In the ever-increasing globalization of our world, with a strong focus on economic growth and prosperity, the voices of those left out are often lost. Philanthropy with a social justice lens is needed to give a voice to those who are marginalized and not heard. The Gerhart Center is committed to working toward effective regional and global structures that add a moral and responsible dimension to the often harsh impacts of globalization.

We also have a generational commitment. Colleges and universities are in a strategic position to influence the thinking and values of future leaders; to help them become responsible citizens with skills and a will to work for social change.

As the Arab region grapples with poverty, inequality and the lack of democratic institutions, we believe that innovations in civic engagement and strategic social investing can augment deep local traditions of philanthropy.

 

Civic Engagement

• Network with Arab universities to reinforce their role as agents of social change in their surrounding communities.
• Promote community based learning (CBL) as a fundamental approach to effective teaching and learning.
• Establish international community service programs and courses to promote cross-cultural understanding and diversity.
• Foster social innovation through student leadership programs , seminars for young professionals, pilot studies, and faculty development grants.
• Stimulate effective volunteerism through linking universities, civic groups and communities.

 

Arab Philanthropy

• Document the evolving field of Arab giving and highlight best practices.
• Support the trend toward strategic philanthropy in service of greater social justice.
• Provide technical services to start-up and expanding philanthropic institutions in the Arab region.
• Strengthen collaboration between private philanthropy and companies engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR).
• Promote networking opportunities and strategic alliances for enhanced philanthropy in the Arab region and internationally.
• Develop short courses and academic programs on philanthropy.

 

Research and Outreach

• Campus conversations, public lectures, and conferences to increase knowledge and understanding of philanthropy and responsible citizenship.
• Research and documentation on subjects ranging from motivations for youth activism to mapping Arab philanthropy .
• Dissemination of information through print and electronic media.
• Resource Center that houses a collection of books, manuals, studies and other materials of practical use to those working on civic engagement and philanthropy.
• Database of expertise on legal, programmatic, and financial aspects of institution building.

 

PROGRAMS

 

Community-Based Learning

Community-based learning (CBL) is an academic approach to learning and teaching that combines community engagement with explicit academic objectives. Students participating in CBL are able to establish connections between their academic work and the community context in which service is provided. CBL enhances academic curricula and fosters civic engagement.

 

Lead On Fellowship Program

“Lead On” is a fellowship program that matches select graduates of the American University of Cairo with well-established nonprofits for a yearlong paid internships in Egypt. Lead On provides internships, mentoring and enriched educational opportunities to these graduates to help them develop critical understanding of the nonprofit world and further develop their leadership skills for future careers in the nonprofit or business world. 

 

Lectures and Campus Conversations

Our lecture series aims to inform and stimulate thought on civic engagement and philanthropy. Lectures are open to the public attracting AUC community and other academics, Arab businessmen and local partners.

 

Mapping Arab Philanthropy

In recent years, growing voices in the region are calling for the institutionalization of Arab funding sources that will be numerous, transparent, and accessible to the communities they are established to serve. Moreover, there is an increased awareness and focus on the importance of the strategic mobilization of philanthropic giving to effect social change.

 

Student Leaders for Service

The goal of the SLS is to enhance leadership skills among undergraduate AUC students with a focus on social change and community development. A select group of students will work closely with Gerhart Center staff on projects related to community service, Arab philanthropy, and public outreach.

 

Volunteers Advancing Non Profit Administration (VANPA)

VANPA is a non-profit organization that provides free consulting to other Egyptian based NGOs. They accomplish this by providing operational and administrative assistance.