Over the last few decades, the Lebanese diaspora has played a key role in supporting families in Lebanon. As municipalities continue to face financial constraints, USAID’s Community Support Program (CSP) developed the capacities of the municipalities of Ain Ebel in South Lebanon, and Amioun and Bechmezzine in North Lebanon, to attract diaspora aid. The three communities raised a total of $296,894. Amioun gathered funds, enabling the installation and operation of a potable water well powered by solar energy and a drinking water desalination station. Bechmezzine raised funds to complete a solar powered street lighting system. In Ain Ebel, funds was raised to support the integration of solar power with diesel generators. Due to the high-risk situation, these funds are on hold and will be redirected to assist internally displaced persons. Since October 2023, Ain Ebel has benefited from CSP assistance to establish a crisis committee, raising $40,000 and strengthening the village’s capacity to deliver aid, reaching up to
1,000 people. Ain Ebil Diaspora also benefited from the innovative CSP scheme to make use of tax laws in the USA and provide income tax exempted charity funds to support their community back home. “CSP’s support empowered activists working for Ain Ebel (AWFA) and Ain Ebel Municipality to establish collection mechanisms, enabling us to contribute to relief efforts. Through CSP’s guidance, we developed fundraising strategies, directly impacting the lives of those affected by the crisis. CSP’s mentorship in the diaspora project fostered a resilient community, capable of mobilizing resources and providing vital support,” said Bachir Diab, member of AWFA.