Farida Hafeez, Innovation Intern
Supporting the Community through Every Stage of Life
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Lebanon faced one of its largest economic crises. Its currency was devalued, its banking sector was significantly impacted, and the country faced high levels of inflation and unemployment. Due to the increase in prices, most families struggled to meet their daily needs for food, medicine, and clothing. However, during this time, Enta Karim ensured that up to 12,000 people annually had their daily needs met in Sayida, South Lebanon.
Enta Karim is a Lebanese NGO founded in 2018 by Angie Atrouni after her son's loss in a car accident as a way to follow his legacy and perpetuate his genuine smile. Through Karim’s friend's continuous support and a group of passionate youth, they are spreading awareness and making positive strides. Committed to living up to their name, which translates to "you are generous," and their slogan "Spreading a Smile," Enta Karim focuses on spreading joy and kindness to orphans, the elderly, and people in need. They encourage community involvement and volunteerism to support everyone in their community. Since their establishment, Enta Karim has launched several projects focused on organizing food donations, community engagement, and raising awareness about mental health.
Enta Karim joined the Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy in 2021 to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to support as many impacted families as possible amidst the COVID-19 crisis and currency devaluation.
After completing the Academy, Enta Karim wasted no time in putting their knowledge into action. They launched several campaigns, each addressing a different challenge faced by their community. Partnering with 70 institutions, including supermarkets, pharmacies, butchers, and libraries, they initiated a powerful movement.
Collaborations with different institutions to receive donations
To create a powerful pay-it-forward system, they strategically placed donation boxes near cashiers, allowing customers to contribute to providing essential items for those in need.
However, Enta Karim faced numerous challenges that they had to overcome in order to succeed. With the instability of the banking sector, rising gas prices, and difficulties in accessing online donations, they were up against considerable obstacles. Nevertheless, they adapted Tadamon’s teachings, focusing on expanding their network within Lebanon. Through increased community engagement, they ensured the successful implementation of their campaigns.
Enta Karim donation box at a pharmacy
Doubling Income through Crowdfunding
They share their experience and the impact they experienced with the Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy as follows: "The Academy helped us in a very beneficial and effective way, significantly impacting our work in planning and executing fundraising campaigns. It assisted us in reaching our goals and marketing our campaigns despite the difficulties we faced. These trainings facilitated a qualitative shift in our work strategy, allowing us to overcome various challenges and obstacles."
The transformative impact of their experience with the Academy became evident in their crowdfunding efforts. In 2021, they raised an impressive $731,858, nearly doubling their income compared to the previous year. The success of their campaigns has made a significant impact, benefiting over 55,000 people across various areas, including medical support, food security, education, and providing basic necessities to vulnerable individuals, among many others.
Beneficiaries of the campaigns
This success was made possible through a combination of individual donations, grants from the private sector, support from the diaspora, in-kind donations, charitable activities for the association, and online contributions.
Expanding their efforts in crowdfunding, they have launched a new campaign to establish the Enta Karim Hub, dedicated to supporting youth in Lebanon. The Hub aims to develop the social capabilities of young people and increase their engagement within the community. Enta Karim remains committed to more than just providing support; their goal is to "build a person."
Learn more about Enta Karim´s work and support them.