Our Timeline

Since our inception in 2001, we have empowered millions of people to recover from disasters and escape poverty by taking control of their own lives.

Follow our journey below and help us continue this critical work year after year by donating today.

2021

Removed photos from orphan selection process to eliminate colorism and age bias. Featured and celebrated in FORBES Magazine for innovative human-centric approach. Won the 2022 Platinum Hermes Awards for the #ChooseWithLove orphan sponsorship rebranding campaign.

Expanded reach in Latin America and the Caribbean by opening an office in Argentina, the organization's first-ever in the region after 13 years of service there.

2020

Distributed more than 2 million pounds of fresh produce, meat and dairy products in the United States alone in COVID-19 relief, in addition to hygiene kits and personal protective equipment.

2019

Published Executive Director Halil Demir’s book, 9 Myths About Muslim Charities, aiding in dispelling Islamophobic misconceptions through personal accounts and logical breakdowns.

2018

812,268 individuals benefited from Zakat Foundation food programs. Since its inception, more than 8,000 patients received more than 60,000 therapy sessions through Khalil Center, A Zakat Foundation-funded mental health project.

2017

700,000 Rohingya flee to Bangladesh, Zakat Foundation is among first crisis responders; Solar panels established in Pakistani schools; Zakat Foundation responds to Hurricane Harvey.

2016

"University by refugees, for refugees": Zahraa University inaugurated in Turkey; Muhammad Ali Safe House for orphans and guardians opens.

2015

Mental health project launched; Zakat Foundation opens Rohingya Culture Center in Chicago to help settle Rohingya refugees in the U.S.

2014

Vocational Training Center opens in Jordan, 259 students graduate that same year.

2013

Zakat Foundation spends $8 million on Syrian crisis alleviation.

2012

Livestock development project begins; One year, 100 water wells program implemented.

2011

Zakat Foundation responds to Syrian refugee crisis in Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon.

2010

Zakat Foundation opens health clinic in Bangladesh; Zakat Foundation is first responder in Haiti after earthquake kills 200,000.

2009

Zakat Foundation completes homes for tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.

2008

Zakat Foundation published The Zakat Handbook

2007

Zakat Foundation opens Bangladesh office; Sadaqah Jariyah program adds water wells.

2006

Sadaqa Jariyah program begins, Zakat Foundation constructs first mosque.

2005

Hurricane Katrina hits, Zakat Foundation opens temporary office in Louisiana to respond.

2004

Two orphanages open in Pakistan; Vocational Training Center opens in Ghana.

2003

$120,000 in aid helps 7,000 Iraq war victims.

2002

Orphan Sponsorship Program established.

2001

Zakat Foundation incorporated in Illinois.


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