founded in 1968, American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) has spent over five decades providing humanitarian relief and sustainable development to refugees and vulnerable communities in the Middle East. The organization operates at a significant scale, reporting $173,279,297 in total revenue for the 2023 fiscal year. Anera distinguishes itself through extreme financial leanest, maintaining a 96.3% program expense ratio and a perfect 100/100 overall score from Charity Navigator. Their work focuses on the Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, and Jordan, addressing critical needs in health, education, and economic development. For Muslim donors, Anera offers a verified zakat-eligible giving platform that directs funds to the poor and needy (fuqara and masakin). While the organization relies heavily on non-cash in-kind medical supplies, which account for a large portion of its revenue, its fundraising is exceptionally efficient. It costs Anera only $0.01 to raise every $1 in public support. This efficiency allows the charity to maximize the impact of every dollar donated toward its mission of helping refugees live with dignity and purpose.
Impact assesses organizational indicators associated with effective programs. Alignment reflects fit with Muslim donor priorities.
Best for donors who want to support long-standing humanitarian infrastructure in Palestine and Lebanon through a zakat-eligible, highly efficient institution.
“Dedicated zakat page found at https://www.anera.org/zakat (Source: https://www.anera.org/zakat)”