El Sayed Foundation launches two new groundbreaking
initiatives in the Middle East

1st September 2008

Capitalizing on emerging trends in strategic philanthropy, the El Sayed Foundation, in support of the growing sector, launches two new groundbreaking initiatives in the Middle East: the 'Matchmaking Program' and the 'Capacity Building Program'.

The 'Matchmaking Program' matches philanthropists and philanthropic organizations with initiatives and Community Service Organizations (CSOs) that are in need of support. On one end, the foundation offers technical support through the provision of organizational assessments to grant-making foundations, and then comes full circle as it works with CSOs to identify potential donors form the philanthropic sector. The program aims to establish a perfect match between philanthropists and foundation executives with the appropriate CSO. Lining up a shared vision is a key aspect in the matchmaking process.

The 'Capacity Building Program' provides targeted technical support to CSOs in order to achieve an organization's mission and to define, maximize and realize its goals. The type of support depends on the needs of the organization—e.g. improvements in governance, leadership training, or further developing the mission and strategy.

Samar El Sayed, Founder and Managing Director of the El Sayed Foundation, said: "Our goal is to unearth CSOs that are buried under the rubble that don't have the funds to expand their existing capacity in a professional way. We're not talking about pumping loads of money into these organizations, but rather targeted and strategic technical support that will allow them to achieve scale and impact in a sustainable way".

The El Sayed Foundation, a non-profit family foundation based in the UK, is funded solely by the El Sayed family. The El Sayed Foundation seeks to fortify the lives of marginalized and impoverished children in the Middle East through the promotion of economically empowering and educational initiatives that are sustainable, culturally sensitive and innovative at the same time.

"Our mission is to add value to existing and new initiatives through strategic and financial support. Making use of a 'partnership' approach, The El Sayed Foundation does not act as a donor to its grantees, but rather acts as an involved partner contributing financially and technically when necessary" said Samar El Sayed.

Aiming to build on the foundation's vision of partnership, the El Sayed Foundation is tapping into regional experts in the field to keep the foundation on the cutting edge of philanthropic trends.

"It's really an exciting time for emerging foundations. In chartering the course for new foundations, leveraging strategic partnerships and collaboration is key. Foundations are in a position to leapfrog what hasn't worked and capitalize on existing best practices in ways that are both innovative and results driven", said Dina Sherif, associate director of The John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement, and senior advisor for the El Sayed Foundation.

The new initiatives will initially focus on Egypt, Palestine and Jordan with the intent to expand once the groundwork has been laid.

Visit the Matchmaking Program
Visit the Capacity Building Program