Opportunity is Collaboration of Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Zakat Foundation Institute
The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis will offer a Fellowship in Muslim Philanthropic and Humanitarian Studies in collaboration with the Zakat Foundation Institute (ZFI) beginning in the fall 2020 semester, school officials announced today.
During the 18-month fellowship, students will take two Lilly Family School of Philanthropy graduate courses per semester, earning the school’s Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies. In addition, the students will receive a Graduate Certificate in Muslim Philanthropy and Humanitarian Studies from ZFI. All required courses may be completed online.
“I am thrilled that our Muslim Philanthropy Initiative has this opportunity to collaborate with the Zakat Foundation to bring this terrific opportunity to students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school.
Up to 10 students admitted to the school’s Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies program or its Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree program will be eligible to be considered for the fellowship. Priority will be given to displaced people, refugees and/or volunteers or employees from the nonprofit sector.
“Muslim populations across the world are having to deal with increasing levels of crisis, conflict, displacement and marginalization,” said Shariq Siddiqui, Ph.D., director of the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative and assistant professor of philanthropic studies at the school. “This program lifts up those communities by providing them the tools to navigate community challenges through the philanthropic and nonprofit sector.”
The fellowship will be jointly funded by ZFI and an academic, merit-based scholarship from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. ZFI is a new nonprofit established by the Zakat Foundation of America in partnership with the Center on Muslim Philanthropy.
“The professionalization of the Muslim nonprofit and humanitarian sector is a critical need of the moment,” said Rasheed Ahmed, director of ZFI. “What better way to meet that need than to partner with the first school of philanthropy in the world.”
Prospective students interested in applying for the ZFI Fellowship may contact Luke Bickel at lbickel@iu.edu.
The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy focuses on understanding and helping further enhance contemporary and traditional aspects of Muslim philanthropy in all its facets. A project of the Dean and the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, it convenes scholars and philanthropy professionals to explore issues and research in the field, hosts symposiums and seminars, and provides education and training. By seeking to further research in this under-studied area, helping to develop thought leadership and inform conversations, and training philanthropic and nonprofit leaders within Muslim philanthropy, the initiative helps build capacity in the Muslim philanthropy sector while adding to the body of knowledge about the rich tradition and practice of philanthropy in Islam.
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, LinkedIn, or Instagram, and “Like” us on Facebook.