Conference Overview
Waqf has powered education, healthcare, social welfare, and community development for centuries. Today, Muslim American institutions are ready to harness that tradition to build lasting impact. This two-day conference brings scholars, nonprofit leaders, donors, attorneys, financial experts, and community organizers together to explore practical models, governance, donor behavior, and hands-on strategies tailored to the U.S. context.
Who Should Attend
- Masjid and Islamic center leaders
- Nonprofit executives and board members
- Donors, philanthropists, and family offices
- Attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors
- Educators, researchers, and students
- Community organizers and program directors
What You鈥檒l Gain
- Clear frameworks for starting and growing endowments
- Lessons from global waqf models and historical case studies
- Actionable governance practices to protect and grow assets
- Messaging and fundraising strategies that resonate in the U.S.
- Insights into donor motivations and legacy planning
- Practical tools through workshops and peer learning
Conference Highlights
Day One: Foundations, Models, and Mindsets
Building Awareness and Learning from Global Experience
Survey global waqf innovations, oversight models, and public-benefit outcomes. Translate what works abroad into practical steps for U.S. organizations.
Historical Context and Evolution of Islamic Endowments
Trace waqf鈥檚 legal, social, and economic foundations from classical fiqh to modern regulation. Understand how past structures inform today鈥檚 best practices.
Waqf in Contemporary U.S. (Ulema Panel)
Scholars address core principles, compliance in the U.S., and guidance on structuring endowments that honor waqf鈥檚 spirit while meeting current legal standards.
Building Enduring Endowments: Governance, Growth & Engagement
Explore board roles, investment policies, spending rules, conflict management, and community engagement that builds trust and long-term support.
Waqf in Action: Models of Community-Driven Success
Case studies from masajid, schools, relief agencies, and social enterprises using endowments to fund operations, programs, and capital needs.
Inside the Mind of a Waqf Donor
What drives giving? Learn how values, transparency, impact reporting, recognition, and legacy planning shape donor decisions.
Day Two: Developing Strategies for the Muslim American Context
Growing Your Endowment: Messaging, Engagement, Capital Campaigns, and Planned Giving
Craft compelling narratives, design multi-channel campaigns, build ambassador programs, and integrate planned giving and asset-based gifts.
Workshops: Parallel Sessions
Establishing Endowments in the U.S.: Legal and Financial Frameworks
Attorneys and financial experts cover entity choice, waqf-compatible structures, fiduciary duties, investment policy statements, spending policies, audits, and tax considerations.
Community Engagement: Gaining Trust and Participation
Build credibility through transparency, impact dashboards, annual reports, shura-driven priorities, and volunteer pathways.
From Donors to Advocates: Inspiring Others to Build a Legacy
Turn supporters into champions using storytelling, peer-to-peer outreach, legacy societies, and donor stewardship journeys.
Speakers and Facilitators
- Ulema and scholars specializing in waqf jurisprudence
- Nonprofit CEOs and board chairs with active endowments
- Attorneys (nonprofit, tax, and trust)
- Investment advisors and foundation managers
- Major donors and planned giving professionals
- Full speaker list will be announced soon.
Why Attend Now
- Rising demand for sustainable funding in Muslim institutions
- Opportunities to formalize legacy giving and asset-based philanthropy
- Increasing regulatory expectations around governance and transparency
- Proven models that can be adapted to U.S. communities
Registration
Free registration. Must register to attend.
Early Bird (limited):聽Discounted hotel room rates available. Deadline by [insert deadline date].
Location
JW Marriott, Reston, VA
Easy access to Dulles International Airport, Metro Silver Line, and nearby amenities.
Note: Halal food and prayer spaces will be available.
Contact Information
For information on the Waqf Conference, please contact:
Sr. Mansoura Atiq ([email protected])
