Pillars Fund

Pillars Fund is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying the leadership, narratives, and talents of American Muslims. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, it operates as a grant-making Muslim community foundation that supports secular programs aimed at uplifting Muslim voices and advancing opportunity and justice for all in the United States. The organization derives its name from the five pillars of Islam, with a particular reference to Zakat, the third pillar, which involves charitable giving[1][2][5].

History

Pillars Fund was established in 2010, inspired by models such as United Way and the Jewish Federations of North America. Initially, the fund was housed under the Chicago Community Trust as a giving circle before becoming an independent entity in 2016[1]. Since its inception, Pillars Fund has significantly expanded its impact, raising over a million dollars by 2016 and distributing more than $12 million in grants to date to support Muslim-focused nonprofits across the country[2][5].

Mission and Focus

The organization focuses on funding secular nonprofit programs that support American Muslims in areas such as media representation, public relations, leadership development, civil rights, wellness, and community understanding. Pillars Fund aims to amplify positive Muslim narratives and empower leaders within the community, addressing issues related to social justice, civil liberties, and cultural representation[1][4][5].

Programs and Impact

Pillars Fund awards grants to select organizations and initiatives, typically funding around fifteen projects annually from hundreds of applications received. It supports a range of programs including:

• Auburn Theological Seminary’s "Voices of Change, Voices of America" program
• Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy Program
• Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
• Unity Productions Foundation

Its efforts have led to notable successes such as influencing the U.S. Supreme Court on civil rights matters, expanding access to civil liberties for incarcerated individuals, publishing critical research on suicide prevention, training Muslim immigrants for political office, and improving Muslim representation in Hollywood[1][4].

Governance and Funding

Pillars Fund is governed by a Board of Advisors consisting predominantly of prominent American Muslims who provide strategic oversight. The organization emphasizes directing donations toward projects with broad community support and minimal controversy. It acts as a bridge connecting strategic Muslim philanthropists with impactful nonprofit initiatives, maximizing collective giving to produce sustainable change[1][4].

Recognition

As one of the largest funders of Muslim issues in the United States, Pillars Fund has established itself as a critical institution supporting the empowerment and representation of American Muslims through philanthropy and leadership cultivation[1][5].