4-Month Program · CSAS
Muslim Philanthropy & Leadership
A Transformative Course for Emerging Leaders
Your Journey to Purposeful Leadership
Starts Here
This isn't just a course — it's a calling. Built for students and emerging leaders who want to channel their faith and skills into real-world impact.
Over four months, you'll engage in an in-depth study of philanthropy — examining how it intersects with Islam, society, and the nonprofit sector. You'll explore how zakat, sadaqah, and waqf have shaped communities for centuries, and how these principles apply to leadership today.
Whether you are a student, a volunteer, or a nonprofit professional — this course meets you where you are. Developed by IU faculty. Academically rigorous. Practically grounded.
You'll leave with a leadership identity, a fundraising toolkit, a real capstone project, and a network of fellow changemakers.
Faith-Rooted Curriculum
Philanthropy through Zakat, Sadaqah & Waqf alongside global giving traditions
Practical Skills You Can Use Now
Fundraising strategies, storytelling & leadership frameworks
Real Community Engagement
Partner with a local nonprofit for your capstone project
Dual Credentials
3 credit hours + MPI professional certificate from Indiana University
6 Modules. One Transformative Journey.
Each module builds on the last — from foundational concepts to hands-on leadership and a real-world capstone that creates genuine community impact.
Introduction to Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector
- →What philanthropy means beyond money
- →Historical roots across cultures & time
- →Role of nonprofits in addressing social issues
- →Ethics of responsible giving
Philanthropy, Islam & Muslims
- →Zakat — obligatory giving for social equity
- →Sadaqah — voluntary charity in all forms
- →Waqf — Islamic endowment traditions
- →Faith, identity & social responsibility
Institutions & Organizations
- →Grassroots groups vs foundations vs NGOs
- →Mission definition & impact measurement
- →Humanitarianism & disaster relief
- →Long-term community development
Leadership
- →Leadership as influence & service
- →Islamic leadership — integrity & compassion
- →Servant vs transformational leadership models
- →Discover your own leadership identity
Principles & Practices of Fundraising
- →Why people give — values, faith & duty
- →Sustainable fundraising models
- →Storytelling that inspires support
- →Design & launch your own initiative
Capstone Project
Apply everything to a real social issue — guided by IU faculty. Present your impact to peers & stakeholders.
Turn Knowledge into Real-World Impact
Partner with a real local nonprofit, identify a pressing social issue, design a solution, and present your work. IU faculty mentor you throughout.
Final deliverable: a 6-page impact report and a live presentation.
Identify a pressing social issue in your community
Research & assess needs with IU faculty guidance
Partner with a local nonprofit organization
Design & implement your project plan
Present outcomes to peers, instructors & community stakeholders
Backed by World-Class Academic Excellence
In collaboration with Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy — the world's leading academic institution dedicated to the study and practice of philanthropy.
delivery, grading & certification
The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI) at Indiana University is a pioneering academic center for research, education, and leadership in Islamic philanthropy. The MPL course was developed by IU faculty, hosted on IU's Canvas platform, and assessed by IU's academic team.
Two Credentials. One Powerful Program.
Graduate with recognition from both your home institution and one of the world's leading schools of philanthropy.
3 Academic Credit Hours
Transferable academic credit from your collaborating institution upon successful completion.
MPI Professional Certificate
A professional development certificate from the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University.
Real-World Capstone Impact
Present a live capstone showcasing your leadership, research, and community engagement to faculty and stakeholders.
Your Community Needs Your Leadership
Don’t wait. Seats are limited and this cohort fills quickly. Submit your interest today and our team will reach out with next steps.
