Muslim Non-Profit Organizations in New York

Based in New York, NY, the Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE) was founded in November 2006 when 150 leading Muslim women scholars, activists, artists, and religious and civil society leaders representing 25 countries gathered to develop a comprehensive vision for improving the status of Muslim women globally. This historic founding moment established WISE as a movement rooted in the belief that gender equality is an intrinsic part of Islamic faith and that the fight for Muslim women's equality begins with fostering, collaborating with, and supporting the diverse work of Muslim women leaders worldwide. WISE envisions a world in which Muslim women leaders are instrumental in creating a peaceful and prosperous world anchored in gender equality and human dignity. The organization operates through a change theory centered on four pillars: education to empower Muslim women through research and knowledge; collaboration to foster a culture of support among Muslim women; communication to serve as a clearinghouse on Muslim women's activism and legacy; and action to develop innovative approaches to end gender-based discrimination. Supported by family foundations and individual donors, WISE has hosted six global conferences, created 600 WISE women profiles, and established a network of Muslim women activists working across continents. The organization's commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and building bridges across communities reflects its core mission to elevate Muslim women and girls as leaders and change-makers in addressing the world's most pressing social challenges.

For over 30 years, the Arab-American Family Support Center has been a trusted anchor in the Brooklyn, NY community, founded by and for Arab-Americans while remaining open and welcoming to all. AAFSC's mission centers on creating a just and inclusive society where every immigrant has the opportunity to thrive and fully participate in American life. The organization recognizes families as the foundation of community strength, offering holistic, multigenerational support that honors the cultural nuances, traditions, customs, and religious practices of those served. What sets AAFSC apart is its deep commitment to cultural competency and representation. Leadership and staff reflect the communities they serve, bringing authentic understanding and lived experience to their work. This community-centered approach means that support extends far beyond basic services—AAFSC helps families navigate government benefits, secure affordable housing, prepare for citizenship, access mental health counseling, and strengthen family bonds through parenting workshops and youth programs that provide safe spaces for young people to share experiences and succeed academically. As an explicitly anti-racist organization, AAFSC stands against all forms of oppression including racism, colorism, classism, homophobia, xenophobia, sexism, and ableism. The organization actively joins solidarity movements with the Black Lives Matter movement, LGBTQIA+ communities, and all those experiencing marginalization. Operating across Brooklyn and New York, AAFSC demonstrates that culturally specific, community-led organizations can provide transformative support while advancing racial, gender, restorative, and immigrant justice for vulnerable populations.

Founded in 1969 by approximately 25 families with a shared vision, the Turkish Society of Rochester has grown into a vital nonprofit organization serving the cultural and community needs of Turkish Americans throughout Rochester, NY. What began as a simple gathering place during Turkish National and Religious Holidays has evolved into a multifaceted community institution that honors heritage while building lasting connections among members. The Turkish Society of Rochester recognizes that its members are part of a larger diaspora—one of over 750,000 Turkish Americans nationwide, with nearly 4,000 residing in the Rochester area—and remains committed to creating spaces where families can celebrate their identity together. TSOR operates as a member-driven organization, relying on the generosity and participation of its community to sustain programming and expand services. The organization welcomes new members and volunteers who share a passion for Turkish culture and community building. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Turkish Society of Rochester maintains transparency and accountability in its mission. The organization's enduring presence in Rochester, NY reflects its deep roots in the community and its dedication to preserving Turkish traditions while fostering meaningful relationships among families. By joining or supporting the Turkish Society of Rochester, individuals contribute to an institution that has served as a cultural anchor for over five decades.