OUR STORY
compassion, collaboration, transparency, urgency
Waraich family members first immigrated from South Asia and settled in Chicago with hopes of providing a better life and opportunity for their children. Their early years were filled with hard work and sacrifice, yet they remained grounded in their faith-based values and set an example of giving generously to those in need in their home countries—even while struggling to make ends meet themselves. Today, Waraich family members still gather around the kitchen table to discuss how to make a real difference in the world through giving of their time and resources. These shared values serve as the foundation for their work to build an America where Muslims can thrive and live as equal members of society. Believing that the underlying causes of social and economic problems cannot be addressed alone, the family not only invests—but also collaborates—with a wide network of Muslim-led and interfaith initiatives. The Fund’s goal is to empower people and institutions to be self-sufficient, build stronger communities, and be a force of good in the Chicago region and beyond. This is done through convenings, support of Muslim leaders and philanthropy, and direct investments to diverse sectors.
Dilnaz Waraich, President
WORK
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION INITIATIVE
The Community Collaboration Initiative (CCI) galvanizes the enthusiasm and expertise of 22Â Muslim American nonprofit organizations in establishing ways to work together toward solving a common problem.
By utilizing industry research, and providing expert facilitators and administrative support, CCI seeks to move beyond the difficult and risky impasse organizations commonly face. The three-year project focuses on interactions and incremental goals that establish a basis of trust. Organized into six groups, the first year is focused on collaboration through trust-building. The goal of the second year is to collaborate through shared programming. The final year is about collaborating through sustainability. By working together, organizations have the potential to reach their visions and missions faster, with financial efficiency and with less stress.
As a community-based action research project hosted by Indiana University's Lilly School of Philanthropy, the outcomes include the publishing of a white paper and training module outlining the best practices and lessons learned from the Initiative.
Collaborations have increasingly become a nonprofit industry standard for it's various benefits. By working with 25 organizations, mainly in the Chicagoland area, we can influence an interfaith culture shift towards a Muslim nonprofit sector that is inclusive and operates from a mindset of abundance and shared wealth.
With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, this project has taken on new meaning as the need to collaborate and communicate with peers has become even stronger both from an organizational perspective and one of personal well-being. The Community Collaboration Initiative has adapted to the change and expanded the type of assistance and resources being provided in the first year.
Muslim American organizations are stepping up to serve their communities in a broad manner and the Collaboration seeks to amplify their work with mainstream funding organizations. This information sharing has led to greater access of funding for participating organizations. We are reaching into our networks to find the right people and organizations to complement and fully provide to the constituents of organizations.
Partners with Pillars Fund, the Center on Muslim Philanthropy, Lever for Change, and Tides Foundation.