of time in self-education and due diligence. Let us know how we can help you to fill in the gaps by contacting us below.
