The Grants and Capacities Support Unit at the A.M. Qattan Foundation approved 72 grants for supporting cultural and educational initiatives in the Gaza Strip. The call for applications was announced by the Foundation on 4 July 2024, with the context (alongside colleagues in Gaza) of creating spaces that encourage self-expression, spreading hope in the Gaza Strip, providing alternative learning opportunities, and combining cultural and educational experiences. Thus, participants had greatly positive experiences, based on the principles of cooperation and sharing of knowledge and resources. This corresponded with the interaction of artists, cultural activists, and educators under the currently implemented initiatives. We also sensed the need for more initiatives to support artistic, cultural, and educational actions, implemented solo or in groups.
The Foundation received 241 applications under this grant. These applications were carefully examined by an internal committee to verify the initiative’s alignment to the grant’s objectives and its attainability, resulting in a remainder of 164 applications. From here, an external selection committee was formed. Committee members included Iman Sharabati (Jerusalem), Iman Hammouri (Ramallah), Petra Barghouthi (Ramallah), Rana Batrawi (Gaza/France), and Malik Rimawi (Ramallah).
Committee members individually reviewed the applications, after which they presented and collectively discussed their recommendations. Accordingly, the committee reached a short list of 54 applications, approved through unanimous or majority votes. There were also four applications in a standby (substitute) list, in which initiatives will be discussed by each member separately. Moreover, 14 applications received two votes, and the committee recommended supporting them in the event of sufficient funds.
After studying in detail the initiative budgets and action plans, a total of 72 grants were approved, supporting diverse fields, communities, and geographic areas. The implementation of these initiatives is currently underway and will continue until the end of December 2024.