F.A.Q.

How does Interpal get aid through to Palestine when there are closures and blockades in place?

Interpal gets aid through to Palestine by transferring funds through the banking system. Rather than sending donations in kind, goods and services this can then be sourced inside our areas of operation, and thus help revitalise the local Palestinian economy. For more information about how we work, please click here.

How has Interpal overcome the challenges it has faced as a result of working in Palestine?

Since 1994 Interpal has successfully overcome the challenges it has faced as a result of working to aid Palestinians. Organisations and aid agencies working in conflict zones often encounter accusations since they are perceived to be aiding one group and not the other. Read about the difficulties of working in Palestine here.

How does Interpal verify its projects on the ground, and on what basis does it support them?

Interpal verifies its projects through very strict verification procedures via its representatives and partners on the ground. In addition, Interpal chooses to send delegations of British community leaders to its areas of operation e.g. the Bearing Witness programme which featured journalist Lauren Booth. Interpal’s work is needs-led; we listen to our partners, assess the situation and respond accordingly with what is needed most. For more detailed information, please refer to our work pages.

How does Interpal ensure that the funds it transfers are used as directed?

Interpal’s commitment to public accountability and transparency means that it only deals with legitimate organisations that are highly trusted. Interpal maintains a very strict audit trail and requires all transfers of funds to be properly authorised, documented and receipted. Local partners are under a duty to provide progress reports of all the projects implemented on Interpal’s behalf, and these are further supported by photographic or video records.

Like all charities registered in England, Interpal is governed by the rules and guidelines determined by the Charity Commission - the governmental body that monitors charities’ activities. The Inland Revenue also periodically sends its officers to scrutinise our audited accounts.

How much of my donation is deducted for administration costs?

Running a charity costs money, but it is Interpal policy not to deduct any administration costs from specified donations, such as Zakat, child sponsorship or Qurbani. More information about our projects and fund allocation can be found in our work pages.

Interpal is deeply committed to keeping its running costs to a minimum in order to ensure that the maximum amount is made available for project funding. Administration Costs do not exceed 10% of the total annual budget, and they are met from the following sources:

What is the best way to donate in order to minimise Interpal’s admin costs?

The best way to donate to minimise admin costs is through direct bank transfers, online banking and standing orders, since they reduce time spent on processing donations to a minimum. They can be less of a hassle for you, and since they are paperless they are also kinder to the environment. Please refer to our donation page for further details.

Does Interpal have offices outside of London?

Interpal has fundraising representatives in its Manchester, Birmingham, ·Bradford and Leicester offices. Please refer to our contact us page.

Does Interpal sell Palestinian products?

No, but sometimes we source a limited range of products from some of the projects we support (e.g. olive oil, handicraft).

Does Interpal have a volunteer programme?

Yes, we welcome volunteers to help in our office and branches with whatever skills they can offer. Help with fundraising and with manning stalls at events is always needed as well. Please take a look at our volunteers page for more information on how you can help the cause.

I don’t have much to give, but I want to help. What can I do?

Anything you can! Other than helping in the office or at Interpal stalls, you can help by organising fundraising activities in your local area amongst family, friends and neighbours. It could be as simple as a bake sale or as ambitious as a Day for Palestine at your local community centre. Whatever the idea, we will do all that we can to support you. Please refer to our spread the word page for more information and ideas.