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Projects in Action

At the Gerhart Center, we believe in the power of research, civic engagement and capacity building to drive meaningful change.

Through strategic partnerships, the center’s initiatives drive social change in the Arab region by fostering a culture of effective giving, corporate social responsibility and civic responsibility. Our team works closely with donors and local partners to create lasting impact, leveraging research and capacity-building efforts to address the complex challenges of today’s world.

Research

The Gerhart Center, in collaboration with the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School and various African researchers and institutions, is leading a project funded by the Mastercard Foundation. The project explores the economic contributions of the non-profit sector to youth employment in selected African countries, focusing on creating meaningful job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 35. Aligned with the Mastercard Foundation's Young Africa Works strategy, it aims to identify how the non-profit sector drives youth employability and contributes to national economies.

Name of Donor: The Mastercard Foundation

Finance plays a crucial role in supporting activities that can either benefit or harm society and the environment. Even before the global COVID crisis, many countries, particularly less developed ones, were struggling to close the financing gap for achieving the SDGs and meeting the 2030 agenda. With the onset of COVID-19, this gap has widened, exacerbating global inequality. In the MENA region, there is a significant lack of knowledge about the various financing methods for social impact projects. To address this, the Gerhart Center is launching a project aimed at filling this knowledge gap. The project will establish a regional platform to serve as a knowledge hub, exploring the current landscape of finance for social impact. It will connect ecosystem players, study available financial tools in the region (starting with Egypt) and explore global instruments that could be adapted and localized for the region.

Name of Donor: Ford Foundation

Social Entrepreneurship

The Gerhart Center launched the Social Entrepreneurship Incubation Program in January 2023 in Ras Gharib, the second-largest city in the Red Sea governorate and a key hub for Egypt's oil production. This program is carefully crafted to empower the youth of Ras Gharib by creating a supportive ecosystem that offers the resources and knowledge necessary for launching sustainable businesses and projects. It provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn from field experts and develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive as social entrepreneurs.

Name of Donor: United Energy Egypt

Youth Leadership

The Lazord Fellowship Program is designed to equip recent graduates with professional and civic skills through year-long job placements, mentoring and training. Fellows are placed in local organizations working on projects for the common good, gaining hands-on experience. The program also emphasizes continuous learning, offering a comprehensive understanding of essential topics for success in the change-making industry. Additionally, fellows receive monthly mentoring from experienced professionals, helping them realize their potential and grow both personally and professionally.

Name of Donor: The Lazord Foundation, New York

Capacity Building

Since 2019, we have successfully trained over 1,000 development professionals on a wide range of topics, including project management, monitoring and evaluation, social research, proposal writing and others. Our participants have come from various local and international NGOs, government agencies and organizations dedicated to development. Notable partners include Misr El Kheir Foundation, Life Makers Foundation, Red Crescent, St. Andrews, the Ministry of Migration, the National Population Council, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, Wataneya, the National Council for Women, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, Cairo Demographic Center, and the Ministry of Health and Population.