About Us

The Zakat Fund of NYC is 501(c)(3) non-profit facilitating the local distribution of Zakat funds in the New York City metro area— Zakat distribution by our community, for our community.

Zakat, or equitable wealth redistribution, is a central pillar of Islam that encourages equity, human dignity, and community building through giving. Utilizing community donations, the Zakat Fund of NYC provides unrestricted cash grants to community members in need. Unrestricted access to cash in times of need can be critical in breaking cycles of poverty.

Since the Zakat Fund of NYC was established in 2016, we have facilitated support for thousands of vulnerable individuals and families facing challenges such as domestic violence, housing insecurity, managing disabilities, and burdens of medical debt. 

Apart from Zakat distribution, the Zakat Fund works with partner organizations supporting the underserved, to help address community needs. We continue to grow opportunities to honor the Muslim tradition of addressing poverty and wealth inequity through generosity and humanity in giving.

Our Process +

The Zakat Fund of NYC has developed an application and screening process to ensure as reasonably as possible that funds are going to those in need, while maintaining the dignity of the recipients.

  • Community members can apply for funds using our online application or through partner organizations who assist us in identifying those in need.
  • Applicants are asked to provide information such as their employment status, government support they receive, the number of family members they support, bank statements, and disclosure of assets, so we can evaluate their eligibility to receive Zakat.
  • Caseworkers at the Zakat Fund of NYC review applications and speak with community members to determine the extent of need.
  • An evaluation rubric is utilized to evaluate information provided to determine the level of assistance for which the applicants.
  • Once approved, applicants receive a payment by check or direct deposit from Zakat Fund of NYC as soon as possible.

Eligibility Criteria +

In order to qualify for aid, ndividuals and families in need must:

  • Live in the New York City Metro area
  • Demonstrate that they cannot, or soon will not be able to, pay for their basic needs (food, clothing, and housing)
  • Declare all income and expenses, assets and debts
  • Provide photo ID, relevant documents supporting circumstances including bank statements, debt statements, and proof of address (utility bill, etc.)
  • While the Zakat Fund of NYC primarily serves Muslim community members, individuals of any faith who fit into a category of zakat-eligibility may qualify for assistance.

Additionally, applicants will be disqualified from assistance if they:

  • Make more than $3500 in monthly income; or
  • Are found to be dishonest on the application.

Grant Amounts +

  • Grant amounts range from $500 to a maximum of $3,000, with an average grant amount of $1,500.


Contributing Zakat Funds

  • If you are interested in distributing your Zakat funds through the Zakat Fund of NYC, please donate here. Please note that your Zakat contributions fund the Ramadan Relief Fund direct cash assistance program only; aside from any credit card transaction fees, 100% of your donation goes to Zakat-eligible community members in the NYC Metro area.

Receiving Zakat Funds

  • Individuals and families in need can apply to our Ramadan Relief Fund which provides direct cash assistance. If you are an individual or family in need: please apply to the Ramadan Relief Fund.

Our Partners

The Zakat Fund of NYC is partnering with organizations across New York to effectively support the community.

Islamic Center at NYU - The Islamic Center at NYU (ICNYU) is one of the most active and dynamic Muslim communities in the United States. The ICNYU is a partner organization that helps connect community members to various programs supported by the Zakat Fund of NYC. Through a weekly food distribution program managed by ICNYU the Zakat Fund of NYC has distributed over 15,000 meals to food insecure New Yorkers.

New York Community Trust - The Zakat Fund of NYC supports nonprofits through a donor-advised fund at New York Community Trust (NYCT).  NYCT is one of the largest and oldest community foundations in the country and is dedicated to improving lives.  Through its relationship with NYCT, the Zakat Fund of NYC benefits from the services of a professional grant-making staff of one of the largest philanthropic organizations in NYC.

Our Own Space Project — The Zakat Fund of NYC was the fiscal sponsor of a new community center project to serve the needs of New York Muslims. If you are interested in contributing towards an independent, permanent space for Muslims in Manhattan, please learn more here. (Note: Zakat funds are not used for this project)


 


Testimonials

"As a mother of 3 children, one of whom has special needs, and a husband with mental health issues that prevent him from working, the Zakat Fund has been a god-send these last 3 years. When we were almost evicted from our apartment with nowhere to go , Sister E.M. (case worker) talked me through the application process and reassured me that inshallah everything would be okay and treated me with so much respect and helped me keep my apartment. Since then I have come to rely on the Zakat Fund every year to help me with rent and other expenses as I have been in and out of the hospital with multiple heart surgeries. I am filled with gratitude for the Zakat Fund team and will always keep them in my prayers."

-H.N., South Richmond Hill, NY

"I am a singer mother and a survivor of domestic violence. Thanks to the Zakat Fund, I have been able to secure my own subsidized housing and keep up with payments. I am also able to pay for food, clothes and other necessities, while I care for my six children, two of whom have special needs. The Zakat Fund is an amazing program for anyone trying to get on their feet and take care of their families during challenging times. Thank you!"

- R.H., Staten Island, NY


"Last year, after twenty years of being homeless, I was finally able to get my own housing, alhamdulillah. I remember countless cold nights of being on the street or riding the subway until I could enter the mosque once it opened in the morning. The Zakat Fund has been a tremendous help to me in getting myself set up with some basic furniture and home essentials as I cannot work due to my heart condition. I am able to live a life of dignity and enjoy quality time with my children and grandchildren now. Alhamdulillah, Allah is merciful. Thank you for all your support, sister."

- J.S., Staten Island

Contact Us

Please email info@zakatfundofnyc.org with any inquiries.