Zakat Foundation of America recognized the paramount importance of effective leadership and innovation in philanthropy in a world grappling with humanitarian crises and complex challenges. The Zakat Foundation Institute was established in 2020 as an independent, professional graduate program in response to this pressing need. The institute dedicates itself to nurturing leaders and innovators in the humanitarian and philanthropic fields, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to tackle the most challenging issues of the 21st century.
Vision and Mission
Zakat Foundation Institute holds a steadfast vision - a world without individuals suffering from preventable poverty, hunger, or displacement. The institute firmly believes that actual change can be realized when the world possesses the knowledge, resources, and willingness to address humanitarian challenges. To achieve this, the institute emphasizes the importance of stakeholder involvement and listening to those directly impacted, fostering innovative solutions through applied research and determination.
Academic Programs and Approach
With thoughtful design, the Zakat Foundation Institute offers educational programs that enable leaders and innovators in the humanitarian and philanthropic domains. These programs are led by cutting-edge researchers, seasoned practitioners, and accomplished scholars, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education grounded in practical experience and academic excellence.
Zakat Foundation of America - A Path of Collaboration and Progress
The Zakat Foundation Institute provides a path to a collaborative, inclusive, and progressive education for aspiring individuals seeking to make a meaningful difference in the humanitarian sector. The application process is the initial step towards a transformative experience on campus, where students are equipped with the necessary skills to drive positive change.
The Fellowship Program
At the heart of the Zakat Foundation Institute lies its flagship program - the one-year fellowship. This immersive program requires participants to complete 18 graduate credits at the renowned Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Upon successful completion, participants earn a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and Graduate Certificate in Muslim Philanthropy and Humanitarian Studies from Zakat Foundation Institute, an integral part of the newly-established Muslim Philanthropy Initiative.
The Impact of Zakat Foundation of America
Since its beginning in the Fall Semester of 2020, the Zakat Foundation Institute has welcomed fellows from the United States and around the globe. This diverse cohort reflects the institute's commitment to effecting practical and much-needed change in Muslim charitable work. By adopting a flexible approach to education - offering most coursework online with limited in-person seminar requirements and internships - the institute enables students worldwide to participate in the program without geographical limitations.
The Zakat Foundation Institute is a beacon of hope and progress in humanitarian leadership and philanthropy. Through its rigorous academic programs, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to empowering future change-makers, the institute is sowing the seeds of positive transformation that will reverberate across the global humanitarian landscape for years to come. As the world faces challenges, the Zakat Foundation Institute is poised to play a crucial role in shaping a brighter, more compassionate future for all.
