Palestine offers a window into how modern philanthropy operates. This episode takes a deep dive into how funder control and decision-making directly impacts the struggle for Palestinian liberation. Laura Vergara and Soheir Asaad, from Funders4Palestine, expose how philanthropy acts as a shield for corporate wealth, and how the "Raise the Bar" framework offers a path to dismantle it. We cover: How philanthropy has been deployed in Palestine: moving from a global picture of how philanthropy operates to examine the specific tactics used to undermine Palestinian movement-building and liberation struggles. The "Raise the Bar" Roadmap: How we can bypass the established models of philanthropy and return wealth and decision making to communities. Resources shared by our guests: See all of the resources shared as part of Episode 4. Gilded Giving 2026: Philanthropy Under Oligarchy Investing in Life: Philanthropy’s Role in Divesting from Systems of Violence Funders4Palestine news and resources The White Front, Rawa We Were Never Meant for Each Other, Rawa Philanthropy, Raise the Bar! Fund with Liberatory Practices as Your Compass Glossary Intermediary Funds: Financial entities, pass-through vehicles, or grant-making organisations that sit between the primary source of capital (donors, foundations, or governments) and the ultimate recipients or projects. They collect, manage, and redistribute capital, often adding oversight, due diligence, portfolio management, or re-granting capabilities. Oslo Accords: A pair of landmark agreements signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in 1993 (Oslo I) and 1995 (Oslo II). Brokered in Norway and signed in Washington, D.C., they established the Palestinian Authority (PA) to provide limited self-governance over parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, creating a temporary framework intended to lead to a permanent peace treaty. Endowments: Dedicated funds established by non-profits, universities, religious institutions, or charities, where the core capital (principal) is invested and kept intact permanently or over a long period. The organisation spends the generated investment returns rather than the initial principal to fund ongoing operations, research, or long-term programs. BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions): A Palestinian-led global movement founded in 2005 that calls for economic, cultural, and political pressure on Israel. Its stated goals are to press Israel to comply with international law regarding Palestinian rights, end the occupation of Palestinian territories, ensure full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and respect the right of return for Palestinian refugees. This podcast is brought to you by Lorriann Robinson, founder and director of The Advocacy Team, and Alex Martins, founder of VersaVoice Creations. Get in touch via Instagram @TakeorGivePod or by email at takeorgivepod@theadvocacyteam.co.uk with any questions or feedback.
