First things first – what is the solidarity economy? 

The solidarity economy is a global movement to build a just and sustainable economy where we prioritize people and the planet over endless profit and growth. Growing out of social movements in Latin America and the Global South, the solidarity economy provides real alternatives to capitalism, where communities govern themselves through participatory democracy, cooperative and public ownership, and a culture of solidarity and respect for the earth. (Source: New Economy Coalition)

Why the Solidarity Economy Matters for Palestine

This global framework resonates deeply in Palestine, where communities have relied on cooperation, mutual aid, and shared resources for generations. Under conditions of genocide, occupation, blockade, and chronic economic instability, Palestinians have built systems of care that stand outside traditional institutions. These practices—rooted in sumud (steadfastness) and community self-determination—are the foundations of a solidarity economy.

But today, as international institutions fail to meet urgent needs in Gaza and aid systems remain dependent on external agendas, Palestinians are actively seeking new, more just economic models. A solidarity economy approach offers exactly that:

• Local control over resources and priorities
  
• Community-led solutions instead of donor-driven projects
  
• Long-term resilience instead of short-term aid cycles
  
• Economic practices rooted in justice, dignity, and liberation
  

In other words: the solidarity economy isn’t new in Palestine. It’s simply becoming more organized, more intentional, and more necessary than ever.

What Does the Solidarity Economy Look Like in Palestine?

While the terminology may feel new, the practices are not. Across Palestine, we see the solidarity economy expressed through:

• Mutual aid networks in Gaza and the West Bank
  
• Cooperatives supporting farmers, artisans, and workers
  
• Community-led associations that organize resources to locally-led initiatives
  
• Diaspora-backed initiatives that channel support directly to Palestinian communities
  
• Social enterprises rooted in justice, cultural preservation, education, and land stewardship
  

These practices prioritize dignity and self-governance, especially in moments when traditional funding fails. They embody the belief that communities know their own needs—and can build systems to meet them.

How BuildPalestine Is Pioneering a Solidarity Economy Model

BuildPalestine was founded on a simple idea: Palestinians should be able to design and resource solutions for their own communities. As Palestine’s landscape of social impact evolves, BuildPalestine is helping shape a new model that aligns with the principles of the solidarity economy.

1. A Community-Membership Model that Shifts Power

At the heart of our work is a member-supported model—the first of its kind in Palestine. Instead of relying solely on foreign donors, BuildPalestine is cultivating a growing community of monthly members who contribute to Palestinian-led impact.

This transforms us from a traditional NGO into a community-owned institution. It strengthens accountability, shifts power back to Palestinians, and builds long-term, locally driven sustainability.

2. Direct Support for Palestinian Changemakers

BuildPalestine identifies and supports individuals and organizations who are building solutions grounded in lived experience—from Gaza mutual aid teams to community projects in the West Bank to global initiatives led by the Palestinian diaspora.

Through fellowships, grants, and access to networks, we invest in people who are already leading change—not outsider-designed interventions.

3. Ethical and Transparent Funding Infrastructure

A solidarity economy requires trust. BuildPalestine is committed to transparent funding, clear values, and community accountability. We prioritize local ownership, ethical practices, and support for initiatives that center justice, dignity, and liberation.

4. Changing the Narrative About Palestinian Social Impact

Economic transformation is not just financial—it’s cultural. BuildPalestine uses storytelling, research, and community education to highlight Palestinian-led work and challenge deficit narratives. We amplify local knowledge, celebrate community resilience, and make visible the creativity and brilliance of Palestinian changemakers.

Gaza, Liberation, and the Global Rise of Solidarity

The unfolding genocide in Gaza has accelerated a global reckoning with unjust systems—from militarism to extractive economies to the failures of international institutions. Around the world, individuals and communities are turning toward mutual aid, grassroots organizing, and economic models rooted in care.

In this moment, the Palestinian struggle has become a catalyst for deeper global solidarity. People everywhere are seeking ways to directly support Palestinian-led work—outside bureaucratic channels and with full alignment to Palestinian values.

BuildPalestine is building the infrastructure to make this possible.

A Future Built on Solidarity

The solidarity economy is not just a concept. It is a living, breathing ecosystem—one that Palestinians have practiced for generations. Today, BuildPalestine is helping formalize and grow this ecosystem so that Palestinians everywhere can invest in one another, strengthen community control, and build enduring pathways toward liberation.

The future of Palestine depends on models that are locally led, community driven, and rooted in justice. The solidarity economy provides that path. And BuildPalestine is helping pave it.

If you believe in a future where Palestinians set their own priorities and build their own solutions, join the movement.

Together, we can build an economy rooted in dignity, community, and liberation.

Become a BuildPalestine Member