Zakat Policy

Self Sufficiency and Supportive Services 

Consistent with the objectives of zakāh, ADAMS seeks not only to alleviate immediate hardship but also to remove barriers that prevent long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Subject to eligibility, available funding, and applicable Islamic guidance, zakāh assistance may be used to support services and resources that directly benefit eligible recipients and contribute to their ability to achieve financial independence and stability. 

Food Assistance 

Eligible recipients experiencing food insecurity may receive food assistance through direct food distribution, grocery support, food vouchers, or other approved methods that provide direct benefit to the recipient.

English Language and Workforce Readiness Support  

Eligible recipients may receive assistance for English language instruction, workforce readiness programs, employment-related training, certifications, and other educational opportunities that improve their ability to obtain and maintain stable employment. 

Mental Health and Counseling Support 

Eligible recipients experiencing financial hardship may receive assistance for mental health counseling, behavioral health services, or related support when such services are determined to be necessary for the individual’s well-being, family stability, or ability to function effectively in daily life. 

Requests for counseling assistance may be reviewed in consultation with qualified professionals and, when appropriate, the Imam’s Office. Assistance may be provided through approved service providers or other permissible methods consistent with this policy. 

Families at Risk 

ADAMS may provide enhanced support and case management services to eligible individuals and families facing significant hardship, instability, or crisis circumstances that threaten their safety, housing stability, health, or ability to meet essential needs. 

In determining assistance, ADAMS may consider factors including financial hardship, housing instability, safety concerns, family circumstances, mental health considerations, and other barriers affecting long-term stability. Assistance may include coordinated support, referrals, counseling, housing stabilization, essential living expenses, and other services designed to help families achieve self-sufficiency and sustained well-being. 

Participation in case management, referrals, counseling, educational opportunities, or other supportive services may be encouraged or required when reasonably related to the recipient’s long-term stability and the objectives of the assistance provided. 

Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) 

Zakat al-Fitr is a charitable obligation due upon eligible Muslims at the conclusion of Ramadan and prior to the Eid al-Fitr prayer. The purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to assist individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, enabling them to meet their essential needs and participate in the celebration of Eid with dignity. 

ADAMS shall collect, administer, and distribute Zakat al-Fitr separately from regular zakāh funds in accordance with applicable Islamic guidance, organizational policies, and the principles set forth in this policy. 

Zakat al-Fitr Distribution 

The Zakat al-Fitr amount shall be established annually prior to the start of Ramadan in accordance with applicable Islamic guidance. 

ADAMS shall develop an annual Zakat al-Fitr distribution plan based on anticipated collections, community needs, historical distribution trends, and the number of eligible recipients. In administering Zakat al-Fitr, ADAMS seeks to ensure that eligible individuals and families are able to meet their essential needs and participate in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr with dignity. 

Distribution may include assistance to:

• Eligible individuals and families residing within the ADAMS service area; 
• Eligible individuals and families residing outside the ADAMS service area when circumstances warrant; and 
• Qualified nonprofit or charitable organizations whose distribution practices comply with applicable Islamic guidance and the objectives of Zakat al-Fitr. 

ADAMS shall maintain appropriate oversight and accountability measures to ensure that Zakat al-Fitr funds are distributed in a timely, equitable, and Islamically compliant manner. 

Individual Requests for Zakat al-Fitr Assistance 

Individuals and families seeking Zakat al-Fitr assistance may be required to submit an application and supporting documentation sufficient to verify household composition, identity, residency, and financial need. 

ADAMS shall establish administrative procedures governing application requirements, documentation standards, and verification methods. Documentation may include government-issued identification, proof of household members, participation in public assistance programs, school assistance programs, income verification, or other evidence reasonably demonstrating financial hardship. 

Verification shall be conducted in accordance with the principles of reasonable diligence, dignity, and respect established elsewhere in this policy. Applicants shall not be subjected to unnecessary hardship, embarrassment, or burdensome documentation requirements in order to establish eligibility. 

Approval of Zakat al-Fitr assistance shall be based on demonstrated need, eligibility, available funding, and compliance with applicable Islamic guidance. 

Organizational Requests for Zakat al-Fitr Assistance 

ADAMS may distribute Zakat al-Fitr funds through qualified nonprofit or charitable organizations whose mission, programs, and distribution practices align with the objectives and requirements of Zakat al-Fitr. 

Organizations seeking Zakat al-Fitr assistance or partnership funding shall be evaluated in accordance with the ADAMS Grant Policy for External Nonprofit Organizations and any applicable Islamic guidelines governing the distribution of Zakat al-Fitr. 

Approval of organizational requests shall be based on demonstrated community need, organizational capacity, intended use of funds, accountability measures, and compliance with ADAMS policies and applicable Islamic guidance.

ADAMS Grant Policy for External Nonprofit Organizations 

Purpose 

ADAMS may provide grants or partnership funding to qualified nonprofit organizations whose programs advance charitable, humanitarian, educational, social service, or relief efforts that align with the mission of ADAMS and the applicable requirements governing the use of donated funds. 

Grant funding is subject to the availability of resources, organizational priorities, donor restrictions, and applicable Islamic guidance. Preference may be given to programs serving communities within the ADAMS service area; however, ADAMS may also support regional, national, and international initiatives when community needs, humanitarian circumstances, or organizational priorities warrant such support. 

ADAMS recognizes the importance of supporting vulnerable populations affected by poverty, displacement, natural disasters, armed conflict, and other humanitarian crises. When direct implementation is not feasible, ADAMS may extend support through qualified nonprofit organizations that possess the expertise, infrastructure, and capacity necessary to deliver effective assistance. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Organizations seeking funding must demonstrate legal nonprofit status, sound governance practices, financial accountability, and the organizational capacity necessary to successfully implement the proposed program or initiative. 

Applicants may be required to provide documentation including, but not limited to: 

• Organizational formation and registration documents; 

• Evidence of tax-exempt status; 

• Financial statements and regulatory filings; 

• Program proposals and implementation plans; 

• Due diligence and partnership assessment materials; and 
• Any additional information reasonably requested by ADAMS as part of its review process.
   

Evaluation Criteria 

Grant applications shall be evaluated based on factors including: 

1. Alignment with the mission, values, and strategic priorities of ADAMS; 
2. Demonstrated community need and anticipated impact; 
3. Quality, feasibility, and sustainability of the proposed program; 
4. Organizational capacity, leadership, and governance; 
5. Financial stewardship, accountability, and compliance practices; 
6. Prior performance, reputation, and demonstrated effectiveness; and 
7. Compliance with applicable donor restrictions and Islamic guidelines, where relevant.
    

Approval and Funding 

Approval of grant funding is discretionary and shall be based on available resources, organizational priorities, and the merits of each application. ADAMS reserves the right to approve, deny, modify, condition, or partially fund any request. 

Grant recipients may be required to execute a grant agreement or memorandum of understanding outlining the approved scope of work, reporting requirements, permitted use of funds, and other applicable conditions. 

Reporting and Accountability 

Organizations receiving funding from ADAMS shall maintain appropriate records demonstrating the use of grant funds and the outcomes achieved through the funded program or initiative. 

Recipients may be required to submit interim or final reports describing program activities, expenditures, measurable outcomes, and community impact. ADAMS reserves the right to request additional information, conduct follow-up reviews, or verify compliance with grant requirements as a condition of continued funding or future consideration. 

Zakah and Zakat al-Fitr Funded Grants 

Any grant funded in whole or in part through zakāh or Zakat al-Fitr contributions must comply with applicable Islamic guidance, donor restrictions, and the requirements of this policy. Organizations receiving such funds may be required to demonstrate that distributions are made only to eligible recipients and for permissible purposes consistent with the intended use of the funds. 

Compliance with Islamic Distribution Requirements 

Organizations receiving zakāh or Zakat al-Fitr funding from ADAMS must certify that all funds will be distributed in a manner consistent with applicable Islamic guidance and the conditions established by ADAMS. 

Recipients must demonstrate that zakāh-funded assistance is directed to eligible beneficiaries and structured in a manner that provides a direct and identifiable benefit to those recipients. Grant funds may not be used for general operating expenses, unrestricted organizational purposes, capital projects, facility construction, or other uses that do not satisfy the applicable Islamic requirements governing the distribution of zakāh or Zakat al-Fitr. 

As a condition of funding, recipient organizations may be required to provide documentation regarding beneficiary eligibility, distribution methodologies, program expenditures, and compliance with applicable religious and donor restrictions. ADAMS reserves the right to request additional information, conduct compliance reviews, suspend funding, or require corrective action when necessary to ensure proper stewardship of entrusted funds.