Fatima Taj reflects on three years as a teen philanthropist

Fatima Taj is nothing short of a rising star in Dearborn, MI. The recent high school graduate has already made a name for herself through prolific involvement in her community. As president of her high school’s Art Club, she worked with her fellow peers to beautify their learning environment by doing such projects as painting…

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lina harajli

Planned giving can be a beacon of hope for years to come

Planned giving is a form of strategic philanthropy that is often overlooked. Sometimes referred to as gift planning or legacy giving, it is a way to support nonprofits that enable individuals to make larger gifts than they could make from ordinary income. In short, a planned gift is any major gift, made in lifetime or at death…

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Compassion and persistence come full circle: Aref’s Story

Fleeing bombs and bullets, Dr. Aref Alkhouli and his family fled Al Ghouta, Syria. They arrived in 2016 to Dearborn, Michigan, seeking refuge. The family had lost their home, their job, and even their loved ones. Dr. Alkhouli had worked as a veterinarian in Syria, but after months of searching, he had yet to find employment…

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Piano concert raises more than $20,000 for Syrian children

On March 25, the Center for Arab American Philanthropy presented the 2018 Piano Keys for Syrian Kids event, a piano concert intended to raise funds and awareness about the plight of Syrian refugees. High school students – and twin brothers – Omar and Ziad Fehmi had the idea to host a concert with their friends…

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Center for Arab American Philanthropy Pattern

A night to remember: Highlights from CAAP’s inaugural Threads of Giving Gala

Friday, March 16, 2018 marked an incredibly special occasion: CAAP’s inaugural Threads of Giving Gala. Held for the first time in Houston, TX, the long-awaited event delivered spectacularly, and represented a milestone in CAAP’s evolution. CAAP honored Dr. Farouk Shami, entrepreneur and founder of Farouk Systems, Inc., with the very first Outstanding Arab American Philanthropist…

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henry ballout headshot

MOVE 2017 recap

By Henry Ballout, CAAP Intern I am typing this blog shortly after the closing session of MOVE 2017 in Dearborn, Michigan and I am going to admit that I’ve found the whole conference experience amazing. It was such a privilege for me to be able to attend. MOVE 2017 was a first-of-its-kind national gathering that…

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Rachid Elabed Neinas Community Park

Building a safe park for Detroit elementary students

Growing up in Southwest Detroit, Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) fund-holder Rachid Elabed and his friends didn’t have a safe place to play outside. Drawing on his belief that youth everywhere should have a safe place to play and enjoy their childhood, Rachid is partnering with Neinas Elementary School and other community organizations to…

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Peter Farah Square

Welcome to the CAAP Advisory Board, Peter Farah!

CAAP extends a warm welcome to our newest board member: Peter Farah. Peter is currently the Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, and Assistant Secretary of The J. M. Smucker Company, where he has primary responsibility within the Legal Department for mergers and acquisitions, securities, finance, and corporate governance. He received his Juris Doctor from Boston College…

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CAAP 2017 Annual Report

Download our 2017 Annual Report

Our community’s boundless resilience, optimism and determination to succeed in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges has only served to make us stronger. The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) continues that legacy by providing leadership and expertise to fulfill the giving aspirations of Arab Americans. Every single day, we work to serve donors, improve…

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Flint

Flint Water Crisis: How to Help

The city of Flint, Michigan is facing an extreme crisis, as their drinking water has been contaminated with toxic amounts of lead, rendering it extremely dangerous and unsafe and leaving thousands of families and individuals without clean water. CAAP is responding to the crisis by recommending groups that are working to help the people of…

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