U.S. Muslim donors are more likely to give to nonprofits that demonstrate greater diversity, equity and inclusion in boards, staff and programs, results suggest
U.S. Muslims are similar to or above average in their self-perceptions of their tolerance compared to the general U.S. population, according to a survey by the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis. MPI surveyed U.S. Muslims and non-Muslims to understand their patterns of giving and philanthropic activities.
The Pluralism in Muslim American Philanthropy 2022 Report shows that, on average, U.S. Muslims surveyed perceived themselves to have higher levels of characteristics such as tolerance, valuing diversity and racial inclusivity, religiosity, and motivation to donate to causes benefitting people with marginalized identities (described in the study as “donation motivation”) than U.S. non-Muslims perceived themselves to have. This is despite U.S. Muslims being a racialized religious minority often facing negative perceptions and media stereotypes.
U.S. Muslims comprise a highly diverse racial, ethnic and religious demographic, diversity that is reflected in their theological beliefs, religious and civic practices, cultural traditions and opinions.
“This research provides significant insights into how tolerance and diversity are reflected in U.S. Muslims’ philanthropic behaviors and decisions,” said Shariq Siddiqui, Ph.D., director of MPI and assistant professor of philanthropic studies at the school. “Despite stigmatization and discrimination, overall, U.S. Muslims report higher levels of tolerance and pluralistic values than do non-Muslims regarding why, how and where they give.”
“Our findings suggest that nonprofit organizations that demonstrate greater diversity, tolerance and pluralism are more likely to gain the support of U.S. Muslims,” Siddiqui continued. “Donors in the survey reported that they are more inclined to give to organizations that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in their boards, staff and programming.”
The reported effect of political conservatism on tolerance differed significantly between U.S. Muslims and non-Muslims. U.S. Muslims with high levels and with low levels of political conservatism self-reported as being the most tolerant. In the non-Muslim sample, on average, self-reported tolerance increased with a decline in political conservatism. This finding suggests that the least and most politically conservative U.S. Muslims are the most tolerant in their philanthropic activities, while for the non-Muslim sample less conservative individuals are more tolerant.
U.S. Muslims and the general population both perceived their faith traditions and local faith communities as the most likely to value diversity in religious belief and practice, followed by their family and local communities at large. Compared to their faith, family, and local community, they perceived the United States overall as least likely to value diversity in religious beliefs or practices.
The MPI collected data in a web-based survey of 1,024 U.S. Muslim and 960 general population respondents. The Pluralism in Muslim American Philanthropy 2022 Report was sponsored by the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative and funded by the International Strategy and Policy Institute and Islamic Relief USA.
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 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.
About the International Strategy and Policy Institute
The International Strategy and Policy Institute (ISPI) was established in 1994 by a group of American Muslims in the Chicago area to promote understanding of Islam and Muslims in the United States. ISPI seeks to counter the stereotyping of Muslims, debunk myths surroundings Muslims and Islam, and promote diversity of opinions within the Muslim community. ISPI believes Muslims have a unique perspective to offer and can participate constructively in national dialogue on topics like race relations, pluralism, and civil liberties. ISPI seeks to achieve these goals through the publication of books and papers, holding seminars, and organizing colloquia on selected topics that address issues of pluralism and civil society for the public good.
About Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States. Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.