The Zakat Foundation of America
The Zakat Foundation of America is a US-based, Muslim-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity organization founded in 2001. Headquartered in Worth, Illinois (with an additional office in Bridgeview, Illinois), the organization operates as an international humanitarian institution dedicated to uplifting those in need. The foundation employs 63 people and operates in 9 countries, including the United States, Jordan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Bangladesh.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$38.9M
+32.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+10.1% YoY
Grant Count
41
+7.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$47K
+2.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Zakat Foundation of America channels the spirit of zakat into a global vision of social development. The organization's mission is to address immediate needs and ensure the self-reliance of the neediest around the world. The foundation embodies the inclusive beauty of Islam through programs that reach the destitute of all faiths both domestically and internationally.
The organization's core belief system centers on the principle that charity purifies wealth. The foundation positions itself as a global humanitarian institution that smooths charitable avenues for all givers, channels donations into emergency provisions, and directs charitable contributions into studied programs that create self-reliance and communal respect.
Primary program areas include:
- Food Security, Orphan Care, and Sustainability Programs: Distribution of food packages and hot meals, orphan care comprising food, clothing, schooling, and essential needs, and sustainability programs focused on agriculture, livestock distribution, and vocational training for women
- Emergency Response Programs: Rapid response to emergencies and disasters worldwide
- Refugee Support: Operation of a privately-run refugee center in partnership with the City of Chicago to address the refugee crisis in the United States
- Education and Scholarship Programs: Scholarship awards for students
Grantmaking
Based on the most recent fiscal year data (2024), the Zakat Foundation of America reported total giving of $11,317,726. Grant awards typically range from $4,028 to $756,146.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Zakat Foundation of America operates internationally across 9 countries, including the United States, Jordan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Bangladesh. Within the United States, the organization has particular focus in Illinois, California, and New York.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Fiscal Year (2024):
- Total Assets: $38,916,126
- Total Revenue: $37,778,597
- Total Expenses: $28,577,163
- Total Giving: $11,317,726
Previous Fiscal Year (2023):
- Total Assets: $29,298,844
- Total Revenue: $29.5M
- Total Expenses: $19.2M
- Total Liabilities: $1.11M
The organization has demonstrated significant financial growth year-over-year, with assets increasing from $29.3M in 2023 to $38.9M in 2024.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $38,916,126 | $29,298,844 | $18,383,837 |
| Revenue | $37,778,597 | $29,498,054 | $19,208,557 |
| Expenses | $28,577,163 | $19,207,320 | $15,054,708 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $4,150 | $-6,226 | $1,548 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
157 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Zakat Foundation Institute Inc ($548,540), Uc Berkeley Foundation ($169,000), Rohingya Cultural Center ($154,050).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| APPNA WESTMONT, IL | SPONSORSHIP | $25,000 |
| ARISE CHICAGO CHICAGO, IL | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | $100,000 |
| AFGHAN CULTURAL CHICAGO, IL | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | $129,767 |
| BONYS LLC CHICAGO, IL | REFUGEE ASSISTANCE/FOOD SECURITY | $21,700 |
| CIOGC CHICAGO, IL | SPONSORSHIP | $15,000 |
| CRITERION CONCEPTS LLC WEATON, IL | SPONSORSHIP | $12,000 |
| DARAJAT CO PALOS HILLS, IL | EDUCATION | $6,000 |
| DHAKA RESTAURANT INC JAMAICA, NY | FOOD SECURITY | $5,300 |
| FATEMA GROCERY JAMAICA, NY | FOOD SECURITY | $10,500 |
| INNER-CITY MUSLIM ACTION NETWORK CHICAGO, IL | SPONSORSHIP | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HALIL DEMIR | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $233,028 |
| DR HASAN ARSLAN | PRESIDENT | 2 | — |
| DR MEHMET TARHAN | VICE PRESIDENT | 2 | — |
| SAOUSSEN HABALI | SECRETARY | 2 | — |
| FUAT YAZAR | TREASURER | 2 | — |
| FATIMA TUNCER | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| NASREEN AMIRA | CFO | 40 | $88,520 |
| RAZA FARRUKH | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT | 40 | $159,785 |
| MAJEDA NABHAN | DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL HR | 40 | $128,551 |
| DUNIYA STANIKZAI | LEGAL ADVISOR | 40 | $127,069 |
| DURAN JONES | IT MANAGER | 40 | $113,077 |
| SYED YOUSUF | SR. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, SOUTH REGION | 40 | $109,754 |
| IBRAHIM ALDARDASAWI | RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS ADVISOR | 40 | $107,692 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Zakat Foundation of America has been active in recent relief and community initiatives, including:
Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation Awards N12M Grants to 20 Young EntrepreneursRecognition of scholarship winners through its education program
Zakat Foundation of America Recognizes its Scholarship WinnersOrganization of the "Move for Kids 2024 Walkathon" community event
Preparation and delivery of relief efforts for earthquake victims in Türkiye
Zakat Foundation of America Prepares Relief for T\xFCrkiye Earthquake Victims.Distribution of over one million meals in the Middle East despite operational challenges and restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Zakat Foundation of America fund?
The Zakat Foundation of America channels the spirit of zakat into a global vision of social development. The organization's mission is to address immediate needs and ensure the self-reliance of the neediest around the world. The foundation embodies the inclusive beauty of Islam through programs that reach the destitute of all faiths both domestically and internationally. The organization's core belief system centers on the principle that charity purifies wealth. The foundation positions itself …
How do I apply for a grant from The Zakat Foundation of America?
Based on the most recent fiscal year data (2024), the Zakat Foundation of America reported total giving of $11,317,726. Grant awards typically range from $4,028 to $756,146. The organization's grantmaking focuses on education, philanthropy, voluntarism and grantmaking, and human services, with primary geographic concentration in Illinois, California, and New York.
Where does The Zakat Foundation of America make grants?
The Zakat Foundation of America operates internationally across 9 countries, including the United States, Jordan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Bangladesh. Within the United States, the organization has particular focus in Illinois, California, and New York.
What size grants does The Zakat Foundation of America award?
In 2024, The Zakat Foundation of America awarded 41 grants totaling $1.9M — an average of about $47K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Zakat Foundation of America's EIN?
The Zakat Foundation of America's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4476244. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Zakat Foundation of America's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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