Religion and Philanthropy

Charity is an important element of nearly every major religion including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus who lived a life in service to others. One of the Five Pillars of Islam, Zakāt, requires followers to annually donate a certain amount of wealth to the poor. Judaism is very much grounded in tzedakah, or the Jewish teaching to provide for those in need. Though this is merely scratching the surface of the depths of philanthropy in religion, it is very clear that the basic principles of nearly every major religion stress the importance of charity. Religious charitable views translate very well in modern day society as there are many religious not-for-profit organizations in existence today. However, different religious views of charity impact various approaches to philanthropy. This article will use illustrative example to examine the way some religious philanthropies apply charitable beliefs.

The Christian Appalachian Project is described as an interdenominational Christian organization dedicated to serving the needy in Appalachia. The organization provides physical, emotional and spiritual support through various activities including counseling and providing a volunteer workforce to renovate and reconstruct dilapidated homes. The guiding principles of the organization include specifically Christian ideas like “To live out and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all of our actions” as well as items like “To foster open, honest and effective communication both inside and outside the organization.” Although the services provided by Christian Appalachian Project are geographically restricted to Appalachian states, they do not restrict services to anyone in need. A variety of fundraising opportunities are available to those interested in giving to the organization. In addition to online donations, auctions, and in-kind donations the organization also provides a gift catalogue and planned giving opportunities. Though it is very clear that the Christian Appalachian Project spreads the word of Christianity, it is doing so through positive action which makes an incredible impact on the community as a whole.

Islamic Relief USA is an international Islamic-based organization focusing on disaster relief victims and sustainable development. As described by the website, “Islamic Relief strives to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy, and diseases worldwide regardless of color, race, religion, or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner.” Islamic Relief is yet another organization rooted by the charitable fundamentals of a religion, but providing services regardless of background. From providing refuge for victims of Hurricane Katrina at a Baton Rouge mosque to running projects that provide clean drinking water in Bangladesh, Islamic Relief USA serves whole communities.  Methods of fundraising include online donations, benefit concerts and fundraising dinners. The Islamic Relief USA website also offers an array of fundraising alternatives for supporters, including raising funds by having a garage sale or creating a donation box at home or school. More specific to the Muslim community, Islamic Relief USA suggests promoting others within the Muslim community to give their Zakāt to Islamic Relief USA. The organization works very well with both the Muslim and non-Muslim community worldwide.

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is an international development organization based on Jewish principles of justice and charity (tzedakah). Similar to Islamic Relief USA, “AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality.” Donation opportunities are available online in various forms, including support for AJWS Volunteer Corps. AJWS is yet another religious organization that promotes aiding others through the values of a specific religion.

The organizations discussed are grounded in the charitable principles of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. They are different in that each organization promotes the charitable values of a certain religion, but they are similar in that they promote positive action that benefits the entire community, regardless of religion. Though there are certainly a number of religious not-for-profits that only promote and support specific religious causes, it must be acknowledged that not all do. World-wide the need for a variety of positive initiatives is great. With such strong foundations in charity, religious philanthropies have room to grow now more than ever.