Muhi Khwaja

MARCH 2020

New Name, Continued Commitment 

We are evolving our brand to better communicate the breadth of our commitment to advancing American Muslim philanthropy.

A Community Foundation is a publicly supported philanthropic nonprofit institution governed by a board, which serves its donors, the nonprofit sector, and the community. Watch this video to learn more. 

The COVID-19 Response Fund for Nonprofits

In response to the Corona Virus & the impact it will have on the ability for nonprofit organizations to fundraise over the next few months, AMCF has created the COVID-19 Response Fund for Nonprofits to allocate funding to organizations impacted.  

You can learn more and contribute on our LaunchGood campaign. Should there be a stimulus check sent out, and you are not in need of the funds, this is a perfect way to pay it forward to help those in need.

Women’s History Month Initiative 

In honor of Women’s History Month, AMCF selected 15 organizations from our Nonprofit Directory to support.

Browse through the causes and donate directly to the causes of your choice.

Extended Deadlines for Census Outreach

& Starting Endowments Grants

Since the original deadlines aligned with the Corona Virus outbreak receiving media attention and with the CDC’s restriction on public events, many nonprofits were focused on internal policies and updates. To alleviate the pressure, AMCF decided to extend the deadline to Sunday March 29, 2020. 

We hope that the additional two weeks allows for nonprofits to focus their attention on their operations and provides enough time to apply for the grant opportunity.  

Find out more about the Request for Proposals on our Grants site.



Host AMCF online

Invite AMCF to your community via your living room! We rely on the generosity of our donors and allies to promote our work. If you’ve benefited in any way, help introduce us to others in your network. Whether you are a nonprofit receiving funds or setting up an endowment, a family participating in a Giving Circle or donating through a Donor Advised Fund, or someone who just wants to represent Muslim philanthropy in a more strategic way, we would love to talk with you.

All of our previously scheduled events for Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, California, Michigan, and Texas have been updated as webinars or postponed. You can still sign up and find out more on our events page. This will result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue to nonprofit organizations. We hope you can help host a webinar with your friends to learn how you can make a difference.

Connect with us so you can make the most of your Ramadan giving.



#MuslimsCount2020 – Census & Past Events

AMCF is excited to partner with nonprofits across the country along with the U.S. Census Bureau nationally to focus on Muslim participation with the Census. We are encouraging the Muslim community across the country to fill out the Census on Friday April 3, 2020. Help spread us the word for #MuslimsCount2020 online. Visit MyCensus2020.gov to fill it out.

Also of note are our Recorded Events, most recently a Census 101 for Mosque Leaders.

Follow Us on Social Media

To stay up to date on our work in between our monthly email newsletters, follow us online. Please help us amplify our voice online and expand our digital footprint by following, liking, and sharing our work!

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

ABOUT US

DECEMber 2019 1 of 2

A Moment of Thanks: Gratitude is the Attitude

Left to right: Muhi Khwaja, Safaa Ibrahim, Liam Mayclem 

AMF was honored to receive the Outstanding Foundation Award for 2019 from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In his acceptance speech, co-founder Muhi Khwaja said:

“Social justice and human rights issues never seem to stop, but my hope is that together through our collective philanthropy we can make a difference…We are honored that AFP sees through the political and divisive rhetoric. Some of the most famous modern-day Muslims are my heroes like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X all the way to Congresswomen Ilhan Omar & Rashida Tlaib.”

To read the full remarks by Muhi Khwaja on accepting the award, click here.

Thank you to all of our supporters, volunteers, donors, friends, and allies. This award is for you. It’s an immense honor to do this work and we’re so fortunate to have your trust.

Giving Tuesday & Year End Campaign: StartUp to ScaleUp

Learn more about our Giving Tuesday and Year End Campaign Launch: American Muslim Fund – Start Up to Scale Up: Nonprofit Style. You can pitch in on our website, LaunchGood, Feeling Blessed, Zakatify, or by sending a check in the mail to American Muslim Fund, PO Box 1533 Fremont, CA 94538.

Giving Tuesday is on December 3, 2019. Please set a reminder to donate or make a donation today! 

Read our 2017-2019 Social Impact Update

American Muslim Fund has been building off of a strategic plan since 2016. Having created a vision, mission, and goals, donors and supporters like you have empowered us to create social impact. Read more about our work and review our IRS 990s to see what we’re all about!

Upcoming Webinars

Earlier this year we held events on Islam & Philanthropy, informationals, and a webinar on Islam & Zakat. We’re continuing our webinar series with:

• 2019 Topics (register here)
• Sanad Trust: Building an Endowment
• Wednesday December 11, 2019
• 4 PM – 5:30 PM Pacific
• Panelists: Muhi Khwaja, Rehan Mirza, Attiqa Syeda, Saad Zariff
• Sustainable Giving: Estate Planning, Taxes, & Charitable Gifts
• Tuesday December 17, 2019
• 11 AM – 12:30 PM Pacific
• Panelists: Fatima Iqbal, Muhi Khwaja, Maseer Rabbaig, Gina Shkoukani
• 2020 Webinars 
• Stay tuned!

Are You or a Loved One Over 70.5 Years Old?*

Many of our community members are fortunate to have Individual Retirement Accounts provided to us by our employers. Did you know that when one becomes 70.5 years old, you’ll need to take a required minimum distribution (RMD)?

The RMD for each year is calculated by dividing the IRA account balance as of December 31 of the prior year by the applicable distribution period or life expectancy. At this age, you’re also allowed to make a Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) of up to $100,000 a year from your IRA balance without penalty.

This may be a convenient way to setup an ongoing charitable gift (sadaqa jariya) as an endowment to benefit some of your favorite charities or simply create a Donor Advised Fund in memory of a loved one or your family.

*This does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult your own independent financial planner.

Visiting Chicago in December

Will you be in Chicago the weekend of Friday December 13 thru Sunday December 15? We’d love to see you! American Muslim Fund is hosting a few private gatherings. If you’re interested in learning more about our work, reach out to set a time to grab coffee or join us for lunch or dinner.

Bring American Muslim Fund out to your community to learn more about how you can start an endowment, donor advised fund, giving circle or get fiscally sponsored! We’d love to teach a 2 day fundraising class for your board or the community at large (in partnership with Indiana University & the Center on Muslim Philanthropy).

Our Collective Progress

Over the last three years, American Muslim Fund has been able to work with more than 53 Donor Advised Funds and Giving Circles to distribute over $1,200,000 to over 120 charities. It’s remarkable what can be accomplished when we work together on a shared vision. When American Muslim Fund donates on your behalf, we represent Muslim charitable giving to the broader society and show that American Muslims care about organizations outside of our own faith community.

American Muslim Fund
PO Box 1533, Fremont, CA 94538
info@amuslimfund.org | www.AMuslimFund.org

844-4AM-FUND

ABOUT US

DECEMber 2019 2 of 2

$500 left to unlock a $30,000 match!

American Muslim Fund has a few generous families matching the $30,000 from our year-end campaign. Right now we are at $29,500 collected and are counting on you to help us pass our goal!

We have been inspired by the generosity and philanthropic spirit of the community across the country. This is our last email to you in 2019 and we’re so thankful you’ve been in our corner, supporting our work. Please share this message with your friends, family, and loved ones.

Please pitch in today and check out our Social Impact Update on how your contribution makes a difference.

Celebrating the Success

Over the last three years, American Muslim Fund has been able to work with 55 Donor Advised Funds and Giving Circles to distribute over $1,300,000 to more than 120 charities. It’s remarkable what can be accomplished when we work together on a shared vision. When American Muslim Fund donates on your behalf, we represent Muslim charitable giving to the broader society and show that American Muslims care about organizations outside of our own faith community. As an ally, donor, advocate, and more, your partnership strengthens our voice. Thank you.

American Muslim Fund
PO Box 1533, Fremont, CA 94538
info@amuslimfund.org | www.AMuslimFund.org

844-4AM-FUND

ABOUT US

JANUARY 2020

AMF Announces Two Grant Opportunities!

AMF has a microgrant opportunity for organizations coordinating Census outreach efforts for Muslim communities in Alameda or Marin counties in California. You may be eligible for some funding.

Have you considered an endowment for your nonprofit but don’t know how to get started? Your nonprofit can now apply for seed funding from AMF in the amount of $5,000. AMF is selecting three organizations by April 2020. 

Learn more about these exciting opportunities.

Census 2020

Are you focusing on Census 2020 Outreach? You can use our national Muslim Census Outreach site/form for your benefit. If you’d like to use our form, let us know and we’ll pass on your referrals to you. We’re coordinating a national strategy call on Tuesday February 11 at noon.

Want to Receive Donations from AMF?

Your nonprofit organization can sign up on our website to be vetted and added to our online database, a service that we provide to donors to help them find causes and organizations to support, which is available for you to peruse.

Host AMF in 2020

Invite AMF to your community or your living room! We rely on the generosity of our donors and allies to promote our work. If you’ve benefited in any way, help introduce us to others in your network. Whether you are a nonprofit receiving funds or setting up an endowment, a family participating in a Giving Circle or donating through a Donor Advised Fund, or someone who just wants to represent Muslim philanthropy in a more strategic way, we would love to visit.

We’ll be in San Diego February 24-28, Pittsburgh April 1-2, Washington, D.C. April 3 and 7, New York April 4-6, and Los Angeles April 10-12.

Connect with us so you can make the most of your Ramadan giving.

Join a Giving Circle

A Giving Circle is a form of philanthropy where groups of individuals donate their own time & money to a pooled fund, deciding together which nonprofit or community project to fund.

AMF is currently operating several Giving Circles:

• Bay Area Giving Collective
• Fantasy Football for a Cause
• Interfaith Giving Circle Confronting Hate
• Woodlands Endowment for Lifelong Learning

Collectively these Giving Circles have donated over $175,000 to charities they’ve selected. If you would like to start or join a Giving Circle in your community, let us know!



Setup a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

A DAF is a giving vehicle that provides you with immediate tax
benefits & allows you to support your charities of choice through grant recommendations on your own timetable. Watch this video to learn more.

Join over 65 families across the country that are transforming Muslim Philanthropy in the United States. If you’re interested in setting up a DAF:

• Simply fill out our DAF Inquiry Form
• Schedule a conversation with Muhi Khwaja
• Sign our MOU
• Fund your DAF: Mail a check (PO Box 1533 Fremont, CA 94538), Donate Appreciated Assets, Give Online or ask for Wire Transfer instructions (donate@AMuslimFund.org).

Here are some benefits of using a DAF:

• Get one tax receipt for all your giving
• Invest your balance for future growth
• Easily donate appreciated assets and avoid a capital gains tax
• Create a sadaqa jariya (ongoing charity) in honor of your family or a loved one to create a legacy
• Pass on your DAF generation to generation

Become a Monthly Donor

Our goal in the next two years is to become fully sustainable from our recurring donations, administrative fees, and endowment. Will you help us achieve our goals?

Pitch in today to support our operations or endowment!

Follow Us on Social Media

Please help us amplify our voice online and expand our digital footprint by following, liking, and sharing our work!

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

ABOUT US

FEBRUARY 2020

Black History Month Initiative

If you’re looking for way to make a difference this Black History Month, join our initiative to support organizations empowering Black thought & voices within the Muslim community.

Donations collected in the month of February will be sent in March to 6 organizations selected from our Nonprofit Directory: Believers Bail Out, Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative, Muslim Wellness Foundation, Sapelo Square, Tayba Foundation, and Timelist Group. You can learn more about the initiative and contribute here.

Webinar: All About Endowments 

Have you considered creating an endowment for your nonprofit but don’t know how to get started? It’s never too early or late to start. Join our webinar on Monday March 2 at 11:30am Pacific to learn why now is the best time.

Your nonprofit can now apply for seed funding from AMF in the amount of $5,000. AMF is selecting three organizations by April 2020. Learn more about this exciting grant opportunity. We’ll answer questions about this grant cycle on the webinar.

Host AMF in 2020

Invite AMF to your community or your living room! We rely on the generosity of our donors and allies to promote our work. If you’ve benefited in any way, help introduce us to others in your network. Whether you are a nonprofit receiving funds or setting up an endowment, a family participating in a Giving Circle or donating through a Donor Advised Fund, or someone who just wants to represent Muslim philanthropy in a more strategic way, we would love to visit.

Thank you to the Muslim Association of Puget Sound and Wasat for hosting us in Seattle earlier this month.

We’ll be in San Diego March 28-29, Pittsburgh April 1-2, Washington, D.C. April 3 and 7, New York April 4-6, and Los Angeles April 10-12.

Connect with us so you can make the most of your Ramadan giving.



Setup a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

With Ramadan around the corner, you can streamline your charitable giving through a Donor Advised Fund. A DAF is a giving vehicle that provides you with immediate tax
benefits & allows you to support your charities of choice through grant recommendations on your own timetable. Watch this video to learn more.

Here are some benefits of using a DAF:

• Get one tax receipt for all your giving
• Invest your balance for future growth
• Easily donate appreciated assets and avoid a capital gains tax
• Create a sadaqa jariya (ongoing charity) in honor of your family or a loved one to create a legacy
• Pass on your DAF generation to generation

Join over 70 families across the country that are transforming Muslim Philanthropy in the United States. If you’re interested in setting up a DAF:

1. Simply fill out our DAF Inquiry Form
2. Schedule a conversation with Muhi Khwaja
3. Sign our MOU
4. Fund your DAF: Mail a check (PO Box 1533 Fremont, CA 94538), Donate Appreciated Assets, Give Online or ask for Wire Transfer instructions (donate@AMuslimFund.org).

Become a Monthly Donor

A gift to support AMF makes all of the nonprofits and donors in our ecosystem stronger. For our ecosystem to survive, every gift plays its part. You are necessary and vital to the success of our ecosystem. Our goal in the next two years is to become fully sustainable from our recurring donations, administrative fees, and endowment. Will you help us achieve our goals?

Pitch in today to support our operations or endowment!

Follow Us on Social Media

Please help us amplify our voice online and expand our digital footprint by following, liking, and sharing our work!

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

ABOUT US

october 2019

Annual Meeting

Hear from the American Muslim Community Foundation leadership team on our progress so far and how you can help us in 2020. The annual meeting will take place at the Los Gatos Islamic Center (16789 Farley Rd. Los Gatos, CA 95032) on Sunday November 3, 2019 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. We hope you and your family can join.

Please RSVP by emailing RSVP@amuslimcf.org or find our event on Facebook.

Giving Circles Quickstart Training/Mentorship

A Giving Circle is a form of philanthropy where groups of individuals donate their own time & money to a pooled fund, deciding together which nonprofit or community project to fund.

AMCF now hosts 3 Giving Circles across the country and we would love for you to start one! Have a group of friends from college? Or want to give together with your siblings? We can help.

Join Amplifier Giving’s webinar and cohort on Giving Circles Quickstart Training/Mentorship. For $50 you’ll partake in a 90 minute webinar on Thursday November 14, 2019 9-10:30am Pacific. Additionally, you’ll be placed with a mentor for 3 1:1 sessions and ongoing support from American Muslim Community Foundation. Sign up today.

AMCF Since September

A lot has been going on since we’ve last reached out. Here’s a quick update on some of our progress and community engagements:

• Hate Free Philanthropy Forum in Washington, D.C. on “Are Donor Advised Funds Really the Problem?”
• ISNACon Panel on “Islam & Philanthropy: Nonprofit Founders & Funders”
• MUPPIES Annual Conference Panel on “Leadership Through Powerful Storytelling”
• Developing Annual Sustainability course in partnership with Center on Muslim Philanthropy in Canton, MI
• Concordia Forum
• AMCF Board of Directors Strategic Planning Retreat
• Developing Annual Sustainability course in partnership with Center on Muslim Philanthropy in Fremont, CA
• Article in the Financial Times
• We’ll be receiving the 2019 Outstanding Foundation award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden Gate Chapter on Friday November 15

Our Collective Progress

Over the last three years, American Muslim Community Foundation has been able to work with more than 53 Donor Advised Funds and Giving Circles to distribute over $1,100,000 to more than 116 charities. It’s remarkable what can be accomplished when we work together on a shared vision, to lead sacred, sustainable, & strategic Muslim philanthropy for today and future generations.

If you’d like to lend your skillset to our growing team, simply respond to this email to get involved.

American Muslim Fund
PO Box 1533, Fremont, CA 94538
info@amuslimfund.org | www.AMCF.org

844-4AM-FUND

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August 2019

Will you be at ISNACon?

AMCF’s Muhi Khwaja will be moderating an important panel at ISNACon this weekend on Islam and Philanthropy: Nonprofit Founders and Funders.  Everyone has a cause they are passionate about.  Come meet funders and founders of some great nonprofit organizations. Listen to their stories and explore research done by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding on American Muslim Philanthropy.

Join Joohi Tahir of MUHSEN, Zaid Khan of the Center on American Muslim Philanthropy, Rashid Dar of the John Templeton Foundation and Muhi Khwaja of the American Muslim Community Foundation at ISNACon, Saturday August 31, 2019 at 11:30am-12:30pm in room 320A.

AMCF in Detroit & on the Road

American Muslim Community Foundation will be visiting the Detroit area at the end of September to teach a course of Developing Annual Sustainability. Participants will receive a certificate from Indiana University. This event is hosted by the Michigan Muslim Community Council and will take place at the Muslim Community of Western Suburbs ITT Campus in Canton, MI.

If you are a donor, nonprofit leader, or simply want to learn best practices, you’ll enjoy this class and walk away with more strategies and best practices you can help implement. You can bring this course to your community. Simply reach out to start the conversation.

We’ll also be visiting:

• ISNA August 30-September 2 in Houston, TX
• MUPPIES September 21-22 in Chicago, IL
• Your community!

Invite us out to your community by responding to this email!

Gift to donors

If you donated $100 or more to AMCF this year, we are mailing you a copy of Ghalib Victor Begg’s memoir, Our Muslim Neighbors, next week! Thank you to everyone who participated in helping us raise more than $50,000 in Ramadan.

Your support means so much to us and a gift of any amount is always appreciated. A special shout out to our monthly donors who keep AMCF sustainable!

Giving Circles

A Giving Circle is a form of philanthropy where groups of individuals donate their own time & money to a pooled fund, deciding together which nonprofit or community project to fund.

If you play in a Fantasy Football league, consider having the participants pitch in ‘for a cause’ and allocate funding to AMCF. At the end of the season, your league champ can select a charity of their choice! Join the movement by contacting us today about Fantasty Football 4 A Cause.

Want to get involved?

Over the last three years, American Muslim Community Foundation has been able to work with more than 50 Donor Advised Funds and Giving Circles to distribute over $1,000,000 to 116 charities. It’s remarkable what can be accomplished when we work together on a shared vision, to lead sacred, sustainable, & strategic Muslim philanthropy for today and future generations.

If you’d like to lend your skillset to our growing team, simply respond to this email to get involved.

American Muslim Fund
PO Box 1533, Fremont, CA 94538
info@amuslimfund.org | www.AMCF.org

844-4AM-FUND

    OPEN A DAFDONATE  AMAZON SMILE

FACEBOOKTWITTER  INSTAGRAM