ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Hosts Lena, Mariam, Manal, and Deanna unpack an Instagram controversy alleging that Khaled Beydoun received a significant cut from funds raised for Gaza through Human Appeal. They examine whether paid fundraising is ethical, what commissions and overhead typically look like in the nonprofit world, and why transparency with donors is the core issue.
Drawing on firsthand nonprofit experience in Gaza, Mariam highlights the importance of verifying NGO registration and on-the-ground work. The group also questions influencer-led fundraising, public callouts, and the impact of online dogpiling, while discussing practical donor due diligence tools and best practices.
The episode closes with Ramadan reminders: give generously, ask respectful questions, verify before sharing, and approach influencer-linked donations with care. The show will pause during Ramadan and return after Eid.
00:00 $2M Fundraising Accusation Goes Viral — What Happened?
00:25 Meet Khaled Beydoun: Lawyer, Professor & Activist Background
02:35 Nonprofit Insider Story: Spotting Sketchy NGOs After the 2021 War
06:11 Who Is ‘We Are The Peace’? Brand Origins, Mission & Pricing Questions
07:44 Did They Jump the Gun? Public Callouts vs Private Accountability
09:02 The $7M Raised, 29% Cut Explained — What’s Ethical in Fundraising?
09:41 Human Appeal’s Role: Overhead, Disclosure, and Donor Transparency
12:27 Khaled’s Response vs Receipts: ‘It Went to My Charity’ Claim
16:52 How Fundraiser Commissions Work (and Why People Don’t Know)
21:35 Influencers + NGOs: Red Flags, Marketing Arguments, and Who Else Got Paid?
27:43 Timing, Epstein Files, and Tools to Vet Charities (Nonprofit Explorer)
29:39 Imams vs Influencers: Trust, Kickbacks, and That 29% Cut
30:51 NGO Expense Ratios & What Transparency Should Actually Look Like
32:07 “Zionist Playbook” Accusations and the Problem With Lazy Labels
35:54 What “Grifting” Means: Receipts, Scandals, and Social Media Pile-Ons
40:47 Due Diligence 101: Vetting Charities Without Airing Dirty Laundry
42:02 Unintended Consequences: Defamation Risk, NGO Scrutiny, and Community Fitna
49:19 Real-World Swindling Stories in Muslim Communities (and Why Outrage Happens)
51:24 Deanna’s Hot Take: Influencer Culture, Paid Promotions, and “It’s a Job”
54:02 Wrap-Up: Ramadan Advice, Give Generously—Ask Respectfully
