The Muslim Community Center (MCC) is a cornerstone of the Chicago Muslim community, providing essential religious, educational, and social services since its founding in 1969. The organization operates a full-time school known as the MCC Academy, alongside offering daily and Friday congregational prayers, funeral services, and marriage ceremonies. With $9,945,910 in total revenue for the 2023 tax year, MCC demonstrates significant scale for a community-based institution. The charity maintains an exceptional program expense ratio of 93.4%, suggesting that nearly every dollar of public support is directed toward its core community services. This financial efficiency is further highlighted by its fundraising efficiency of $0.03 per $1 raised, which is significantly better than industry norms. Beyond local services, MCC acts as a philanthropic hub, distributing $714,141 in domestic grants to various humanitarian partners. The organization is verified as zakat-eligible, supporting eight distinct asnaf categories including the poor, the needy, and travelers. Its long-standing history and 93.4% independent board provide a stable foundation for donors looking to support established Islamic infrastructure in the United States.
Impact assesses organizational indicators associated with effective programs. Alignment reflects fit with Muslim donor priorities.
Best for donors who value long-term investment in Islamic community infrastructure and want to support established educational institutions with high financial efficiency.
“The Muslim Community Center Chicago explicitly mentions "Zakat Request" as one of its services. They provide an "Online Zakat Form" for applications and an email address (zakat@mccchicago.org) for inquiries. Their website also states, "Charity 'Zakah' One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth." Furthermore, they have a process for "zakat and/or sadaqa financial assistance" where applications are approved or denied at the discretion of The Muslim Community Center of Chicago. (Source: https://mccchicago.org/zakat-request/)”