The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI) organizes symposiums and seminars; convenes philanthropic leaders; holds training programs; conducts research; and recruit Muslims in the field to train and empower a new generation of philanthropic and nonprofit leaders. 

MPI was established in 2017 as an initiative of Lake Institute on Faith and Giving and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy dean’s office.

Muslim philanthropy has been under greater scrutiny by media, scholars, the public, and government. Muslim philanthropy is perceived as a solution to challenges while some are also suspicious. The Muslim nonprofit and philanthropic sector is seeing dramatic growth to respond to these challenges.

MPI seeks to further research in this under-studied area, help develop thought leadership, frame conversations, and train philanthropic and nonprofit leaders within Muslim philanthropy. MPI also seeks to educate the broader public, media, public officials, and the public about Muslim philanthropy through empirical, high-quality research. 

MPI is guided by a Council of Advisors appointed by the dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.