Fundraising During Ramadan - Ramadan Kareem
Understanding Ramadan
Islamic charities on Dona raised on average of 346% more in March 2025 due to Ramadan than in other months of that year.
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 to help your efforts be effective.
Timing of Ramadan in 2026
The Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, so the holy month of Ramadan shifts by approximately ten days each year.
In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17 February and end on either the evening of Wednesday 18 March or Thursday 19 March, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan is 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 of Ramadan
Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer, and increased charity. It’s a natural time to emphasise the spiritual benefits of giving, 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 help 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.
Checklist for Fundraising Successfully 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.
Review Past Ramadan Giving
Look at how your fundraising performed in previous years – which activities resonated most with your community, and where you saw the biggest uplift. Use that insight to prioritise what to repeat and what to improve.
Design Clear Fundraising Campaigns
Define what your Ramadan fundraising will support. Some great examples include:
- iftar programmes
- zakat distribution to local families
- support for overseas projects
- Qur’an classes
- youth initiatives
- mosque facilities and rennovations.
Clear, specific appeals help donors connect emotionally and spiritually with your goals.
Prepare Your Team
Ensure staff and volunteers know their roles for Ramadan – from donor communication to event logistics and online responses. Early planning builds confidence and ensures smooth execution during the busiest weeks.
Update Your Donation Terminals
Create Ramadan-friendly campaigns on your Dona donation terminals and make sure the suggested donation amounts designed to inspire higher levels of donations during this important time.
Make It Easy and Inspiring to Give
Create Ramadan-Friendly Donation Channels
Provide easy ways to give. Use your Dona online donation pages creatively, share QR codes around the mosque, and make sure your contactless donation terminals are programmed with Ramadan-ready fundraising campaigns for zakat and sadaqah. This meets donors where they are – both in person and online.
Highlight the Rewards of Giving
Educate your community on the virtues of giving in Ramadan – that sadaqah and zakat have multiplied rewards in this blessed month. Share this messaging through sermons, newsletters, social media, and signage.
Use Digital Tools and Storytelling
Update your donation terminals with compelling screensavers, enhance your social media campaigns with short videos, tell stories about the impact donations will make and don’t forget to share progress updates on social platforms and mosque communication channels.
Digital storytelling helps donors see the tangible difference their contributions make.
Provide Zakat Calculators
Make it simple for people to determine their zakat obligations by integrating a zakat calculator on your Dona website, linking to your Dona donation webpage – this encourages eligible donors to give their zakat through your appeal.
Collect Email Addresses to Share Your Fundraising Progress
Don’t forget to turn on the “Keep in Touch” feature on your Dona donation terminals to collect GDPR-compliant newsletter sign ups when people donate.
You can use these emails to let your supporters know how the campaigns are progressing, and encourage repeat donations to meet your extra targets.
Meaningful Ramadan Fundraising Ideas
Here are effective, community-focused initiatives tailored for Ramadan:
Community Iftar Fundraisers
Host iftar events where attendees can donate or sponsor tables. Invite members of your community to break fast together while supporting your causes.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Encourage supporters to create individual fundraising campaigns which you can share on your Dona donation terminals and online giving page. This extends your reach beyond your immediate congregation.
Friday (Jumu’ah) Appeal Moments
Take advantage of high attendance during Jumu’ah prayers to gently remind and invite the community to support your Ramadan initiatives. Don’t forget to share QR codes as an easy way to give via mobile or online. This way, Gift Aid will be automatically collected to increase eligible donations by 25%.
Special Ramadan Donation Stations
Set up designated donation points within the mosque for zakat and sadaqah. Use the Dona screensaver functionality and banner designs to provide clear labels and signage.
If appropriate, consider contactless donation boxes to make giving simple and secure, and increase visibility.
Iftar Cooking or Workshops
Organise an iftar cooking class or workshop with ticket proceeds going to your cause. These double as community events and fundraisers.
Using the Tap and Go functionality on your Dona donation terminals is a great way to collect quick ticketed donations of a set-amount, to make donating fast and easy.
After Ramadan
After the fundraising is complete it is essential to thank your donors and let them know how important their donations have been.
Using email newsletters and social media can be a great way to demonstrate how 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.
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