Islamic Relief USA Ranked in Top 150 on Annual 'Philanthropy 400' List

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Islamic Relief USA (IR USA), a relief and development organization based in the metro DC area, announced today it ranks # 131 on the 2010 Philanthropy 400 list published by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a biweekly newspaper that covers the nonprofit world.

Each year, The Chronicle of Philanthropy surveys the nation's charities to determine which have raised the most in monetary donations and noncash gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations over a 1-year period.

"We are truly humbled to rank among the most successful charities in the country," said Abed Ayoub, CEO of IR USA. "We see this as a reflection of the growing trust our donors have in us to provide meaningful giving solutions for global poverty. Islamic Relief USA is grateful to its many donors and strategic partners who are collectively helping achieve this mission."

This was Islamic Relief's first time on the Philanthropy 400 list. It raised more than $147 million charitable dollars in its 2009 fiscal year, doubling its earnings from the previous year.

Donations overall to the nation's largest charities grew by 4.3 percent last year, to $6.75 billion, according to The Chronicle's survey this year. While the increase was smaller than in the previous two years – when Hurricane Katrina and the Asian tsunamis generated an outpouring of charitable donations – American fund-raising organizations still achieved 18-percent growth in donations over the past two years.

For the seventh consecutive year, Islamic Relief USA has also been awarded four stars by Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the country. This prestigious award puts Islamic Relief among the top 2.25 percent of charities in the nation. To learn more, visit www.islamicreliefusa.org.

About Islamic Relief USA: Inspired by Islam's values on charitable giving and community development, IR USA is a relief organization dedicated to alleviating poverty through disaster relief and development projects in the U.S. and globally for communities regardless of color, race, religion, or creed. For more information, please visit www.islamicreliefusa.org.

Islamic Relief USA's response to Hurricane Katrina assisted over 60,000 people in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and also raised more than $2.2 million dollars for the Haiti earthquake.

Its domestic programs include "Day of Dignity" (www.dayofdignity.com), an annual campaign to provide thousands of homeless and underserved people in cities across America with food, clothing, blankets, medical care, first aid, and other social needs.

Note: Islamic Relief USA's CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) number is 10194.

MEDIA CONTACT: Rabiah Ahmed at 202-439-1441 or [email protected]

SOURCE Islamic Relief USA