Apply for Zakat

When You’re in Need …

At MCC, we believe we’re more than a masjid: we’re a part of every community member family we are privileged to serve. As your regional community hub, please do not feel ashamed and do not hesitate. We are honored you are partnering with us to help you and your family through this difficulty.

If you need only food, mental counseling, or health services, there is no need to apply. Please get in touch with our pantry or our partner organizations for free or reduced care:

If You Need Food …

We are at your service and can arrange for basic groceries and essentials to be delivered to you and your family. Let us know here or message the MCC Food Pantry at pantry@staging.mcceastbay.org to schedule delivery.

If You Need Health Care …

Contact the APPNA clinic. They provide periodic health appointments free to the community.

If You Need Money …

We want to be there for our MCC friends and family. Care volunteers and staff at MCC have been trained to help those in need during difficult situations. Meals, transportation, a listening ear, counseling recommendations, and financial assistance to meet other needs are ways we can help.

For help with rent, household expenses, and more, please complete this application.

Apply for Zakat

Applications are processed daily. Based on the number of applications we receive each day, applicants will hear back within one to three days. By sending an incomplete application or omitting supporting documentation, you will significantly delay assistance reaching you. Please submit a complete application with all supporting documents. Please help us get help to you quickly by submitting only complete applications.

Due to the number of applications we receive each day, there is a minimum of up to seven business days processing time for applications.

Once MCC East Bay receives your application, it will be reviewed first by the MCC Zakat Committee. The Committee may contact you, your references, and other mosques in the Bay Area.

To reach Aminah Abdullah, MCC’s Zakat administrator, please:

You can also mail or drop off the printable application with supporting documents to:

MCC Zakat Committee
5724 W. Las Positas Blvd. #300
Pleasanton, CA 94588.

To Support MCC’s Zakat Efforts …

We are honored you are entrusting MCC with this sacred gift. Please donate at https://staging.mcceastbay.org/zakat-fund

We are the largest Muslim nonprofit provider of basic human needs in Alameda County.

And we aren’t just proud—we’re humbled—to support the poor and working poor to move toward financial independence and self-sufficiency. Our simple goal is to offer our community members the necessary resources to shape their best tomorrow.

We provide mentorship and emergency assistance to families struggling to manage their payments. We focus on developing long-term self-sufficiency for families through managing their finances and skill development.

Our approach differs based on each family’s circumstance; our clients vary from local families to refugees and many other families.

Our support is limited to the East Bay (generally all of Alameda, some parts of Contra Costa counties, and parts of San Francisco County). For other areas in the Bay Area, please contact:

MCC Zakat Committee Due Diligence Process

MCC Zakat Team volunteers and staff are committed to protecting the integrity of Zakat funds and promoting self-sufficiency amongst our recipients.

The applicant’s authenticity of need is verified in a detailed process, including reviewing bank statements and conducting interviews to identify genuine needs. We review applicants who reapply by verifying the applicant’s persistent genuine needs. Additionally, we check with other Zakah committees at masjids in the Bay Area, sharing insights and best practices for responsible and effective fund allocation.

Questions? zakat-committee@staging.mcceastbay.org

Types of Assistance Considered

Unexpected setbacks can cause “normal life” to turn into unfavorable conditions such as poverty and homelessness for individuals, families, and children. MCC is committed to helping Bay Area Muslims during these circumstances and getting people back on their feet and track again. These are the primary categories of assistance considered under MCC’s Zakat Sharing Program:

  • Housing Assistance
    • Security deposit for permanent housing
    • Delinquent rent or mortgage
  • Critical Family Needs
    • Utilities (electricity, gas, or water) under threat of shut-off or already shut off at current residence
    • Limited furniture items under specific circumstances, including fire/catastrophe, extended homelessness, and domestic violence.
    • Limited medical equipment and mobility aids (deemed medically necessary and not otherwise covered by insurance).

Program Information

  • Assistance is provided on a one-time basis.
  • Applicants are screened for prior funding.
  • The program operates year-round. Eligible applicants can apply at any time during the year.
  • MCC assistance is crisis and needs-based and not an entitlement program. Funding is not guaranteed.
  • A valid and documented crisis must support requests for assistance.
  • Proof of all income and ability to handle monthly financial obligations on an ongoing basis is required. Priority is given to low-income households.
  • Documentation will be required to confirm each household’s eligibility status. Simply meeting these criteria DOES NOT entitle or guarantee household assistance. Grants are based not only on criteria being met but also on merit and the greatest need.

 

Questions? zakat-committee@staging.mcceastbay.org