FAQ
General & Programs
What is IDRF’s mission?
IDRF is a Canadian charitable organization, dedicated to empowering the disadvantaged people of the world through emergency relief and participatory development programs based on the Islamic principles of human dignity, self-reliance, and social justice. Read more about our mission here.
Where does IDRF work?
As a humanitarian organization, IDRF is ready to respond to any crisis in the world where we can provide valuable assistance and support. To date, IDRF has worked in nearly 45 countries, located across South and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Americas.
Who implements IDRF’s projects overseas?
IDRF is proud to work with many excellent local and international partners around the world. These partnerships improve the quality of the programs that we provide, ensuring that projects are relevant to the community and bring about sustainable local change.
Each partner is carefully researched by our team, and partnership decisions are made by committee consensus following strict guidelines. IDRF utilizes project and partner review and audit processes which are routinely reviewed for compliance with current law and international best practice. These systems allow IDRF to retain direction and control over the activities of our partner organizations and to operate with transparency and clarity throughout the lifetime of the project, in complete compliance with CRA requirements.
How do you monitor impact?
IDRF has dedicated staff who liaise continually with partners to ensure that projects meet rigorous standards. IDRF staff perform detailed background audits on all potential partners before launching projects. Ongoing narrative and financial reporting and evaluations are critical to our work, and IDRF routinely conducts assessments of projects in the field, ensuring funds are used efficiently and effectively.
IDRF’s Board of Directors and relevant sub-committees provide oversight, direction, and accountability to our staff’s efforts.
IIDRF is honoured to have been recognized for our exceptional standards in accountability, transparency, and efficiency, and remains committed to upholding these high standards in all of our work.
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When and by whom was IDRF founded?
IDRF was founded by a small group of concerned Canadian Muslims who wished to make a significant contribution towards those less fortunate than themselves living in countries around the world. Dr. Fuad Sahin, the late Muin Muinuddin and Ebrahim Sayed started IDRF operations in September 1984 and registered IDRF as a Canadian charitable organization in 1985.
(IDRF Charitable Registration # 132543005RR0001)
What is the focus of IDRF’s humanitarian and development work?
- Emergency Response & Disaster Prevention
- Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene
- Economic Development
- Food Security & Nutrition
- Education
- Health
IDRF also provides avenues for Muslim supporters to offer Qurbani, Fitrah, and Zakat.
How does IDRF respond in an emergency?
IDRF is prepared to respond to humanitarian disaster when the need strikes. During a crisis, IDRF staff consult with local experts, international partners, and cluster leads to identify the most pressing needs and to determine a prudent course of action. Our model is adaptive, and ensures that whatever approach we take is one that meets the most urgent needs in these areas and avoids duplication.
IDRF adheres to the Sphere Project’s Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response and evaluates programming against these standards. IDRF also adheres to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief.
Does IDRF only fund projects for Muslim communities?
No. IDRF is a diverse organization and helps people and communities around the world regardless of colour, creed, ethnicity or religion.
Our work is founded upon the Islamic principles of human dignity, self-reliance and social justice, and as such, we seek to link communities across Canada with effective development projects being implemented by local partners in countries around the world.
While many IDRF-supported projects are located in Muslim communities or in countries with large Muslim populations, IDRF also works in partnership with non-Muslim partner organizations and in countries with Muslim minority populations. What is most important to IDRF is that the projects represent the most effective development response to a particular situation and that the projects meet the needs of the most disadvantaged members of the society.
Finance & How to Take Action
How does IDRF treat Zakat donations?
It is important for us to bring a sense of assurance to our Zakat donors by explaining how IDRF treats one of the five fundamentals of Islam with the sensitivity that it wholly deserves.
Once IDRF receives a donation marked as “Zakat” it is recorded under an exclusive account called: “Zakat Funds.” These funds are not pooled with other donations that are allocated to each of our current projects. The precise allocation of funds according to each project is to ensure that Zakat funds are spent exactly for the designated purpose. Its distribution is spelled out in the noble Qur’an (9:58-60) leaving no room for any ambiguity of who is entitled to receive the Zakat money. Those who entrust their Zakat funds to IDRF are ensured that their Zakat is dispensed according to the Qur’anic injunctions.
IDRF has earned the trust of our donors because of our consistent high standard of accountability, transparency, efficiency and integrity.
Why and how should I become a monthly donor?
Become a monthly donor by establishing regular, easy, monthly contributions from your bank account or credit card. You can specify the amount you want to contribute monthly and that amount will be taken out of your account on the 15th of every month. If you wish to set-up your account today either visit our secure online donation form or call us toll-free at 1-866-497-IDRF (i.e. 4373) or (416) 497-0818.
Furthermore, IDRF guarantees a quick and easy administration process. If you would like to cancel or adjust your monthly donation at any time, for any reason, simply contact IDRF and adjustments or cancellations will be made immediately.
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How can I donate to IDRF?
You can make a one-time donation or sign-up to become a monthly donor through one of the following options:
- Visa or Mastercard, using the secure ONLINE DONATION FORM on this website.
- Visa or Mastercard, by phoning IDRF toll free at 1-866-497-IDRF (i.e. 4373) or (416) 497-0818.
- Cheque or money order, payable to “IDRF” and mailed to IDRF, 23 Lesmill Rd., Suite 300, North York, ON M3B 3P6, Canada
- Drop in at the IDRF office located at the above address.
Do I get a tax deductable receipt?
Yes. IDRF is a Canadian charitable organization (CRA Charitable Registration # 132542705 RR 0001) that provides a tax deductible receipt for all donations with a rapid turnaround to show our appreciation for your generosity. Donors living in Canada can use their receipts for tax deductible purposes.