The Zakat Foundation Institute (ZFI; http://zfinstitute.co/), in collaboration with IUPUI’s The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative, located at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSP), launched an 18-month Fellowship in Muslim philanthropic and humanitarian studies that will begin in the fall 2020 semester. During this period, students will earn a graduate certificate in philanthropic studies by taking two LFSP graduate courses per semester. They will also receive ZFI’s Graduate Certificate in Muslim Philanthropy and Humanitarian Studies. All required courses may be completed online. “I am thrilled that our Muslim Philanthropy Initiative has this opportunity to collaborate with the Zakat Foundation to bring this terrific opportunity to students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities,” said Amir Pasic, the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. Up to 10 students admitted to the school’s graduate certificate or its MA in Philanthropic Studies degree program will be considered for the fellowship. Priority will be given to displaced people, refugees and/or volunteers or nonprofit sector employees. Shariq Siddiqui, director of the initiative and an assistant professor of philanthropic studies at the school, said “This program lifts up those [Muslim] communities by providing them the tools to navigate their challenges through the philanthropic and nonprofit sector.” “The professionalization of the Muslim nonprofit and humanitarian sector is a critical need of the moment,” said Rasheed Ahmed, director of ZFI. “What better way to meet that need than to partner with the first school of philanthropy in the world?” Prospective students interested in applying for the ZFI Fellowship may contact Luke Bickel (lbickel@iupui.edu).
