Muslim Charities Forum Reaffirms the Value of Partnership and Collaboration in Strengthening Civil Society 

As an infrastructure body for Muslim-led charities and civil society organisations working for social good across the UK, MCF is committed to strengthening governance, effectiveness, and collaboration across the Muslim charitable sector. 

For nearly two decades, we have built constructive relationships with the Charity Commission, the Fundraising Regulator, and government departments, acting as a bridge between institutions and Muslim-led civil society, strengthening understanding and enabling meaningful engagement. We also work closely with wider civil society, including infrastructure bodies, charities, and faith and non-faith organisations. This includes collaborating with government departments and civil society partners on the Civil Society Covenant and contributing to a stronger relationship between government and the charitable sector. 

Yet MCF and Muslim-led charities have repeatedly faced attempts to undermine their work through unsubstantiated allegations. We are concerned by efforts to use regulatory scrutiny to marginalise Muslim-led organisations or undermine their legitimate contribution to public life. The Charity Commission itself has recognised the risk of its regulatory role being weaponised against charities. Allegations should be considered on the basis of evidence and through the proper regulatory process, rather than through speculation or guilt by association. 

We are equally concerned by what appears to be a broader, potentially coordinated campaign by sections of the right-wing media, and amplified by some politicians, targeting infrastructure bodies and funders that support vital social justice initiatives. At a time when diverse communities continue to face the compounding impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, structural inequalities, and years of austerity and neglect – and as the country faces significant social, economic, and political challenges – funders’ support for the civil society organisations serving them has perhaps never been more important. 

Funding from our partners has enabled MCF to strengthen its advocacy, amplify the voices of communities facing discrimination and disadvantage, and support Muslim charities and community organisations to become more effective. This has included capacity-building workshops, governance resources, and work highlighting the sector’s contribution to youth empowerment, social cohesion, women’s rights and safeguarding, and mental health. 

Fadi Itani OBE, CEO of MCF, said: 

“We are grateful to partners who recognise the challenging environment in which diverse communities and the organisations serving them often operate. Our focus remains on working collectively to build a stronger, more accountable, transparent and effective charitable sector.” 

MCF’s longstanding partnerships are testament to our credibility as a trusted and recognised voice within civil society and public policy. We remain committed to strengthening these partnerships, fostering constructive collaboration, and championing the contributions of Muslim-led civil society, empowering organisations to continue serving communities across the UK.