Unique program focuses on practices, traditions of philanthropy in Islam and the Muslim American nonprofit sector
Association executive and philanthropy scholar Shariq Siddiqui, Ph.D., will serve as the inaugural director of the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis.
The initiative will focus on understanding and helping further enhance Muslim philanthropy in all its facets. It will convene scholars and philanthropy professionals to explore issues in the field, host symposiums and seminars, and conduct research and training on contemporary and traditional aspects of Muslim philanthropy.
Siddiqui is both a scholar and a philanthropy professional, working for and with international, national, regional and local nonprofit organizations for more than 20 years. He is editor of the Journal of Muslim Philanthropy & Civil Society, an open access journal of original academic research. He also is editor of the forthcoming Muslim Philanthropy and Civil Society Book Series at Indiana University Press, which develops a broader understanding of the Muslim philanthropic, nonprofit and voluntary sector.
“Dr. Siddiqui is highly respected among the nationwide networks of scholars and professionals that generate and share knowledge about Muslim philanthropy,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “We look forward to his leadership in developing this unique initiative to help build capacity in the Muslim philanthropy sector while adding to our understanding of the rich tradition and practice of philanthropy in Islam.”
In addition to directing the MPI, Siddiqui will be an assistant professor of philanthropic studies, conducting research and teaching and mentoring students in the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs.
“The Muslim American community’s engagement as active members of the nonprofit sector, civic leaders and philanthropists is growing at a rapid pace, and Muslim American nonprofits are seeking well-prepared professionals who understand both Muslim philanthropy and the broader philanthropic landscape,” Siddiqui said. “I’m excited to join the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative in equipping a new generation of philanthropy leaders for these organizations, while also strengthening knowledge and understanding of the Muslim culture of philanthropy, and I look forward to collaborating with the MPI advisory council to advance the initiative.”
Siddiqui currently is executive director of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), a leading international association that connects scholars, teachers and practice leaders in research on nonprofit organizations, voluntary action, philanthropy and civil society. His national survey of full-time Islamic schools in the U.S. resulted in the recent, co-authored book Islamic Education in the United States and the Evolution of Muslim Nonprofit Institutions.
“Having met with a strong pool of candidates, we are especially pleased to add Dr. Siddiqui’s expertise and perspective to our faculty,” said Patrick M. Rooney, Ph.D., executive associate dean of the school. “His adeptness in both research and teaching will provide new insights that will benefit both our students and the greater philanthropic community.”
Siddiqui founded the Center on Muslim Philanthropy and serves on the boards of the Islamic Society of North America, Institute of Social Policy and Understanding, and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. He earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Philanthropic Studies at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He holds a J.D. from the McKinney School of Law at Indiana University and a B.A. in History from the University of Indianapolis.
The MPI is an initiative of Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and the Dean’s Office at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. It will collaborate with Lake Institute to examine the dynamic relationship between religion and philanthropy, and with the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy to foster greater understanding of the ways in which underrepresented people are both inspired and informed donors, by providing knowledge, education, and training.
About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its academic, research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter @IUPhilanthropy or “Like” us on Facebook.