Foundations can improve inclusivity efforts through long-term, intentional, structured interaction with marginalized groups, Muslim Philanthropy Initiative report finds
Philanthropic foundations’ efforts to be inclusive are facilitated when they have a meaningful, structured, intentional and long interaction with marginalized groups, according to a new report from the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis.
A Year of Learning: Educating the Philanthropic Community About Racialized and Stigmatized Nonprofits reports that foundations continue to hesitate in becoming inclusive, especially of Muslim-led nonprofit organizations. The report finds this hesitation is based upon concern that their investments may go to a “bad actor,” signaling the success of Islamophobia, lack of knowledge or awareness about Muslim-led nonprofits and their impact, and not knowing how to engage with Muslim-led nonprofits.
The report is the result of a yearlong engagement between philanthropic foundations and Muslim-led nonprofits organized by the Waraich Family Fund, Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition, The Community Collaborative Initiative at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Field Foundation and Forefront. The project built upon similar efforts to engage philanthropic foundations and indigenous American communities.
“A Year of Learning highlights the importance of increasing the understanding foundations have about U.S. Muslims and the unique challenges faced by Muslim-led nonprofits,” said Dilnaz Waraich, President of the Waraich Family Fund. “Many donors lack a full appreciation for the positive impact Muslim-led organizations are having on their communities and society. This underappreciation of these organization’s contribution to the social safety net and the potential to do more with proper funding often puts Muslim-led nonprofits at a disadvantage when seeking funding and in providing innovative high-quality programs to the very populations’ many funders want to reach.”
The Year of Learning project included conversations that focused on learning about Muslim Americans and Muslim-led nonprofit organizations and how philanthropic foundations can meaningfully engage with marginalized and underrepresented groups like Muslim Americans.
The report found that the yearlong project helped raise awareness, create understanding and generate action for change with possible long-term implications. The project helped build relationships between Muslim-led nonprofits and philanthropy. Project activities also increased confidence and knowledge among Muslim-led nonprofits about how they can engage with philanthropic foundations in a meaningful way.
“By bringing together philanthropic foundations and Muslim-led nonprofits, the Year of Learning enabled difficult, honest conversations and closer connections among organizations that knew relatively little about each other, benefitting both types of organizations and the communities they serve,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. “The early successes of this project offer potential lessons and insights for how the philanthropic sector can form productive relationships with other marginalized and underrepresented populations.”
The Year of Learning project resulted in the establishment of the Muslim Collaboration Prizes (MCP). Over $1 million was awarded on October 1, 2022 in Chicago by the MCP to five collaborations by Muslim-led nonprofit organizations.
“The Muslim Collaboration Prizes are an example of a multi-donor-engaged strategy to amplify collaborations among nonprofit organizations,” said Shariq Siddiqui, Ph.D., director of MPI. “Our research suggests that by engaging with racialized communities, we can acknowledge and support marginalized communities that want to collaborate. Investing in Muslim nonprofits willing to collaborate with both Muslim-led nonprofits and interfaith partnerships will strengthen this small but important sector.”
The Year of Learning was part of a three-year project, the Community Collaboration Initiative, which was a partnership between the Waraich Family Fund and MPI. The Community Collaboration Initiative brought together 22 Muslim-led nonprofits to collaborate by building trust and engaging in mission-centered joint activities through the use of expert third-party facilitators.
About the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative
The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis focuses on understanding and helping further enhance contemporary and traditional aspects of Muslim philanthropy in all its facets. A project of the Dean’s Office and Lake Institute on Faith & 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 Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University 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 undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its 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.