Frequently Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
Learn with Us
Q: What is mutual aid?
The mutual aid model is a direct approach to financial support that allows one civilian to help another civilian quickly, effectively, and legally. It is rooted in the perspective of global citizeship and human-to-human solidarity. It most often relates to one person helping another to access basic needs like that of food, clothing, and shelter, providing direct, immediate relief where charities or governmental aid has fallen short.
Q: How is mutual aid different than non-profit 501(c)(3) status?
Mutual aid is a community-based approach where people help each other as equals. A non-profit is a formal organization recognized by the government, with rules, leadership, and structured accountability.
Mutual aid is about shared support and collective care, while a non-profit is a regulated way to organize and deliver services. Donations to non-profits are also tax-deductible. Mutual aid does not offer that.
Q: Is the Humanitarian Fund a non-profit?
No. Non-profit status takes time to achieve and displaced children in Gaza are suffering now. In order to immediately respond to the overwhelming need, we are structured as a mutual aid initiative. However, the Fund operates within the organizational structure of a non-profit (a Board of Directors, by-laws, leadership, and accountability) but without the formal incorporated status. We are exploring the transition to becoming a 501(c)(3) as a long-term goal.
Q: How do you find families?
Through a community of non-profit and mutual aid initiatives. We are part of a network of support for the most vulnerable children in Gaza having developed strong relationships with other organizations that have teams on the ground. Family information is often sent to us by our colleauges. Families also request help directly via our social media accounts.
Q: How are families verified?
(1) The full names of all adults are collected along with photo identification confirming Palestinian citizenship. Medical records and scripts for treatment are obtained, as applicable. (2) The names of adults are passed through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned list search. (3) A video call is conducted to meet members of family, visualize the living spaces and shelter / structure, and the area immediately surrounding it. (4) During the call a live GPS pin is shared, confirming geographic location. (5) Partner-families are in contact with Fund volunteers regularly, providing updates, raising concerns, and building relationships around collaborative care.
Q: How much of the money goes toward purchasing items for families in need?
100%. The crowd-funding website we use, Chuffed, charges an extra 2-3% to transfer the money into the Fund’s bank account using Stripe. You pay this nominal fee on top of your donation so we can use the entire donation to purchase food and other essential items. The goods are ordered through the Gaza Giving Cart, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that works directly with local community-based suppliers (non-government affiliated) for the purchase and distribution of groceries and other essential care items. These are products that are already inside Gaza; we do not bring goods in through the borders. The Gaza Giving cart has a 13% procurement and distribution fee and a .8% bank-to-bank transfer fee. Considering the extrememly difficult legal and geopolitical circumstances around providing aid in Gaza, this route is currently the most secure and transparent means available.
Q: How do you deliver the goods?
The Gaza Giving Cart processes our orders and contacts the families directly, coordinating pick up or delivery as circumstances allow.
Q: How long does it take my donation to reach the child / children it is intended for?
This depends on if your donation is designated or undesignated. If it is designated for a particular family, the order is placed within a few hours and is ready for pick up by the family within two days. If it is an undesignated donation, we conduct a rapid-review process, checking-in with all of the families about what their current / most urgent needs are before allocating funds. Because of the time difference, this proces takes between 24 and 48 hours. Once we hear back from everyone, and are able to equitibly designate the funds, the order is placed. Most donations are then available for pick up within two days.
Q: What is the difference between a “designated” and “undesignated” donation?
A designated donation is a gift made to a specifc family. An undesignated gift is a general donation made to the Fund on behalf of any/all families who are a part of the Fund. In the case of undesignated gifts, the Fund Board members decide how to distribute the Funds based on a rapid review process that accounts for (1) vulnerability of the child due to age, medical status, length of time without food or formula, (2) exposure to cold / lack of protective items like clothing or blankets, (3) additional donations or other means of support recently received by the family.
Q: My question isn’t listed here. How can I learn the answer?
Please email info@displacedchildrensfund.org. Your questions are welcome. We understand that the learning curve is steep. 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 investment in self-education and due diligence. We are comitted to education through transparency.