By Lisa Kahler– American Muslim Community Foundation
Muslim women in philanthropy are reshaping what charitable leadership looks like in America. At the forefront of this giving spirit are women of vision—volunteers, fundraisers, and changemakers whose impact often goes unrecognized. From supporting local communities to driving national change, American Muslim women are leading the way.
It’s time to celebrate and amplify these efforts. One initiative leading that charge is the American Muslim Community Foundation (AMCF) and its transformative Women’s Giving Circle—a model of collective giving rooted in Islamic tradition and powered by modern purpose.
Muslim Women Are Leading—Let’s Make Sure Their Stories Are Told
Muslim charitable giving remains underrepresented in mainstream narratives. Yet, according to Islamic Horizons, organizations like AMCF are actively changing that, working to elevate the long-standing tradition of Muslim philanthropy.
Giving circles—spaces where individuals pool donations and make funding decisions together—have deep roots in Islamic culture. Guided by mutual respect, shared values, and barakah in collaboration, these models echo the legacy of collective giving embedded in our faith. AMCF’s Women’s Giving Circle reimagines this legacy for the modern world, uniting American Muslim women to support women-led and women-serving nonprofits.
A Community of Purpose, Powered by the 5 T’s of Philanthropy
The Women’s Giving Circle is a dynamic, inclusive community of Muslim women who believe in the impact of giving together. Membership begins at just $5/month, with those contributing $35/month or more gaining voting rights. But beyond dollars, members offer what AMCF calls the 5 T’s of Philanthropy:
- Time – volunteering and engagement
- Treasure – financial contributions
- Talent – professional skills and expertise
- Ties – personal and professional networks
- Testimony – stories that inspire others to give
Together, these contributions fuel a growing movement of faith-based giving centered on equity, compassion, and sisterhood.
Real Impact, Rooted in Community
In just four years, the Women’s Giving Circle has distributed $41,000 in funding to six nonprofit organizations. In the 2024 cycle, three finalists received critical support:
- Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA) – Providing federal-level legal advocacy
- Olive Community Services – Serving elders (“Olivers”) in Orange County, CA
- Pillars of Peace – Supporting survivors of domestic violence through the Nora House shelter in NYC
But the Circle’s impact goes far beyond financial grants. All 12 nominated nonprofits—ranging from grassroots initiatives to established organizations—received a full suite of capacity-building resources:
- A 60-minute nonprofit strategy consultation
- Visibility in AMCF’s monthly newsletter (reaching thousands)
- Promotion across AMCF’s 14,000-strong social media audience
- A permanent profile on the AMCF website
This holistic approach ensures that even organizations not selected for funding still gain lasting visibility and support within the Muslim nonprofit ecosystem.
The Numbers Behind the Movement
According to the 2023 Muslim Women’s Philanthropy Report, American Muslims gave a staggering $4.3 billion to charity in 2022. Of that, an estimated $1–1.75 billion came directly from Muslim women.
Their giving is driven by faith, compassion, and a belief in meaningful change. And their commitment goes far beyond financial contributions:
- 68% of Muslim women volunteer 20+ hours per year for faith-based causes
- 57% volunteer for non-faith-based causes
As Nausheena Hussain, author and Giving Circle member, writes in her book Prosperity with Purpose:
“We give generously of our time, talents, and networks, yet these contributions are often overlooked.”
The Women’s Giving Circle is rewriting that narrative—offering a space for Muslim women to connect, lead, and invest in each other’s success.
A Modern Model with Traditional Roots
As giving circles become one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy in the United States, the AMCF Women’s Giving Circle stands out as a powerful model of intentional giving. It blends Islamic tradition with modern tools to create a space where Muslim women’s leadership in charitable giving is not just recognized—but celebrated.
Together, we are reshaping what Muslim philanthropy looks like—one voice, one vote, one act of generosity at a time.
How You Can Help Amplify This Movement
✅ Join the 2025 Women’s Giving Circle
Become part of a powerful community of women investing in long-term change. Sign up today on Grapevine.
✅ Donate to AMCF
Your support powers the operations and outreach that keep this movement growing. Give today.
✅ Share this story
Help us amplify the voices of Muslim women in philanthropy—because these stories deserve to be heard.
To learn more about the Women’s Giving Circle and the organizations it supports, visit our website.
Together, let’s ensure that the powerful contributions of American Muslim women in philanthropy are not a hidden chapter in our story—they are the beating heart of a more just and generous future.