Zakat Foundation™ is a non-profit organization that was established in 2001 with the aim of providing humanitarian aid and social services to people in need around the world. Over the years, the organization has grown significantly, expanding its programs and services to reach more people in more places. Here is a timeline of some of the key moments in Zakat Foundation™'s history.
2001: Zakat Foundation™ is founded
Zakat Foundation™ is founded in Bridgeview, Illinois, by Halil Demir, a Turkish-American businessman who saw a need for a more effective and efficient way to provide humanitarian aid and social services to people in need around the world. The organization starts small, with a handful of volunteers and a focus on providing emergency relief to refugees and victims of natural disasters.
2002-2004: Expansion of services
Zakat Foundation™ begins to expand its services, launching a number of new programs to address the needs of the communities it serves. These include programs to provide education and healthcare to children, support for orphans and widows, and job training and microfinance programs to help people become more self-sufficient.
2005-2007: Increased international presence
Zakat Foundation™ expands its international presence, opening offices in a number of countries around the world, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia. The organization also establishes partnerships with local organizations and governments to increase its impact and effectiveness.
2008-2010: Response to global crises
Zakat Foundation™ responds to a number of global crises, including earthquakes in Haiti and Pakistan, floods in Pakistan, and conflicts in Syria and Gaza. The organization provides emergency relief to those affected by these disasters, as well as long-term support to help communities rebuild and recover.
2011-2013: Focus on sustainable development
Zakat Foundation™ begins to shift its focus towards sustainable development, launching a number of programs to address issues such as poverty, hunger, and lack of access to education and healthcare. The organization also establishes partnerships with corporations and other organizations to support its work and increase its impact.
2014-2016: Increased advocacy and outreach
Zakat Foundation™ increases its advocacy and outreach efforts, launching campaigns to raise awareness about issues such as child marriage, human trafficking, and the refugee crisis. The organization also expands its social media presence and engages with supporters and donors online.
2017-2019: Response to natural disasters
Zakat Foundation™ responds to a number of natural disasters around the world, including hurricanes in the Caribbean and earthquakes in Mexico and Indonesia. The organization provides emergency relief to those affected by these disasters, as well as long-term support to help communities rebuild and recover.
2020-2022: Response to COVID-19 pandemic
Zakat Foundation™ responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, launching a number of programs to provide emergency relief and support to those affected by the virus. These include programs to provide food and medical supplies to those in need, as well as support for healthcare workers and other frontline responders.
Looking to the future
As Zakat Foundation™ looks to the future, the organization remains committed to its mission of providing humanitarian aid and social services to people in need around the world. With a focus on sustainable development, advocacy, and outreach, the organization will continue to work towards a more just and equitable world, where all people have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.