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About Us

Founded by Zakat Foundation of America in 2020 as an independent, professional graduate program, Zakat Foundation Institute provides hands-on training and thought leadership to serve Muslim charitable work by offering advanced degrees in humanitarian and development studies. In partnership with leading institutions, scholars, and organizations.

The Institute offers specialized coursework with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to students and professionals with a proven commitment of service to the Muslim charitiable sector.

Zakat Foundation Institute awards humanitarian tuition fellowships annually – fully funded by the Zakat Foundation of America – to professionals with a demonstrated commitment of service in established Muslim charities.

The program commenced in the 2020 Fall Semester, with Fellows from the US and abroad.

This remarkable inclusion reflects the Institute’s aim and commitment to bringing about effective and much-needed informed and fundamental change to Muslim charitable work in the world and to the global humanitarian sector, which faces unprecedented and dire systemic crises.

The Zakat Foundation Institute conducts its coursework online, with limited in-person seminar requirements and internships.

OUR MOTIVATION

No human being should be subjected to preventable poverty, hunger, or displacement while the world has the knowledge, tools, and ability to respond to humanitarian challenges.

Mission

We offer a solution-oriented educational experience that accelerates the success of the social good sectors through empowering local charitable-work leaders with specialized knowledge and professional skills and integrating them into the service of global humanitarianism and philanthropy.

Vision

Build a diverse, multi-generational alumni body that develops sustainable, evolving, socially responsive projects that engender inclusive cultures of compassion and mutual respect and changes the world for the better.

Meet the ZFI Team

Rasheed Ahmed

Executive Director

Rasheed Ahmed is ZFI’s Executive Director and leads the business plans, day-to-day activities, and more.

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Dr. Zainab Farhat

Assistant Director of Academic and Student Affairs

Dr. Zainab Farhat is the Assistant Director of Academic and Student Affairs with a Ph.D. in Public Policy, Law, and Governance.

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Dr. Zeeshan Noor

Lecturer/Student Advisor

Dr. Zeeshan Noor is a Student Advisor at ZFI and a Research Manager / Affiliate Faculty for the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

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Dr. Dauda Abubaker

Student Mentor

Dr. Dauda Abubaker holds the position of Student Mentor at ZFI with a Ph.D. in Anthropology.

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Ms. Maliha Naeem

Program Manager

Ms. Maliha Naeem is the Program Manager of ZFI with a Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on Marketing and Business Management.

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Ms. Nancy Yakout

Executive Assistant of ZFI Director

Ms. Nancy Yakout is the executive assistant for the CEO and director of ZFI with a B.A in language and communication.

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Ms. Zeenat Farhat 

Social Media Manager

Ms. Zeenat Farhat is the social media manager of ZFI with a Bachelor of Honours in Political Science.

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