By Muhi Khwaja – Co-Founder, American Muslim Community Foundation
Over the past month, I’ve driven more than 8,000 miles across the United States, visiting 15 cities, reconnecting with friends and family, and meeting Muslim leaders who are shaping their communities. What began as a spiritual retreat during Dhul Hijjah evolved into something more: a reminder that every movement—whether spiritual or philanthropic—requires deep intention and robust infrastructure.
From Denver to Dallas, Salt Lake to New Orleans, I experienced the beauty of our diverse Muslim community firsthand. I led Fajr & Coffee gatherings on mountaintops, hosted donor dinners in community hubs, and shared meals with people I hadn’t seen in decades. And at every stop, I asked myself:
What sustains our collective giving?
Who keeps the engine running behind the scenes?
Just like Hajj requires planning, coordination, and systems to support millions of pilgrims, Muslim philanthropy depends on intentional infrastructure.
Behind Every Grant, There’s a System You Help Build
At AMCF, we help donors give with confidence, nonprofits grow with integrity, and endowments build generational impact. But none of that happens by accident.
Every dollar we distribute moves through a purpose-built system:
- Donor advising grounded in values and strategy
- Nonprofit vetting and compliance that builds trust
- Giving circles that empower collaboration
- Endowment services that secure long-term change
These aren’t overhead costs—they’re the heartbeat of Muslim philanthropy in America.
Real Conversations. Real Commitment.
This road trip wasn’t just miles on a map. It was filled with conversations that changed me.
- In Salt Lake City, I changed my first diaper and helped fix a sink—family time that reminded me of why I do this work.
- In Phoenix, I reconnected with a colleague grieving her father’s death—and prayed for him under the stars near White Sands.
- In Dallas, I met with families who manage Donor Advised Funds and nonprofits supported through AMCF. Their trust means everything.
- In Austin, I found inspiration at a mystic art show and picked up my camera again.
- In New Orleans and Biloxi, I caught up with lifelong friends, breaking bread and breaking out of my daily grind.
Every stop taught me something new. But the consistent lesson? People want to give. They just need the right system to do it well.
Why Unrestricted Giving Matters
Project-based funding is important—but it’s unrestricted gifts that give us the power to:
- Stay nimble and responsive
- Maintain our infrastructure and team
- Grow our programs across the country
This campaign is not zakat-eligible, but your sadaqah or general charity directly fuels the systems that move Muslim philanthropy forward.
Join Us—And Fuel the Mission
We’re working to raise $100,000 in unrestricted support by July 31. A generous donor will match each $100 gift with an additional $50.
🛣️ If you’re in California, please contribute via our LaunchGood campaign to help us reach our state-specific goal:
🌍 From anywhere else, donate directly to AMCF here:
Be the Backbone of Muslim Philanthropy
This journey reminded me that proximity to Allah doesn’t require a plane ticket. It requires reflection, service, and a commitment to justice.
Your donation is more than charity. It’s an investment in a system that helps our ummah give smarter, more strategically, and more impactfully.
Thank you for being part of the road ahead.
With peace and purpose,
Muhi Khwaja
Co-Founder, AMCF
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