ISLAMIC PHILANTHROPY FUNDAMENTALS
Turn Islamic philanthropy into a core pillar of your fundraising success.
Build a strong foundation in the principles and practice of Islamic philanthropy, a gamechanger for growing your donor base.
This two-hour masterclass will reveal how designing fundraising programmes that align with the values and principles of Islamic giving can unlock powerful new opportunities for donor growth, engagement, and long-term impact. You’ll learn how UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy programme is successfully engaging Muslim communities across the globe—and how you can apply these insights in your own work.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to grow your Islamic philanthropy programme, this session will equip you with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to turn faith-based giving into a core pillar of your fundraising success.
Why this masterclass?
Right now, you may be:
- Aware of the vast potential of Islamic philanthropy but unsure how to begin engaging with it.
- Missing out on major seasonal and cultural giving moments like Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah.
- Looking to diversify your donor base and connect with values-driven audiences.
- Unsure how to communicate your cause in ways that align with Islamic giving principles.
- Wanting real-world guidance from people doing this work successfully at scale.
This session is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.
The masterclass will cover:
- Understanding the Islamic economy & giving tools: Explore the foundations of Islamic philanthropy within the broader Islamic economic system. Learn key concepts and vehicles of giving.
- Launching your Islamic philanthropy programme: Step-by-step guidance for getting started, including laying the groundwork, engaging advisors for programme credibility, and building trust.
- Campaign planning & communication strategies: Discover how to plan and deliver effective campaigns that resonate.
- Donor stewardship & retention: You’ll learn how to turn first-time donors into long-term supporters and get tips for crafting culturally sensitive supporter journeys.
This session is delivered by Raefah Makki and Shadi Ghrawi, Senior Private Sector Partnerships Officers at UNHCR. Raefah is based in the UAE and plays a leading role in the growth of UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy portfolio across the Middle East and North Africa. Shadi, based in Kenya and previously in the UAE, has played an instrumental role in setting the foundations for UNHCR’s Islamic Philanthropy programme. Together, they bring years of experience building strategic, culturally grounded partnerships that deliver measurable impact.
The masterclass takes place on 20 November at 07.00 GMT | 08.00 CET/CAT | 12.30 IST | 15.00 CST | 16.00 JST | 18.00 AEDT | 20.00 NZDT.