So how do we do it?
Well, it has more to do about what we don’t do, truthfully.

 

We don’t do marketing. 
No glossy printouts, no special gifts to special donors, no pre-paid posting for donation envelopes, no letters to remind you to donate.

 

We don’t do expensive fundraising events.
No booking glitzy high end venues, no honorariums for VIP speakers, no event sponsorships, no kickbacks to social media influencers

 

We eliminate costs where ever we can
We don’t need an office because our work is done virtually, and we get the word out by using social media and word of mouth.

 

We do have unavoidable expenses.
But they are not covered by the donations we collect.  We have a small group of dedicated supporters who fund this specific part of our operations (website hosting, transfer fees, audit costs, etc). We find this formula of financing to be the most ethical, but also the one that creates the most impact for our beneficiaries and donors.

How does this work in practice?
If you donate $10,000:
– by cheque: $10,000 goes to the overseas project.
– by credit card: Our donation platform (Zeffy) requires a certain threshold of credit card fees be reimbursed (approx. 3% so for $10,000, it would be around $300). Donors are welcome to include a contribution to Zeffy when donating, which lessens that amount to be paid to Zeffy.

What happens to the donations on the ground?

Some of our projects overseas, like our Basic Needs Program in Karachi, are implemented by amazing volunteers.
For other programs we hire people to provide services.  For example we will hire workers to install clean water sources; doctors and healthcare staff at our clinics; teachers at our educational projects; monitoring officers to ensure all orphans registered are genuine cases and all orphans and their guardians are receiving their care, and so on.

 

Why do we do it this way?
OBAT Canada is a charity committed to being charitable.  This initiative is not about us, or our efforts, nor about you, our donors.  It’s about impoverished, neglected communities who live in desperate conditions and live difficulties beyond our imaginations.  They persevere despite immense hardship and injustice, and deserve every dignity afforded to the rest of us. They are our focus. Our 100% model means that we can create the biggest impact possible, and avoid any distractions that would detract our attention away from those who need it most.

If you’d like more details about our philosophy, you can find them here: Keeping the Charitable in Charity

 

Zakat Policy (For Muslim donors)

When do we distribute your Zakat?
OBAT Canada understands the importance of timely distribution of your zakat. Our aim is to distribute it within one lunar calendar. This one year timeline is especially important as the majority of our funding is received in Ramadan, but our programs run throughout the year so we have to keep sufficient cash reserves to ensure programs are being funded and operating in the months prior to Ramadan as well.  Online resource to calculate Zakat. Please contact us if you need further support to calculate Zakat.

Who is eligible for Zakat?

The Poor (Al-Fuqara): People who do not have enough wealth to meet their basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter. The Needy (Al-Masakin): Individuals who are in need but not necessarily poor in the strict sense. They may be able to meet their basic needs but are struggling with extra costs or specific challenges. Those Employed to Collect Zakah (Amil Zakah): People who are appointed to collect and distribute zakah. They are entitled to a portion of the zakah as payment for their work. Those Whose Hearts Are to Be Reconciled (Muallafatu Qulubihim): New Muslims or those who are being persuaded to embrace Islam, or those whose support will benefit the Muslim community or prevent harm to the faith. This category aims to strengthen their ties to Islam. To Free Captives (Ar-Riqab): This refers to helping people in slavery or bondage to gain their freedom. Historically, this could refer to freeing slaves, but in modern contexts, it might apply to helping individuals in situations of forced labour or exploitation. Those in Debt (Al-Gharimin): Individuals who are in debt and unable to repay their loans or financial obligations. Zakah can be used to help them pay off their debts. In the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah): This category includes spending on causes that benefit the Muslim community, such as religious education, or supporting initiatives that promote Islam and aid in the welfare of Muslims. The Wayfarer (Ibn as-Sabil): Travelers who are stranded or in need while on a journey and cannot access sufficient resources. Even if they are wealthy in their own land, they may be entitled to zakat if they find themselves in a difficult situation while traveling.