How Ramadan Giving Can Guide Your Year-Round Fundraising ??
At Eternal Sparks Consulting, we see Ramadan as more than just a season of giving, it’s a roadmap for what truly drives people to donate. Every year, Muslim generosity reaches incredible heights. In 2016, Muslims in the UK donated over ￡100 million to charities during Ramadan. In the U.S., Muslim Americans contribute an estimated $1.8 billion in Zakat annually, with the majority of these donations given in Ramadan.
These numbers tell us something important: when people feel urgency, emotional connection, and community-driven momentum, they give more. But what if we could apply the same principles beyond Ramadan? Here’s how nonprofits can turn Ramadan fundraising lessons into a year-round strategy.
Create Urgency Like Ramadan Giving
During Ramadan, people give because they know their rewards are multiplied, and they don’t want to miss out. Fundraising campaigns should take advantage of this same psychological trigger throughout the year. Instead of relying on generic “please donate” messages, organizations can tie their appeals to key Islamic months, community milestones, and limited-time donation matches.
For example, structuring a campaign around the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah, when good deeds are highly rewarded, can bring in a surge of donations. Similarly, using countdowns and real-time progress trackers creates a sense of momentum, encouraging donors to act before it’s too late.
Encourage Recurring Giving Like Zakat
Zakat isn’t a one-time donation, it’s planned in advance, ensuring steady and impactful giving. This same idea should be applied to monthly giving programs, making it easy for donors to commit to ongoing support. Organizations that position monthly giving as a form of ongoing Sadaqah Jariyah tend to retain more donors long-term.
Instead of asking people to donate only when needed, nonprofits should offer automated payment options, so donors can “set and forget” their contributions. Small but consistent giving adds up over time, making it more accessible for donors and providing a stable source of income for organizations.
Build Emotional Connection Like Ramadan Giving
One of the biggest reasons giving increases in Ramadan is because it feels deeply personal. People don’t just give because it’s an obligation, they give because they feel spiritually connected to their generosity. This sense of impact should extend throughout the year.
Sharing real-life stories about how donations change lives is a powerful way to keep that emotional connection strong. A simple video update from a recipient or a personalized thank-you note can make donors feel like they’re part of something bigger. Many successful fundraising organizations send special duas or prayers for their donors, reinforcing the spiritual benefits of giving.
Use Community Fundraising Year-Round
Ramadan donations often happen in groups, whether through mosques, family donations, or peer-to-peer fundraisers. Organizations that embrace community-driven fundraising outside Ramadan can see a huge increase in engagement.
Encouraging donors to fundraise within their own circles or organizing small community-led campaigns can make a massive impact. Partnering with businesses, mosques, and local groups to host charity events, virtual fundraising challenges, or group pledges keeps fundraising efforts dynamic and engaging.
Keep the Giving Spirit Alive All Year
The final 10 nights of Ramadan are the most generous of the year. But the same sense of urgency exists during the end-of-year tax deadline, when many people donate for tax deductions. Organizations should create quarterly giving pushes, offer tax-saving reminders, and align fundraising with other significant Islamic dates to maintain momentum.
If your organization wants to extend the impact of Ramadan, we can help. The generosity of this holy month doesn’t have to end after Eid, it can fuel sustainable, year-round fundraising strategies.
?? Book a free consultation and let’s craft a strategy that keeps your fundraising strong all year long.
?? Visit: Eternal Sparks Consulting
? Want More Tips Like This? Sign up for our newsletter at Eternal Sparks Consulting to get simple, helpful advice delivered to your inbox.
?? Subscribe here: eternalsparksconsulting.com/newsletter