The Midwest is home to some of the largest and most established Muslim communities in America, particularly in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Indiana. Zakat in the region is often distributed through a combination of national Muslim charities and trusted local masjid-based programs.
This guide highlights real zakat-eligible organizations serving Muslims across the Midwest—starting with national organizations active throughout the region, followed by state- and community-specific options.
Before donating, we recommend calculating your zakat using the HalalWallet Zakat Calculator, then returning to this guide to choose where to give.
→ Calculate your zakat with HalalWallet
National Zakat Organizations Active Across the Midwest
These organizations operate across multiple Midwestern states, including Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
1. ICNA Relief
ICNA Relief is one of the largest domestic zakat distributors in the United States and is active throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Indiana. Its programs support emergency financial assistance, food pantries, refugee services, and family aid, with clear zakat designation available at checkout.
2. Zakat Foundation of America
Zakat Foundation of America is a zakat-focused organization with deep roots in the Midwest and headquarters in the Chicago area. It operates domestic zakat programs across multiple Midwestern states, focusing on food assistance, housing relief, and emergency aid.
3. Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA operates domestic assistance programs in several Midwestern states, supporting food security, seasonal assistance, and emergency aid. Zakat eligibility depends on the specific program selected.
State & Community-Specific Zakat Options
Below are local organizations and masjid-based zakat programs with strong reputations in specific Midwestern states.
Illinois (Chicago & Greater Chicagoland)
Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) is a Chicago-based nonprofit serving low-income and underserved communities through food access, health services, and hardship assistance. Zakat-eligible programs are available. Learn more at https://www.imancentral.org.
Zakat Foundation of America also operates local Midwest programs alongside its national work and has a long-standing presence in Chicago Muslim communities.
Many Chicago-area mosques operate zakat funds, including Islamic Foundation (Villa Park) at https://www.islamicfoundation.org and Masjid Al-Faatir / Mosque Foundation (Bridgeview) at https://mosquefoundation.org.
Michigan (Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor)
Zaman International is one of the most respected Muslim-led charities in Michigan, focusing on women, families, food security, and housing stability. It accepts zakat for eligible assistance programs. Learn more at https://zamaninternational.org.
The Islamic Center of Detroit operates a masjid-based zakat fund serving Detroit-area families through a direct community distribution model. Learn more at https://www.icdonline.org.
Many mosques in Dearborn and Ann Arbor operate confidential zakat committees serving local families.
Ohio (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati)
Noor Islamic Cultural Center in Columbus operates one of the largest and most structured zakat and community assistance programs in the Midwest. Learn more at https://noorohio.org.
ICNA Relief is active across major Ohio metro areas, providing food assistance, emergency aid, and family services.
Minnesota (Twin Cities)
Islamic Relief USA is active in Minnesota through food pantries and relief efforts in the Twin Cities. Zakat eligibility varies by initiative.
In Minnesota, zakat is often distributed through local masajid and community centers serving immigrant and refugee populations.
Indiana & Surrounding States
ICNA Relief supports families and individuals across Indiana through food access, emergency assistance, and social services.
Many smaller Midwestern states rely primarily on local mosque zakat committees for distribution, particularly in cities such as Indianapolis.
How to Choose Between National and Local Zakat Options
There is no single right approach. Many Muslims in the Midwest choose to give part of their zakat through national organizations for scale and infrastructure, while also supporting local masjid-based programs for direct community impact.
Don’t See the Organization You Use?
If you give zakat through a Midwest-based organization not listed here, confirm that zakat is explicitly accepted and distributed separately, review transparency and reporting practices, and ensure recipients meet zakat eligibility criteria. You can also suggest organizations to HalalWallet for future updates.
Continue the 2026 Zakat Series
← Back to Where to Give Zakat in the U.S. (2026 Guide)
Learn more about zakat eligibility and calculate your zakat using HalalWallet’s tools.