The Northeast is home to one of the most established Muslim charity ecosystems in the United States. 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 that serve Muslims across the region—starting with national organizations active throughout the Northeast, 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 Northeast
These organizations operate in multiple Northeastern states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and parts of northern New England.
1. ICNA Relief
ICNA Relief is one of the largest domestic zakat distributors in the U.S., active across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and beyond. It supports emergency 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 national organization specializing in zakat distribution. It operates domestic programs throughout the Northeast, focusing on food assistance, housing stability, and emergency relief.
3. Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA operates domestic aid programs in several Northeastern states, supporting food security, emergency aid, and seasonal assistance. 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 Northeastern states.
New York
The Zakat Fund of NYC and the Muslim Community Network (MCN) are community-based nonprofits serving low-income Muslim families in NYC, focusing on emergency financial assistance and food security.
Many NYC and Long Island mosques operate confidential zakat funds, including Bronx Muslim Center and the Islamic Center at NYU. Other Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island masajid typically manage zakat directly through their offices.
New Jersey
The Islamic Center of Passaic County (ICPC) operates a structured zakat committee serving North Jersey across its Paterson, Clifton, and Younis locations.
The Darul Islah Zakat Fund in Teaneck supports families in Bergen County and surrounding areas with specialized committees for community aid.
Pennsylvania
The Islamic Society of Greater Philadelphia (ISGP) and the Islamic Society of Greater Milford (ISGM) operate masjid-based zakat funds serving their respective regions with 100% direct distribution models.
The Al-Aqsa Islamic Society in Philadelphia provides food and hardship assistance and works closely with local community members.
New England (MA, CT, RI, ME, VT, NH)
The Islamic Society of Boston (ISBCC) serves Greater Boston and surrounding areas, providing essential assistance for families and individuals in need.
In smaller New England states such as Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, zakat is often distributed through local masjid zakat committees or regional Muslim associations connected to larger metro networks.
How to Choose Between National and Local Zakat Options
There is no single right approach. Many Muslims in the Northeast 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 Northeast-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.