Zakat Foundation of America in
India
Response to Humanitarian Crisis
Over the past decade, India has endured seasonal monsoon floods, cyclones, and earthquakes. Combined with rapid population growth, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change, these challenges have increased the need for urgent humanitarian assistance for 13.1 million people across the country as stated by the United Nations.
Zakat Foundation of America is combating poverty in India with a holistic approach that combines immediate relief and sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities. Through food distribution and hot meals, we address hunger, especially during Ramadan and Udhiyah/Qurbani. Our orphan support provides financial aid, education, and healthcare. The Water Program ensures access to safe water, while the Education Program offers scholarships and resources to underprivileged children. Our Health & Wellness Program provides medical assistance, and the Livelihood Program empowers individuals with vocational training, helping them build financial independence. By blending emergency relief with long-term solutions, Zakat Foundation is dedicated to creating lasting change in India.
Our Impact in India
Stories of Change
Asma Shaikh
With the support of our Livelihood program, Asma Shaikh, a widow and mother of four, was able to open her own egg fried rice shop in Madarmatti, Karnataka, India, after years of struggle. Asma had always worked hard to support her family, but after losing her husband to illness and having to sell his shop for medical expenses, she found herself working as a housemaid, barely making ends meet. “With Zakat Foundation of America’s help, I now have a steady source of income that allows me to care for my children and provide them with a good education,” says Asma. Today, her shop provides for her family and allows her to spend more time with them, especially her son, who helps her run the business. Asma feels proud and empowered by the opportunity to support her children, and with the savings she now has, she feels a sense of freedom and security she never thought possible.
Zoya Budihal
"I no longer feel tired in the afternoons. I'm getting fresh, nutritious meals every day and feel healthier. Now I can focus on my studies and play with my friends after school. I'm very thankful to Zakat Foundation of America and its donors," says Zoya Budihal, a 14-year-old 7th grader from a low-income family in Anand Nagar, Hubli, Karnataka. She lost her father at the age of four, and her mother struggled with depression and financial hardship. As the sole breadwinner, Zoya’s mother worked as a housemaid, but her income barely covered rent and utilities, leaving little for food. Before the Zakat Foundation of American School Meal Project, Zoya often went to school without breakfast. The program provides her with daily meals like yogurt, bread, and chicken biryani, improving her health and academic performance.
News From India
2/26/25
Zakat Foundation of America Establishes Businesses for Widows in India
In India, widows face countless challenges in their daily lives. Zakat Foundation of America established and trained 120 total widows to operate the following businesses.
Stories
2/26/25
The Road to Better Futures: Providing 50 Cycle Carts for Vulnerable Families in India
To help alleviate the plight of the unemployed in the region, Zakat Foundation of America provided cycle carts for 50 heads of family in villages of the Araria district of Bihar.
Stories
2/25/25
Investing In Her Future: Zakat Foundation of America’s Partnership with Jamea-tus-Salehaat is Transforming Education in India
Zakat Foundation of America is funding education and paving the way for these girls to transform their lives and become agents of change in their families and communities.
Stories
Captured Moments: A Glimpse of Our Work
Countless families in India line up to collect emergency flood relief supplies.
Orphaned girls in India study at Jameatus Salihaat through the generosity of donors.
Rohingya refugees in India rejoice on receiving Ramadan food packages for their iftar meals.
Winter relief brings joy to families in India who collect blankets at our distribution.
Your Udhiyah shares bring tears to her eyes as we distribute meat packages in India.
Children in India rejoice after receiving their Udhiyah meat packages.
Families in India affected by the flood receive emergency relief items.
Flood emergency relief distributions in India help families displaced by rising waters.
Food security for school children in India helps with focus during lessons.
Full stomaches for school children in India empower them to do better academically.
Livelihood skills trainings ensure women tread the path to self sufficiency in India uplifting them out of poverty.
Our field teams in India work tirelessly to ensure needy families have essentials.
The joy of Eid is shared through gift distribution for orphaned children.
The joy of receiving a Ramadan food package in India is contagious.
Your Udhiyah share helps food insecure families eat nourishing meals and gives them hope that they are not alone.
Help India Now
Education
Providing access to education & creating powerful antidotes to unrest, distrust, & war.
Give to EducationEmergency Relief
Help victims of disaster & violent conflict recover and heal. Give $100 for Emergency Relief.
Give to Emergency ReliefFood Security
Delivering urgent food in Ramadan & year round to relieve starvation.
Give to Food SecurityHealth & Well-Being
Leading critical projects to heal bodies, minds, & souls.
Give to Health & WellbeingLivelihoods
Lifting people out of poverty & ensuring their self-reliance. Give $350 for Livelihood.
Give to LivelihoodsSeasonal Islamic Giving
Additional opportunities to provide more aid throughout the world.
Give Seasonal Islamic Giving
