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Fundraising during Ramadan - Ramadan Kareem
February 2025
Fundraising before, during and after Ramadan can be a really rewarding experience, but there are some important factors to keep in mind to make sure you’re being respectful and effective. Here are some of the key considerations:
Ramadan
- Understanding Ramadan:
- Timing: Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset for a month. A day of fasting can last for as long as 17 hours, depending on where you are located during the fast. As a consequence, people’s routines and energy levels will change quite considerably. Be mindful of this when planning events or asking for donations.
- Spiritual Significance: Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer, and increased charity. Emphasise the spiritual benefits of giving during this time, such as increased rewards and blessings.
- Zakat: Zakat is a mandatory form of charity giving for Muslims who meet a certain wealth threshold. It’s often given annually during Ramadan. It pays to be aware of the specific rules and guidelines around Zakat, and if you’re collecting Zakat, make sure you’re able to show how those funds will be used to enhance trust and transparency, particularly if your campaign is for a project that will benefit the community or promote Islam.
- Sadaqah: Sadaqah is the term for sincere, voluntary giving in Islam, with nothing expected in return. This could be acts of kindness, sharing knowledge, praying for someone or a monetary donation.
- Cultural Sensitivity:
- Language: Using Arabic phrases like “Ramadan Kareem” (may Ramadan be generous to you) or “Eid Mubarak” (blessed festival) in your fundraising materials can show respect and make your campaign more appealing to Muslim donors.
- Imagery: Use images that are relevant to Ramadan, such as Mosques, lanterns, or dates.
Modesty: When organising events or using images of people, be mindful of modesty in dress and behaviour as well as ensuring you have the usual consent required.
- Practical Considerations:
- Iftar: Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast. Consider hosting an Iftar event as a fundraising opportunity. It’s a great way to bring people together and share a meal while raising money for a good cause. Use a local venue and create a sense of community.
- Target Audience: Tailor your fundraising efforts to your target audience. If you’re fundraising within the Muslim community, you might focus on Zakat (obligatory giving) and Sadaqah (voluntary giving). If you’re fundraising for a wider audience, you might focus on the general spirit of giving during Ramadan.
Fundraising ahead of Ramadan
When Muslims are preparing for Ramadan there are opportunities to fundraise that can help to boost your charity income. Always consider how best to do this in a respectful way.
- Planning ahead is key. Build campaigns that resonate with the spirit of Ramadan and have clear goals.
- Online donations. Make use of digital platforms with a dedicated fundraising page. At Dona we offer a FREE webpage when you purchase a donation terminal.
- Email marketing is a great way to keep in touch with your donors and supporters. Sending the details of your campaign and links to your fundraising webpage is a great way to promote your event or fund. Dona donation webpages can be linked via a QR code to include in your email or on printed materials, so donors can scan the code and donate quickly and easily from anywhere.
- Contactless donation terminals placed around your event in high-traffic areas can really boost in-person donations. Dona’s contactless donation terminals are self-service and simple to use, and have been shown to substantially increase overall charitable fundraising. Donation machines can be mounted on stands by the different entrances for men and women, and mosques often choose to have an additional terminal that can be passed around for supporters to donate while at an event or after prayers.
- Partner with other Muslim influencers, communities and events to increase the reach and effect of your campaign. Encourage your social media followers to share the campaign too.
- Organise a sale of Ramada- related items such as food, spices, clothing or religious items (prayer mats, Islamic books, Quran stands).
Post Ramadan:
After the fundraising is complete it is essential to let your donors know how important their donations have been and to demonstrate the ways that their contributions will help those around them, the wider community and the promotion of Islam.
You may wish to split your fundraising into the two main campaigns for Zakat and Sadaqah. This would make reporting back to your supporters much easier. With Dona you can programme your donation terminal to collect for up to 20 different campaigns. The Dona management portal makes it quick and easy to see the totals raised for each campaign.
Dona Donations can help Muslim groups, charities and organisations collect donations from supporters before, during and after Ramadan with secure, compliant and easy-to-use contactless donation terminals. Dona’s online management portal offers a host of HMRC-friendly reports, analytics and tools to customise your donors’ experience.
To find out more, complete our enquiry form or call us today on 0203 488 5038.