founded in 1993, Rahima International Foundation is a California-based humanitarian organization dedicated to feeding the hungry and assisting the financially insecure. The charity operates primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing food distribution, soup kitchens, and meat collection services to vulnerable populations. With over three decades of experience, the foundation has established itself as a zakat-eligible institution that serves multiple categories of asnaf, including the poor (fuqara) and needy (masakin). Financially, the organization operates with extreme leaness, reporting $4,006,022 in total revenue for the 2023 tax year. A defining characteristic of their model is their 95.3% program expense ratio, meaning every dollar of functional expense is directed toward program services rather than administrative overhead. This efficiency is further highlighted by a fundraising efficiency of $0.00 per $1 raised, indicating that the foundation does not spend donor funds on professional solicitation. While the charity maintains strong liquidity with 65.0 months of working capital, this high level of reserves suggests a significant opportunity to expand their direct service delivery to meet growing local needs.
Impact assesses organizational indicators associated with effective programs. Alignment reflects fit with Muslim donor priorities.
Best for donors who prioritize maximum financial efficiency and want their zakat to support local Muslim-led poverty alleviation in Northern California.
“Rahima Foundation explicitly lists "Zakat" under its programs and services. For example, their website states, "WHAT ELSE ARE WE DOING? ... Zakat." and "OUR PROGRAMS ... Zakat." Another source confirms, "The programs that Rahima Foundation offers: food distribution, soup kitchen, meat collection, zakat and sadaqa collection, student needs." Additionally, a charity detail page for Rahima International Foundation (a 501(c)3 Charitable & Educational Foundation based in the US) lists it as "Zakat eligible." (Source: https://www.rahima.org/general-donations-rahima)”