The Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy in Latvia

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Julianna Giannoutsou

Panorama aerial view of Riga, capital and the largest city of Latvia. — Aerial view of Riga, capital and the largest city of Latvia.

Latvia is a former Soviet country located in the Eastern part of Europe with a population of 1.8 million people and a GDP per capita of $21,779 in 2022 (according to the World Bank). It gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. After 50 years of Communist rule, the country faced challenges in establishing a democracy and entering the market economy. Today, after more than 30 years of independence, the philanthropic sector is emerging, and the people of Latvia are slowly embracing the new feeling of empowerment to engage in civil society and extending their philanthropic aspirations to people beyond their immediate family.

The nonprofit sector in Latvia has experienced vast changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union. There were only 50 nonprofit organizations in Latvia in 1991. The number grew rapidly in the following years. An important factor was that Latvian tax law that was established in 1995 allowed donors to make tax deductible donations to these organizations.

One of the major contributors to the development of civil society in Latvia was George Soros, a Hungarian-American billionaire investor, philanthropist, and political activist who has been known for his significant contributions to promoting democracy, human rights, and civil society in Eastern Europe through his Open Society Foundations. Other international institutions have also supported development of the nonprofit sector in the country, such as the World Bank, Queen Juliana Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, and the European Free Economy Fund. However, since Latvia entered the European Union (EU) in 2004 and gained access to structural and cohesion funds, international donations to Latvia have substantially declined.

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The powerful impact of research on philanthropy and civil society

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Anwar Khan

The American Muslim community continues to grow, as do the number of American Muslim nonprofits. Knowing and understanding American Muslim philanthropy is important to developing and better serving American Muslim civil society and the larger American civil society. This is why the research from the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI) and other institutions is important.

MPI has done research on Muslim Philanthropy in the US in a climate where there is Islamophobia. According to a study conducted by the ACLU, giving to U.S. Islamic charities has been equated to supporting terrorism. At this time, it is important to research where Muslim philanthropy is sent and how it is raised. Even within the Muslim community, there are myths about where and how Muslim Philanthropy is spent.

MPI’s Muslim American Giving 2021 research was groundbreaking, as it shattered many myths perpetuated in the Muslim community about American Muslim Philanthropy. This research was sponsored by Islamic Relief USA, which contributed to the questions that were asked of the recipients.

MYTH # 1

Most of the American Muslim Philanthropy goes overseas.

The MPI research showed that overseas relief and humanitarian causes comprised only 12.81% of faith-based overseas relief; most American Muslim Philanthropy is spent in the US. This myth may have developed due to the greater transparency associated with giving to an international cause or a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, compared to U.S. houses of worship. The former is required to publish their information in the IRS 990 tax filing while the latter is not. For many years, international Muslim relief organizations have held many public events, especially during crises, which may have given the impression that a lot of funds were going towards these causes. However, as MPI’s research shows, those funds comprised only 12.81% of American Muslim’s giving.

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American Muslim Philanthropy: A Spiritual Experience

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Afshan Malik

As a nonprofit professional, I discovered that the world of fundraising and philanthropy is filled with stories of everyday people making positive changes in their community and establishing a legacy that transcends their own lives. The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative published a study on Motivations of Giving, which dives into reasons why American Muslims are philanthropically engaged. This in-depth study highlights just how strong American Muslim charitable contributions are within the fabric of American philanthropy. As a faith-based giving demographic, Muslims consider the religious and spiritual incentives of giving when deciding where to give, how to give, and even when to give.

In my career as Director of Development, my work is based on bridging the gap between individuals who have the capacity or desire to give and the organization whose work is meaningful to them. The American Muslim philanthropic scene is thriving. American Muslim nonprofits are brimming with even more potential as local organizations professionalize their efforts in not only fundraising but also overall management of their programs, personnel, and operations. Donors are increasingly seeking standards of transparency, accountability, and ihsan, an Arabic word used to describe the excellence and beautification of behavior.

In a recent interview for Religion News, I was asked how fundraising and development professionals in American Muslim nonprofits navigate their work during Islam’s most sacred time of the year. Where is the balance between one’s own spiritual life and work obligations in Ramadan? What happens when everyone behind the scenes and on public platforms is fasting during the day and praying at night?

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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…)