Key Takeaways from ISLA’s Webinar with Nadeem Riaz
As Islamic schools prepare for Ramadan, many leaders are navigating a unique fundraising landscape. With year-end campaigns performing lower than usual this past cycle—and with Ramadan arriving close to the end of the calendar year—giving patterns are shifting. For many schools, this means Ramadan will carry even greater weight as a critical fundraising season.
To support school leaders during this pivotal time, the Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA) hosted a timely webinar, Ramadan Fundraising for Islamic Schools, led by Nadeem Riaz, Fund Development Expert at Oaktree Institute. Drawing on years of experience advising Muslim nonprofits, Nadeem emphasised that successful Ramadan fundraising is not about short-term urgency alone—it is about building systems, stories, and strategies that sustain schools for years to come.
Ramadan Requires Planning—Before the Moon Is Sighted
One of the clearest messages from the session was this: you cannot start planning on Ramadan Day One. Research and donor behavior show that many Muslims give in the first ten days of Ramadan, which means schools must have their goals, messaging, and infrastructure ready before Ramadan begins.
This year’s timing makes preparation even more important. With year-end fundraising down across many organisations, Ramadan giving is expected to absorb a larger share of charitable dollars. Schools that prepare early—and strategically—will be better positioned to stand out in a crowded fundraising environment.
The Case for Impact-Driven Fundraising
Nadeem highlighted research from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, noting that 87% of major donors give because they connect with a story of impact. The takeaway for schools is clear: donors are not giving to deficits—they are giving to outcomes.
When schools share authentic success stories—especially those grounded in real student, family, or community impact—donors are more likely to give again and to give more. This is particularly true when stories are framed as investments in the future, such as student success, financial aid access, or long-term sustainability.
The Four-Pillar Ramadan Campaign Framework
At the heart of the webinar was a practical Four-Pillar Ramadan Campaign Framework designed specifically for Islamic schools:
- A Clear Goal
Schools should define one primary, tangible goal for Ramadan. Rather than broad appeals, successful campaigns focus on something specific and measurable—such as $150,000 for tuition assistance or program expansion tied to community need. - A Compelling Story
Campaigns should be anchored in two to three core stories that highlight students, families, or the school’s broader impact. Stories should be emotionally resonant, concise, and tied directly to the campaign goal. - Strategic Outreach (Before and During Ramadan)
Outreach should be planned across multiple channels—email, WhatsApp, social media, Friday announcements, and one-to-one conversations for major donors. Research shows the average donor needs seven touchpoints before giving. - The Right Giving Platform
Schools should prioritise platforms that are mobile-friendly, cost-effective, and data-rich. Donor data is not just information—it is a long-term asset that enables relationship-building beyond Ramadan.
Choosing the Right “Project” for Ramadan
Another key insight was the importance of selecting the right fundraising focus for Ramadan. While schools often have many needs, Ramadan campaigns perform best when they highlight projects that resonate spiritually and emotionally.
Financial aid consistently performs well during Ramadan, while endowments often resonate with major donors seeking long-term impact. Importantly, schools can structure campaigns creatively—for example, allocating a portion of funds raised toward long-term sustainability while supporting current operations—without confusing donors.
One critical language reminder: never frame campaigns around deficits. Donors want to support organisations that are growing, stable, and forward-looking.
Ramadan Readiness: Infrastructure Matters
Beyond storytelling, operational readiness was a recurring theme. Nadeem shared a Ramadan Readiness Checklist with registrants that includes mobile-optimised donation pages, multiple payment options, automated receipts, and clear zakat and sadaqah designations. Notably, 80% of online Ramadan donations are made on mobile devices, and friction—such as excessive scrolling or unclear calls to action—can significantly reduce conversions.
Short video content also matters. Videos longer than 72 seconds see steep drop-off rates, while 30–60 second videos perform best during Ramadan.
Leveraging Platforms and Partnerships
The session also explored the growing role of third-party platforms like LaunchGood, which processed over $40 million in donations during Ramadan 2025. With global reach, built-in trust among Muslim donors, and free onboarding support, LaunchGood can be a powerful tool when paired with strong storytelling and consistent updates.
In addition, Nadeem encouraged schools to explore sub-granting opportunities with larger Islamic humanitarian organisations and to strengthen partnerships with local mosques, where fundraising tables during Ramadan often outperform those held at other times of year.
Fundraising Is a Team Effort
Perhaps most importantly, the webinar underscored that fundraising cannot sit with one person alone. Schools with engaged boards and leadership teams consistently meet their Ramadan targets through peer-to-peer outreach and aligned messaging. Gratitude, follow-up, and timely donor communication—especially within 48 hours—are not optional; they are essential.
As Nadeem reminded participants, “One day in Ramadan can equal 30 days of fundraising the rest of the year.” With the right preparation, strategy, and intention, Ramadan fundraising can do more than meet immediate needs—it can lay the foundation for a thriving, sustainable future for Islamic schools.
For schools seeking coaching or support, Oaktree Institute offers capacity-building services tailored to Muslim nonprofits. Nadeem Riaz can be reached at nadeem@oaktreeinstitute.org.
