The work of fundraising and development is at the heart of every nonprofit’s success. Yet too often, professionals in these fields lack access to the networks, training, and visibility needed to thrive. That’s where the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) comes in. With chapters around the world, AFP is the largest community of fundraisers dedicated to advancing philanthropy, strengthening nonprofits, and building a culture of giving.
For leaders, fundraisers, advancement officers, and development staff working with Islamic nonprofits and Muslim communities, joining AFP is more than a membership—it’s a pathway to deeper connections, professional growth, and long-term impact.
This fall, the AFP Muslim affinity group will meet on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 12:00 pm PT | 3:00 pm ET, moderated by the American Muslim Community Foundation (AMCF) team: Shazeen Mufti (Executive Director), Muhi Khwaja (Co-Founder & CDO), and Lisa Kahler (Giving Circle Manager). Meetings are an opportunity for professional networking as well as to learn more about AFP.
These meetings are open to everyone—membership in AFP is not required.
Register here: tinyurl.com/AFP-AMCF-FallAffinity
Why Join AFP for Muslim Nonprofit Professionals?
Professional Networking That Understands Cultural Context
At its core, AFP is about people. Members have access to a powerful network of peers at the local, national, and global levels. Whether you attend a chapter luncheon, participate in a virtual roundtable, or travel to one of AFP’s conferences, you’ll find colleagues who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of fundraising.
For professionals working with Muslim communities, the AFP Muslim affinity group provides additional context and cultural competency that enhances your professional development while honoring your community’s values and approaches to charitable giving.
Opportunities to Engage with Donors and Funders
AFP is also a trusted gathering place for donors, funders, and philanthropic institutions. Membership provides access to conversations that extend beyond your immediate community, positioning your organization to engage with mainstream philanthropy. For Muslim-led nonprofits in particular, this visibility can be transformative—expanding reach, credibility, and access to new supporters.
The AFP Muslim affinity group helps bridge these worlds, providing guidance on how to maintain authentic Islamic values while engaging effectively with diverse funding sources.
Strategies for Smarter Networking in Muslim Philanthropy
Networking is more than just showing up—it’s about being intentional. AFP provides frameworks and tools to strengthen your approach. Consider your organization’s “5 T’s”: Time, Talent, Treasure, Ties, and Testimony. Ask yourself: What does my organization need, and what can we offer in return?
For Muslim nonprofit professionals, this reflection paired with an understanding of your community’s demographics and giving patterns allows you to make meaningful connections that last. The AFP Muslim affinity group provides space to discuss these strategies with peers who share similar cultural and religious contexts.
Amplify Your Organization’s Story Through Professional Networks
Every November, AFP chapters celebrate National Philanthropy Day (NPD), an event that recognizes the individuals and organizations transforming communities through giving. Inspired by this model, AMCF launched its own Muslim Philanthropy Day & Awards Symposium to highlight the impact of Muslim-led giving.
At the AFP Orange County 39th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards, held on November 14, 2024, in Anaheim, California, Mohannad & Rana Malas were recognized as Philanthropists of the Year. Serving as NPD Board Chair at the time was Shazeen Mufti—now AMCF’s Executive Director. This milestone underscores how Muslim fundraisers and philanthropists are being recognized at the highest levels of the field.
Leadership in Action: The AFP Muslim Affinity Group
AFP Affinity Groups provide space for members with shared identities or interests to connect, learn, and lead together. The AFP Muslim affinity group was co-founded by Muhi Khwaja, AMCF’s Co-Founder and CDO, who has been a long-time AFP member and frequent conference speaker.
These gatherings create opportunities to elevate Muslim voices, share lived experiences, and strategize how to strengthen philanthropy in our communities while building professional competencies that serve the broader nonprofit sector.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
The AFP Muslim affinity group meets quarterly, with upcoming dates:
- Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Register today for the next meeting: https://afpglobal.org/events/muslim-affinity-group-meeting-september-2025
Professional Development Focus Areas
Each AFP Muslim affinity group meeting addresses specific professional development needs:
Cultural Competency in Fundraising: Understanding how Islamic principles of giving (zakat, sadaqah, waqf) can inform modern fundraising strategies and donor engagement approaches.
Donor Relations Best Practices: Developing stewardship strategies that honor Islamic values while meeting professional standards for transparency and accountability.
Grant Writing and Foundation Relations: Navigating mainstream philanthropic institutions while maintaining organizational authenticity and mission focus.
Board Development and Governance: Building strong nonprofit governance that incorporates Islamic consultation principles with contemporary nonprofit best practices.
Tangible Member Benefits for Nonprofit Professionals
AFP membership offers concrete value that directly enhances your professional effectiveness:
Professional Development Credits
$100 Professional Development credit, an annual credit towards most offerings, allowing you to choose training most relevant to your role and organizational needs.
Conference and Training Discounts
Significant discounts on conferences, specialized trainings, and global events that provide exposure to cutting-edge fundraising strategies and sector trends.
Chapter-Level Programming
Access to luncheons, webinars, summits, and roundtables in your local area, creating regular opportunities for relationship building and knowledge sharing.
Multi-Chapter Flexibility
If you live near multiple metro areas, you can join several local chapters, expanding your network and learning opportunities across different regions.
Global Network Access
Connection to a worldwide network of peers advancing fundraising best practices, with particular value for organizations working internationally or with diaspora communities.
Local chapters complement AFP Global with in-person networking, leadership opportunities, and specialized learning tailored to your region’s philanthropic landscape and cultural context.
Special Membership Offer for New Members
Now through October 15, 2025, new Professional and Associate Members can save $50 on membership:
- U.S. Members: Use code “AffinityWelcome50”
- Canadian Members: Use code “AffinityWelcome50CAD”
This discount makes professional development more accessible for nonprofit staff and provides immediate return on investment through member benefits and networking opportunities.
Learn more at: afpglobal.org
Building Cultural Competency in Nonprofit Fundraising
The AFP Muslim affinity group addresses unique challenges facing Muslim nonprofit professionals:
Navigating Dual Expectations
Many Muslim fundraising professionals work in environments where they must bridge Islamic values with secular nonprofit practices. The affinity group provides peer support and practical strategies for maintaining authenticity while achieving professional excellence.
Understanding Community Giving Patterns
Muslim communities have distinct giving patterns influenced by religious obligations, cultural traditions, and historical experiences. The AFP Muslim affinity group helps professionals understand and leverage these patterns effectively.
Building Interfaith Partnerships
As Muslim nonprofits increasingly engage in interfaith and secular partnerships, fundraising professionals need skills for building relationships across cultural and religious differences while maintaining organizational integrity.
Advancing Career Development
Muslim nonprofit professionals often face unique challenges in career advancement. The affinity group provides mentorship, networking, and advocacy support that helps members achieve their professional goals.
A Call to Action: Join the Movement
If you’re a fundraiser working with Muslim communities or Islamic nonprofits—new or seasoned—now is the time to join AFP and engage with the Muslim affinity group. You’ll gain:
Global Professional Network
Access to 26,000+ fundraising professionals worldwide, with specialized support from peers who understand your cultural and religious context.
Career Development Pathways
Leadership opportunities, fellowship programs, CFRE certification preparation, and national conference participation that advance your professional growth.
Cultural Competency Resources
IDEA programs, affinity group participation, and sector research that enhances your ability to work effectively across diverse communities.
Practical Fundraising Tools
Evidence-based strategies for raising money ethically, effectively, and inclusively while honoring Islamic principles and community values.
Advocacy and Representation
Opportunities to shape the nonprofit sector toward greater inclusion and cultural competency, ensuring Muslim voices are heard in professional development and policy discussions.
Building Sustainable Islamic Nonprofits
The AFP Muslim affinity group recognizes that effective fundraising requires more than technical skills—it requires deep understanding of community values, cultural dynamics, and religious principles that motivate charitable giving.
Members learn to integrate Islamic approaches to stewardship, transparency, and community accountability with contemporary nonprofit management practices. This integration strengthens both individual organizations and the broader Muslim nonprofit sector.
Long-term Sector Development
Through the AFP Muslim affinity group, professionals contribute to building a more inclusive and culturally competent nonprofit sector. This work benefits not only Muslim-led organizations but also mainstream nonprofits seeking to engage Muslim communities effectively.
The group serves as a bridge between Islamic charitable traditions and contemporary philanthropic practice, creating resources and strategies that honor both heritage and innovation.
Connect with Us for Ongoing Support
The AFP Muslim affinity group extends beyond quarterly meetings through year-round networking, resource sharing, and peer support. Members frequently collaborate on projects, share job opportunities, and provide consultation on complex fundraising challenges.
You can learn more about:
- AFP: afpglobal.org
- American Muslim Community Foundation: amuslimcf.org
- Muslim Philanthropy Data & Reports: ISPU | Muslim Philanthropy Initiative
Building Professional Excellence
Whether you’re new to nonprofit fundraising or a seasoned development professional, the AFP Muslim Affinity Group provides community, resources, and advocacy that enhance your effectiveness while honoring your values.
The combination of mainstream professional development with culturally specific support creates unique opportunities for growth that serve both individual careers and community impact.
Let’s continue building together—with shared values, professional excellence, and a belief that philanthropy belongs to all of us.
Prepared by the AMCF team
Ready to advance your fundraising career while honoring Islamic values? Join the AFP Muslim Affinity Group and connect with nonprofit professionals building culturally competent philanthropic practice.
Interested in supporting Muslim nonprofit excellence? Learn more about AMCF’s programs at info@amuslimcf.org and discover how professional development strengthens the entire sector.