The Essence of Ramadan: Charity, Community Support & Spiritual Growth

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Rizwanullah Bahrami

Arabic lamp and tasbih with dates on light background

In Islam, the act of giving back is highly emphasized, especially during Ramadan. The holy month emphasizes the importance of zakat (required almsgiving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity), highlighting the deep generosity within the Muslim faith (MPI,2023). Zakat, a fundamental aspect of Islam, demonstrates the religion’s organized method of giving to those in need, with the goal of reducing poverty and redistributing wealth. During Ramadan, the focus is on the significance of zakat, prompting Muslims to contemplate their spiritual and societal duties. This period emphasizes zakat as more than just a financial duty, but also as a way to attain spiritual purification and strengthen community bonds (MPI, 2023).

Sadaqah, on the other hand, encompasses a wide range of charitable deeds, going beyond financial contributions to include any act of kindness that alleviates someone else’s suffering.

During Ramadan, there is usually a rise in sadaqah, showcasing the holistic approach of Islamic philanthropy (MPI, 2023). The research conducted by the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI, 2023) sheds light on these practices within the Muslim community, showcasing the varied and changing landscape of Islamic giving. Their research emphasizes the significance of zakat and sadaqah going beyond financial transactions, representing acts of faith that strengthen communal bonds and benefit society (MPI, 2023).

The special month of Ramadan emphasizes the importance of community support and empathy, urging Muslims to participate in zakat and sadaqah to strengthen unity within the community (Indiana University School of Medicine, 2020). Observing the fast from sunrise to sunset goes beyond just refraining from eating and drinking; it serves as a deep spiritual voyage that fosters compassion for those less fortunate, motivating Muslims to increase their acts of kindness. This act of self-denial is a powerful reminder of the challenges experienced by those in need, motivating individuals to make a difference and help reduce suffering whenever they can. (more…)

Navigating the Landscape of Muslim Women’s Philanthropy

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Nausheena Hussain

I’ve been studying philanthropy for the past few years, learning about its history in the United States, understanding its beginnings, and navigating the landscape. Every history book on philanthropy I was required to read either failed to mention anything about Muslim philanthropy or Islam’s influence on Western philanthropy or had one paragraph dedicated to it in a book of 400 pages.

It became challenging for me to never see myself represented in these books, coursework, or research. As a disruptor who loves challenging the status quo, I couldn’t sit back and do nothing.

A few weeks ago, I attended the Women’s Philanthropy Institute’s webinar on Women’s Philanthropy Trends in 2024. As exciting as it was to learn about those trends, it made me reflect on Muslim women’s philanthropy. How can we better understand the motivations behind Muslim women’s generosity?

Now I’m on a mission to change the lack of data and research about Muslim women and our generosity. It comes in different forms and times, based on our faith traditions, following in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with compassion and grace. (more…)

Donations by top 50 US donors fell again in 2023, sliding to $12B − Mike Bloomberg, Phil and Penny Knight, and Michael and Susan Dell led the list of biggest givers

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Gilbert Flores

Penny Knight and Phil Knight sitting down and exchanging laughs. — Penny Knight and Phil Knight were the second-largest givers of 2023. Michael Hickey/Getty Images

The top 50 American individuals and couples who gave or pledged the most to charity in 2023 committed US$12 billion to foundations, universities, hospitals and more. That total was 28% below an inflation-adjusted $16.5 billion in 2022, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s latest annual tally of these donations.

The Conversation U.S. asked David Campbell, Angela R. Logan and Michael Moody, three scholars of philanthropy, to assess the significance of these gifts and to consider what they indicate about the state of charitable giving in the United States. This article was first featured in The Conversation.

What trends stand out overall?

David Campbell: As was the case in 2022, more than one-third of these big gifts – $4.4 billion – went to donors’ personal foundations. Another $764.3 million flowed into donor-advised funds. Also known as DAFs, these charitable savings accounts make it possible for donors to reserve assets such as cash, stocks and bonds for future charitable gifts.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that a significant amount of the money these wealthy Americans technically gave away in 2023 didn’t get in the hands of charities right away. And while foundations must give away or spend 5% of their assets every year, there are no such requirements for DAFs.

Many of the same wealthy people make this list every time, and they stick with a few main priorities. Media mogul and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, for example, puts a lot of his charitable money into public health.

Michael Moody: One thing that stands out for me is what’s missing. This list doesn’t include some billionaires known to give significant amounts of money to charity, and it doesn’t reflect all the ways that the wealthiest Americans seek to do good aside from giving to charitable organizations.

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Philanthropy in Central and Eastern Europe 2020-2023

Posted on March 7, 2024 by Anna Korzeniewska

Graphic reads: Unlocking Private Capital for Social Good in Central and Eastern Europe. A comprehensive analysis. Bottom logos: Social impact alliance for Central and Eastern Europe. With support from Google.org. Dentons. Kantar. A map of Europe is shown on the right with central and eastern European countries highlighted in pink. — Unlocking Private Capital for Social Good in Central and Eastern Europe.

Institutional affiliation: Social Impact Alliance for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE Impact Foundation)

The report “Unlocking Private Capital for Social Good in Central & Eastern Europe” published in September 2023 by the Social Impact Alliance for Central and Eastern Europe, is a comprehensive analysis of the research conducted between 2020 and 2023 in collaboration with key stakeholders and decision-makers in 11 countries of Central and Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. It also includes insights from Ukraine, as the war has been the context, catalyst, and driving force behind the activities of businesses, investors, and individuals in the region.

Potential vs. challenges

The countries of Central and Eastern Europe are facing a pivotal moment, brimming with opportunities and challenges. After approximately 30 years of a free market economy, both individuals and companies possess the means and willingness to contribute to social and environmental causes. With the right incentives, individual giving could nearly double. Skills-based volunteering, pro bono services and mentorship from the corporate sector are becoming transformative for nonprofits. The social impact ecosystem is also maturing, with the infrastructure already in place and robust organizations facilitating social development and EU regulations nurturing this domain.

However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed – lack of awareness, education, cooperation, “how-to” knowledge, transparent legislation, tax incentives or the viable offerings in the market. As the region’s economies are relatively young, the pursuit of profit remains a central priority for businesses and investors, hindering the adoption of a more socially responsible approach. Philanthropic giving remains emotionally driven, with donors still reluctant to fund infrastructure organizations and more systemic causes. Following the accession of most Central and Eastern European countries to the European Union, many Western donors who had previously supported such initiatives have shifted their focus to other global regions. This leaves a huge gap that neither international nor domestic donors are willing to fill.

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A culture of generosity

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Kathi Badertscher

Kathi Badertscher and Jeannie Sager pose for a photo with NGO staff. — Left to right: Saudi Friendship staff member, Dr. Yahya Alzahrani, Saudi Friendship General Manager Hesham Alkhateeb, Dr. Kathi Badertscher, Al-Ahsa Tour Guide, Dr. Jessie Lecy, Jeannie Sager, Saudi Friendship high school student volunteer.

In December 2023 I traveled to Saudi Arabia with friend and colleague Jeannie Sager. We had the honor of being two of three women presenters at the Eleventh Forum for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector. While I have been privileged to travel personally and professionally many times, this was my first trip to the Middle East. The experience was full of powerful impressions that will last a lifetime.

In this blog post I reflect on the Saudi Arabian culture of hospitality and generosity. The Kingdom has been famous for its culture of hospitality for those traveling to its holy cities Mecca and Medina to perform Hajj, the sacred Islamic pilgrimage. I was overwhelmed, however, that the welcoming culture would extend to the far eastern region of the country – especially to a white woman in Western attire. I purchased my tourist visa online and received approval almost instantaneously. Naturally, I expected politeness during our stay, but Jeannie and I were welcomed with open arms – beginning with the passport control officer at the airport. He peppered me with questions exuding curiosity and warmth, not interrogation: was this my first time in the Kingdom? What U.S. state did I come from? What are my impressions so far? Staff in restaurants, shops, and our hotel asked us throughout our stay how we were enjoying the country.

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