MPI delivers professional development and fundraising training workshops to nonprofit professionals around the world. These programs are designed to strengthen organizational capacity by equipping nonprofit staff—many of whom would otherwise lack access to high-quality tools and resources—with practical skills to refine their fundraising strategies, improve performance, and more effectively advance their missions.
MPI’s Training Programs
Customized Training Programs in Muslim Philanthropy
MPI offers specialized training programs in partnership with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Fundraising School and the Lake Institute of Faith and Giving. These programs are designed to be inclusive, welcoming individuals from all faith backgrounds, and focus on educating participants in fundraising and philanthropic leadership through the unique perspective of Muslim and Islamic giving traditions and practices.
The trainings are crafted to empower nonprofit professionals, as well as current and future community leaders, by equipping them with essential fundraising and philanthropic leadership knowledge and strategies. Through these sessions, participants are prepared to build organizational capacity and foster greater social impact within the Muslim-led philanthropic sector.
Upon successful completion of the training programs, participants receive a certificate of completion from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. If you are interested in participating in a training or wish to collaborate with MPI to host a session for your organization, please reach out via email to mpiinfo@iu.edu.
MPI Fundamentals of Nonprofit Fundraising
Muslim nonprofit organizations face unique challenges: they are often smaller in size, rely on crisis-driven fundraising, and are under-resourced. Additionally, they must navigate the theological nuances of Islamic philanthropy. To address these needs, we offer a two-day training program, MPI Fundamentals of Nonprofit Fundraising, specifically designed for organizations working within the Muslim philanthropy space.
This comprehensive training provides an in-depth study of Islamic philanthropy and Muslim giving, while also teaching key principles and practical fundraising techniques tailored for nonprofits with smaller budgets. The training is led by experienced professionals and esteemed scholars and is offered throughout the year in various cities across the United States.
Muslim Philanthropic and Nonprofit Leadership Training
The nonprofit sector is currently navigating a landscape shaped by evolving social, political, economic, and technological trends. These shifts have introduced new challenges for organizations, including diminished financial support from government entities and foundations, as well as heightened competition among nonprofits. Such factors often result in increased financial instability, making effective leadership and management more crucial than ever.
To address this growing need for effective philanthropic leadership, the Muslim Philanthropic Initiative offers a specialized training program in Muslim Philanthropic and Nonprofit Leadership. This program is expertly designed to strengthen the leadership and management capacity of individuals working in the nonprofit sector, especially those who serve Muslim communities around the world.
Led by experienced faculty, the training equips participants with essential skills in administration, finance, technology, and leadership. The global availability of the program ensures accessibility for nonprofit professionals seeking to enhance their capabilities. Through this training, participants will learn strategies to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in the sector. The curriculum focuses on nonprofit management, providing practical tools and approaches to help leaders effectively guide their organizations through uncertain times.
Muslim Philanthropy and Leadership Training
The Muslim Philanthropy and Leadership course is designed for high school students in grades 11 and 12, as well as freshman undergraduates, to provide them with the knowledge and competencies required to contribute effectively to their communities through philanthropic initiatives. This course presents a comprehensive examination of philanthropy’s societal role, its connection to Islamic principles, and its practical applications within the nonprofit sector. Participants will develop a thorough understanding of how philanthropy operates within society and its essential function in addressing social issues.
The curriculum examines effective leadership principles through the perspective of Islamic values and ethics, encompassing topics such as leadership styles, decision-making processes, community engagement, and social justice. In addition, students will study Islamic social finance mechanisms—including zakat, sadaqah, and waqf—and their present-day relevance in Muslim communities globally. The course incorporates case studies and practical examples of Muslim humanitarian work, ranging from grassroots projects to large-scale international organizations.
Offered as a three-credit academic course through a local host institution, participants will also earn a professional development certificate from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI). Students are expected to participate in weekly class discussions facilitated by the host institution, complete quizzes and assignments, and will have their grades administered by Indiana University. Course delivery utilizes the Indiana University Canvas portal, ensuring a flexible and engaging learning environment.