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In a few words, how would you describe IDRF?
IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation) is a Canadian non-profit organization, dedicated to empowering the disadvantaged people of the world through emergency relief and participatory development programs based on the Islamic principles of human dignity, self reliance, and social justice. (IDRF Mission Statement)
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What are the core values that govern IDRF?
IDRF strives to upload the values of Human Dignity, Self-Reliance, and Social Justice; values that we all share in our Canadian, Muslim, and Global Communities. In addition, we stand by our vision of IDRF as ‘people helping people’; linking Muslim Canadian communities and Canadians from coast to coast with development and relief projects in countries around the world.
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When and by whom was IDRF founded?
IDRF was founded by a small group of concerned Canadian Muslims who wished to make a significant contribution towards those less fortunate than themselves living in countries around the world. Dr. Fuad Sahin, the late Muin Muinuddin and Ebrahim Sayed, started IDRF operations in September 1984 and registered IDRF as a Canadian charitable organization in 1985. (IDRF Charitable Registration # 132542705RR0001)
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What is the focus of IDRF’s development and relief work?
By working in partnership with international NGOs and grassroots organizations, IDRF helps disadvantaged individuals around the world to meet their immediate and long term needs. IDRF represents a network of ‘People Helping People’ that teaches beneficiaries to work collectively for their own economic improvement. The organization focuses on two main types of projects:
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Development Assistance:
In regions of our world where grave poverty, illiteracy, injustice, and preventable diseases are rampant, IDRF helps disadvantaged individuals access primary education, basic health care and sanitation, clean water, and modest opportunities for income generation.
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Relief Aid and Rehabilitation: IDRF provides immediate assistance to those affected by natural disasters or wars by providing victims with basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, trauma, counseling, and medical assistance.
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What types of sectors does IDRF offer services in?
IDRF strives to provide the following basic necessities to disadvantaged children, women, and families around the world:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Public Infrastructure
- Housing
- Emergency Relief
- Livelihood Development
- Gender Empowerment
- Environment, Water, & Sanitation
To view our current projects in each sector, please visit PROJECTS BY SECTOR on our website.
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What Regions of the World does IDRF operate in?
IDRF has, to date, worked in partnership with local implementing agencies on projects in 27 countries, located in South and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Americas. To view some of our current projects, please visit PROJECTS BY REGION on our website.
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Who decides which projects IDRF will support?
The decision is made by the IDRF Board of Directors, based on the comprehensive research and recommendations of the IDRF Program Department Staff and the IDRF Program Committee.
However, the nature of the projects and the type of work which is supported is made by our local development partners and the project participants themselves. No-one knows better than the community residents themselves and the local partner organizations what the priority needs are and what the most effective development response would be in terms of meeting basic human needs, supportive social services, or enhanced livelihoods.
This creative dynamic partnership between community people and their local development partner organizations result in the innovative projects being presented to IDRF every day for our consideration.
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Who implements IDRF’s projects overseas?
IDRF works in partnership with international NGOs and grassroots organizations that carry out development and relief projects in areas affected by grave poverty, illiteracy, injustice, preventable diseases, natural disasters, and man-made conflicts. Most of our projects are initiated by our local partners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the particular context they are living and working in. Grassroots organizations have the ability to respond directly to the needs of the people, allowing IDRF to implement projects that ensure long-term sustainability for the local community.
Each partner is carefully researched by our Program Department team, formal partnership agreements are signed indicating organizational expectations for both sides, regular contact is maintained throughout the project cycle through follow up on financial and narrative reporting on project implementation. For larger projects, IDRF staff and/or Board members carry out project monitoring visits.
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How do IDRF and CIDA work together?
In its aim to empower the disadvantaged people of the world through emergency relief and participatory development programs, IDRF has had a long-standing partnership with Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). In its far-reaching history of providing overseas assistance, IDRF has been able to approach CIDA through several CIDA funding mechanisms, depending on the immediate crisis situation, the sector of work planned for the project, or the nature of the project itself. IDRF has implemented long term development projects in certain countries, like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh where every dollar contributed for that project, CIDA doubled. For certain, disasters like the 2005 Pakistan earthquake or Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar the Canadian government matched dollar for dollar the generous contributions received from IDRF donors. At other times CIDA has provided grants, to which IDRF has added its own funds even though it was not a requirement.
The fact that at any given time IDRF may be supported through multiple channels demonstrates the high degree of confidence that CIDA has in IDRF’s ability to deliver effective, accountable and reliable projects in different parts of the world.
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Does IDRF only fund projects for Muslim communities?
IDRF seeks to link Muslim communities across Canada with effective development projects being implemented by local partners in countries around the world. IDRF's work is founded upon the Islamic principles of human dignity, self-reliance and social justice. IDRF helps people and communities regardless of colour, creed, ethnicity or religion.
While many IDRF-supported projects are located in Muslim communities or in countries with large Muslim populations, IDRF also works in partnership with non-Muslim partner organizations in countries with Muslim minority populations. What is most important to IDRF is that the projects represent the most effective development response to a particular situation and that the projects meet the needs of the most disadvantaged members of the society.
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How can I donate to IDRF?
You can make a one-time donation or sign-up to become a monthly donor through one of the following options:
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Visa or Mastercard, using the secure ONLINE DONATION FORM on this website.
- Visa or Mastercard, by phoning IDRF toll free at 1-866-497-IDRF (i.e. 4373) or (416) 497-0818.
- Cheque or money order, payable to "IDRF" and mailed to IDRF, 2 Berkeley St., Suite 210, Toronto ON Canada, M5A 4J5
- Drop in at the IDRF office located at the above address.
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How do I become a monthly donor?
Become a monthly donor by establishing regular, easy, monthly contributions from your bank account or credit card. You can specify the amount you want to contribute monthly, then the sum in taken out of your account on the 15th of every month. If you wish to set-up your account today either visit our secure online donation form or call us toll-free at 1-866-497-IDRF (i.e. 4373) or (416) 497-0818.
Furthermore, IDRF Guarantees a quick and easy administration process. If you would like to cancel or adjust your monthly donation at any time, for any reason, simply contract IDRF and adjustments or cancellations will be made immediately.
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How can I get involved?
IDRF offers various streams in which local community members can get involved and help make a difference.
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Fund Project Work: Make an individual donation, or engage your personal networks to raise funds together toward and on going project of your choice.
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Volunteer: IDRF relies on the enthusiasm, creativity, and initiative of our dedicated volunteers. Donate your time, skills, and experience to continue effective development and relief work. For more information, please contact us at: (416) 497-0818 ex. 223 or
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Fundraise: IDRF is dedicated to working closely with youth, schools, and local organizations to increase interest in humanitarian and development issues that confront our world today. If you wish to organize your own fundraising campaign to support IDRF’s projects and educate your local community, please contact at
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and we will be delighted to explore possibilities with you.
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IDRF Membership: Anyone who donates a minimum of $100 per year
on a regular basis is eligible for a free IDRF membership. As a member,
you will be able to vote on IDRF policies, bylaws, and Board
memberships, as well as, may be recruited to join one of IDRF's working
groups.For more information, please get in touch with us.
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Does IDRF offer an Professional or Academic internships?
IDRF has offered internship opportunities in the past. If you would like to find out more about current IDRF internship opportunities, click here.
Please note, candidates are highly encouraged to get involved with IDRF through volunteer work. More information on volunteer opportunities can be found in the get involved section or by emailing
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Do I get a tax deductable receipt?
Yes. IDRF is a Canadian not-for-profit organization, a recognized Canadian charity (IDRF Charitable Registration # 132542705RR0001) that provides a tax deductable receipt for all donations.
IDRF is committed to providing charitable receipts for all donations with a rapid turn around to show our appreciation for your generosity. Donors living in Canada can use their receipts for tax deductable purposes. Unfortunately, IDRF is not, as yet, in a position to offer charitable receipts for gifts and donations received from outside of Canada.
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Where can I access the official logo for IDRF?
If you require IDRF's official logo for fundraising purposes, please email us at
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.
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What code of ethics does IDRF follow?
IDRF proudly complies with the CCIC Code of Ethics , which outline minimum ethical standards that organizations to follow in the areas of governance, organizational integrity, management/human resources, financial management and fundraising communications.
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How can I follow IDRF online?
Become a proud IDRF supporter and follower by subscribing to follow our updates online:
What is the cost of an IDRF Membership?
IDRF Membership is FREE to active donors. Anyone who donates a minimum of $100 per year on a regular basis is eligible for a free IDRF membership. As a member, you will be able to vote on IDRF policies, bylaws, and Board memberships, as well as, may be recruited to join one of IDRF's working groups. For more information, please get in touch with us.
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