As we commemorate another milestone in Dompet Dhuafa’s journey of service, Dompet Dhuafa USA reflects on our role in expanding that legacy across the Atlantic. Representing the organization’s vision in the United States since 2014, Dompet Dhuafa USA has worked quietly but consistently, building bridges of compassion between American communities and those in need across the globe.
This anniversary offers not just a moment to celebrate, but a reason to remember how far this mission of mercy has traveled and how much further it can still go.
Rooted in Purpose, Growing with Community
Dompet Dhuafa USA began with a simple yet powerful idea: that generosity transcends borders. Founded in Philadelphia and recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015, Our organization started by supporting disaster responses and organizing cultural education programs. Over time, our scope evolved to focus on empowerment; launching the DAYA Center (Development and Advancement of Youth in Action) as a space for youth education and leadership development.
What began as a grassroots initiative grew into a trusted institution, grounded in Islamic values, fueled by the goodwill of donors, and inspired by the example of Dompet Dhuafa Indonesia.
Shining Light Where It’s Needed Most
At the heart of Dompet Dhuafa USA’s mission is a deep understanding of the human need for dignity, both physical and spiritual. Nowhere is this more visible than in the Qur’an for Prisoners program, which has reached correctional facilities in Texas, Louisiana, California, and even as far as Alaska.
Between late 2024 and mid-2025, more than 370 Qur’ans (available in Arabic, English, and Spanish) were delivered to inmates seeking connection, healing, and redemption. Chaplains across the U.S. have expressed overwhelming gratitude, sharing that these sacred texts bring comfort to those walking some of life’s hardest roads.
From America to Gaza: A Lifeline in Times of Crisis
The spirit of global solidarity became even more urgent as humanitarian needs surged in Palestine. Responding to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Dompet Dhuafa USA launched the Iftar Kitchen for Palestine, providing warm meals for fasting families amid the rubble of conflict. This initiative was not merely about hunger relief; it was a statement of care, bridging continents and reminding our Palestinian brothers and sisters that they are not forgotten.
Together with Dompet Dhuafa Indonesia and other global partners, this campaign became a powerful example of how collective action rooted in compassion can offer both nourishment and hope.
Serving Joy, One Child at a Time
While emergency aid defines one facet of the organization’s work, nurturing joy is another. Through the Eid Gift for Orphans program, Dompet Dhuafa USA brought smiles to over 100 children in Indonesia. These weren’t just material gifts, they were acts of recognition and dignity, celebrating children who are too often overlooked.
Likewise, during Ramadan, zakat al-fitr distributions reached 2,090 recipients across underserved regions in Indonesia, from Riau and Central Java to Nusa Tenggara Timur, we ensuring that families celebrate Eid al-Fitr with peace and provision.
Cultivating Mind and Spirit
Beyond material support, Dompet Dhuafa USA invests in long-term empowerment through education and mental wellness. In 2023, the organization launched Halaqah Across America, a financial literacy initiative that engaged over 450 participants across the U.S. and Canada. This program helped bridge the gap between Islamic financial values and the realities of life in Western economies.
Simultaneously, through the “Aku Temanmu” mental health initiative in Banten, Indonesia, Dompet Dhuafa USA supported peer counseling and public awareness campaigns, reaching thousands of students, teachers, and parents. These programs reinforced our organization’s belief that emotional well-being is inseparable from spiritual and economic health.
Strengthening Global Synergy
On February 6, 2025, Dompet Dhuafa USA took part in Silaturahim Online Dunia (SOD) represented by Sigit Aryo Pambudi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dompet Dhuafa USA. During this event, we met with fellow representatives from around the world, sharing insights and impact stories that reflected the unique challenges and strengths of the American Muslim community.
By presenting key programs such as Qur’an for Prisoners, Halaqah Across America, and support for Afghan refugees, Dompet Dhuafa USA reaffirmed our commitment to translating the values of the Indonesian headquarters into global humanitarian action.
A Shared Legacy, A Global Responsibility
Each initiative, no matter how different in form, shares a singular goal: to restore dignity, spark potential, and extend mercy.
As we celebrate the anniversary of Dompet Dhuafa, the team at Dompet Dhuafa USA is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve, for the trust of donors, and for the enduring values that guide every step. The journey ahead is long, but the path is clear.
In a world increasingly defined by division, programs like Qur’an for Prisoners, Iftar Kitchen, and financial literacy workshops serve as gentle reminders: that giving is universal, that mercy travels far, and that no one is too distant to be reached by compassion.
With Every Action, A Prayer
To our partners, supporters, and fellow branches, thank you for believing in this mission. As we mark another year in the legacy of Dompet Dhuafa, may we continue to carry the light together.
From Washington, D.C. to Jakarta, from a prison cell in Texas to a schoolyard in Banten, this is what it means to be one ummah, serving humanity with humility, wisdom, and love.
Happy Anniversary, Dompet Dhuafa. May the journey continue with barakah.
