John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement

John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement

"On March 6th 2006, the inaugural ceremony of the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement was held at the American University in Cairo (AUC). The Center was established in honor of former AUC president John Gerhart as a means of institutionalizing philanthropy and public service in the Arab world." 


 * Barbara Ibrahim, project manager and director of the Gerhart Center
 * Dina Sherif, Associate Director since 2006

Funding
The Ford Foundation provided "$60,000 - For the planning process and inaugural conference of the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy." 


 * "CAIRO, Nov. 12, 2006 – The Boeing Company today announced a grant to the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement at The American University in Cairo (AUC) that will encourage the practice of organized philanthropy in the Middle East, particularly indigenous giving.


 * "Among other projects, the Boeing grant will fund a new initiative at the Center entitled “Cooperation in Education and Philanthropic Development,” which will result in the creation of a comprehensive map of philanthropic organizations in the Arabic-speaking region, designed to help empower Arab civic groups seeking funding. A white paper recommending ways to strengthen and expand philanthropy in the Middle East also will result from this initiative. Both the map and white paper will be unveiled at a stakeholders’ conference organized by the Gerhart Center late in 2007."

"Open Society Institute (OSI) awarded the Gerhart Center a 'Challenge Grant' in October. Under the terms of the grant, OSI will match on a 1 to 2 basis the funds we raise from donors in the Arab region. Grant funds may be used for ongoing programs of the Center over a three year period, particularly those activities promoting stronger philanthropy in the region. This grant will give a boost to our fundraising efforts by encouraging new Arab contributions to the Gerhart Center Endowment Fund."