A New Era of Philanthropy: Muslim Giving
Source: inspiredgenerosity.org
Recently Muslims across the world began their preparations for the holy month of Ramadan – a time period of fasting, prayer, and giving to those who are less fortunate.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims will increase their philanthropy by donating prepared foods, money and other items of need to community members.
We’re spotlighting the work of Dilnaz Waraich, M.A., President of the WF Fund who offers us a view into the world of Muslim philanthropy.
Her efforts are being amplified by a robust group of community foundations and private foundations committed to spreading the often-untold story of how Muslim philanthropy advocates for Muslim communities as well as causes that foster greater awareness, understanding and inclusion.
Dilnaz’s heart is with the city of Chicago where she has lived most of her life.
Yet she maintains great pride for her family roots in Hyderabad, India where she was born and lived two years before transitioning to the U.S.
Dilnaz has a passion for advocating for and highlighting the powerful work of Muslim communities and sees these communities as an untapped source of philanthropy and an opportunity for growth.
The WF Fund connects nonprofits, funders and researchers in an effort to provide a more equal breadth of resources to Muslim communities and causes across the United States.
The WF Fund has partnered with the New York Community Trust, Chicago Community Trust, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and others to educate about the impact of Muslim narratives and stewardship of HNW (high-net-worth) individuals in their geographical area.
Elevating Muslim voices through storytelling
In order to create more strategic philanthropy within her work, Dilnaz pursued a degree from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, whose mission is to increase the understanding of philanthropy through research, education and engagement.
Through her work researching different family foundations and the work they fund, Dilnaz recognized that the Muslim voice often wasn’t present.
After receiving a fellowship with the National Center for Family Philanthropy, Dilnaz knew the project she wanted to curate – a storyteller’s showcase.
Dilnaz drew inspiration from viewing The Soul of Philanthropy, a multimedia exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center which spotlights multigenerational storytelling in the Black community.
“I wanted to tell the Muslim American story of philanthropy, but have it intersect with the Black community because we keep talking about Black and Brown communities,” Dilnaz said.
Challenging stereotypes, creating connections
That experience led to the creation of “Inspired Generosity: Muslim American Stories in Philanthropy”. This exhibit challenges stereotypes against Muslim communities through inter-generational storytelling spotlighting everyday giving of Muslim individuals.
The stories are on panels that feature audio which tells the generosity story of the everyday Muslim giver.
One panel recounts the important history of where the life of Muslims first began in the United States – a spotlight of Sapello Square in South Carolina where enslaved Black Muslims were sold.
A complex and painful history reverberated through the soundwaves emitted by a soundbox.
The stories are told with intention. Through spotlighting the daily giving of Muslims from all over, the hope is that attendees are able to empathize and connect with their own philanthropic values.
The more potential donors can emotionally connect to these stories, the more likely they will be compelled to fund the work.
“The shortest distance between two people is a story,” this is a quote by Patti Dingh that grounds the work of Inspired Generosity, Dilnaz said. “Showcasing just how important strategic storytelling can be when garnering support.”
The exhibit also provided the perfect forum to showcase diverse, multicultural populations within the faith, instead of a cultural monolith, and spotlights overlooked stories.
Dilnaz hopes to bring Inspire Generosity to cities and towns across the country.
If your community foundation is interested, contact info@wf-fund.org.
You may ask why there is so much distrust between certain communities and community foundations? This probably stems from community foundations not having more of a diversified board of directors, staff and grantees. How can we center the work of diverse communities and be in spaces where they are doing this impactful work?
But there’s great news! It’s never too late to work toward having your community foundation leadership reflect the communities you serve.
A Focus on Equal Access for All Faiths
One focus of the WF Fund is religious pluralism.
Religious pluralism ensures that all faiths across the country have equal access to funding and opportunities – and we know that in 2025 there is much work to be done.
While Muslim-led nonprofits are less likely than their counterparts in other faiths to receive funding, they are still providing beyond those in their religious demographic.
“Muslim-led charities are supporting more than just the Muslim community,” says Muhi Khwaja, co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation in this Chronicle of Philanthropy piece.
The current cultural and political climate has increased the urgency that all religious demographics in our country have access to equal resources. Yet violent stereotypes and budget constraints stand in the way.
Meanwhile, Muslim-led nonprofits are working with shoestring budgets and limited time. In order to break through this barrier, connecting these groups with a broader array of funders on the local and national level is key. That’s why the WF Fund leans into the showcase such as Inspire Generosity. The visuals and interactive displays help funders and supporters understand the value of collaboration and uplifting Muslim-led nonprofits.
It also provides a tangible experience that inspires transformative change – and hopefully greater collaboration focused on more strategic philanthropy among family foundations and potential nonprofit partners
That’s why the WF Fund “actively fosters engagement and collaboration among Muslim American nonprofits, enhancing their collective impact and resource sharing.”
Dilnaz encourages Muslim Americans to ‘take up space’ by joining nonprofit boards, coalition building, and embracing the role of philanthropic partner.
Also key is increased focus on small grassroots fundraising efforts, in which each niche of the Muslim community can be represented through micro-giving. For instance, Dilnaz’s two sons hosted a bowling fundraiser each year that raised essential funding and continues to build stronger community connections.
A specific area of focus is increasing Muslim participation on nonprofit boards, particularly in instances where a nonprofit is serving the Muslim community that deserves a greater voice.
Dilnaz says that “In America we’re not just a melting pot, we’re a conglomeration of many faiths, including Islam. We want all potential donors to feel like their values are reflected and their stories are told.”
So if your community or family foundation has no idea where to start…here is how you can take the first step to including the Muslim community:
Diversify DAF members who are Muslim: Dilnaz says that this is a whole new market of individuals passionate about the communities they call home.
Diversify your board members: If your community foundation is involved in Muslim communities, then someone from the community having a seat at the table can ensure projects that are the most needed are the most high priority.
Get involved in Muslim communities: Face to face time will help you challenge stereotypes and build stronger and more authentic relationships.
Check out this article interviewing Dilnaz originally published by Inside Philanthropy.
