United Palestinian Appeal meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Year, State Incorporated
1978, NY
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Stated Purpose
"to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians, particularly those in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and refugee camps throughout the Middle East, and to contribute to the long-term socioeconomic and cultural development of Palestinian society."
United Palestinian Appeal (UPA) reports that it works to assist impoverished Palestinians through its four program areas: community and economic development, education, health and wellness, and outreach. The organization states that it launches its own programs and builds long-term relationships with partners in Palestinian territories, the refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan, and the world at large. The community and economic development program serves to strengthen the economy in Palestine territories and Lebanese refugee camps by supporting small business development, agriculture, and the construction of infrastructure. The education program provides assistance via scholarships to attend universities, vocational training, continuing education, and youth leadership activities. Programs under health and wellness aim to improve Palestinian health and basic well-being through increasing access to primary care clinics, distributing food and medicine, and providing emergency relief. Long-term health initiatives include providing care for children born with a cleft lip and palate through the Embracing Life program and help parents and teachers recognize symptoms of trauma in their children and themselves through the Healing Through Feeling program. UPA's outreach program aims to raise awareness about Palestinian history, language, and culture. In 2019, the organization states that it provided medical treatment to 40,193 children, including 63 children who received craniofacial surgeries. In addition, UPA reports that it delivered pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to 120,000 patients, distributed food assistance and fuel vouchers to 716 refugee families, provided 255 families with small business grants, and supported 72 university students through its scholarship program.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, United Palestinian Appeal's program expenses were:
Health and welfare |
$32,855,638 |
Education and scholarships |
$334,680 |
Outreach and public information |
$255,249 |
Community development |
$228,809 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$33,674,376 |
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Chief Executive
Saleem Zaru, Executive Director
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Compensation*
$169,706
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Chair of the Board
Isam Salah
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Retired, Senior Partner, King & Spalding
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Board Size
6
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Paid Staff Size
25
*2019 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.)
Fundraising costs were 1% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $34,153,359 are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on United Palestinian Appeal's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Source of Funds |
In-kind contributions |
$32,214,066 |
Contributions |
$1,758,332 |
Realized and unrealized gain on investments, net |
$392,792 |
Stock donations |
$180,961 |
Dividend and interest income, net |
$124,552 |
Other income |
$2,264 |
Total Income |
$34,672,967 |
- Programs: 99%
- Administrative: Less than 1%
- Fundraising: Less than 1%
Total Income |
$34,672,967 |
Program expenses |
$33,674,376 |
Fundraising expenses |
$316,344 |
Administrative expenses |
$356,525 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$34,347,245 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$325,722 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$4,452,766 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
Ending Net Assets |
$4,778,488 |
Total Liabilities |
$754,717 |
Total Assets |
$5,533,205 |
Note: According to UPA's 2019 audited financial statements, the organization received $32,214,066 in donated pharmaceuticals ($32,079,641) and medical supplies ($134,425).