Faith, Generosity, and Justice: Dilnaz Waraich on Muslim American Giving
What does it mean to tell the Muslim American story of generosity? Why is it important to talk about “religious justice” in philanthropy alongside other forms of justice? These are questions that President of the WF Fund and philanthropic advocate Dilnaz Waraich explores with hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette as she shares her journey from kitchen table conversations about giving back to leading narrative change work that highlights Muslim American generosity.
In this episode, Dilnaz discusses Islamic principles behind charitable giving, why trust-based philanthropy requires humility, and how interfaith bridge-building strengthens communities. She also offers candid insights about her mistakes as a donor, the power of storytelling in philanthropy, and why “you’re just enough” might be the encouragement hesitant donors need to hear right now.
Guest Info:
Dilnaz Waraich serves as the president of the WF Fund, a Chicago based funder focused on unifying communities and amplifying impact across the country. Dilnaz sees herself as a philanthropic advocate, a role that shapes both her professional and personal life.
As president of the Fund, Dilnaz was instrumental in establishing the Community Collaboration Initiative, a three-year community-based research project of the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy where she serves on the Board of Visitors. The initiative, which included the Year of Learning and Muslim Collaborative Prizes, charted a new path for Muslim American nonprofits to learn and work together, and created a model for other intra and inter-faith collaboration.
From 2023-2025, Dilnaz served as a fellow for the National Center for Family Philanthropy. Through her fellowship, the WF Fund launched Inspired Generosity, a storytelling showcase. Opening in Atlanta in 2024, Inspired Generosity continues to uplift stories of Muslim American generosity as it moves around the country from Chicago in the fall of 2025 to Minnesota in the spring of 2026.
Grounded in her own faith and family, Dilnaz has spent over 30 years engaging in interfaith communities toward deeper cultural sensitivity, spiritual engagement, and civic empowerment. Her early career as an elementary school teacher helped shape her desire to uplift those from historically marginalized communities. Whether it’s serving as a Trustee at the Catholic Theological Union, or doing regular visits as a volunteer hospital chaplain, Dilnaz fosters inclusion and belonging in everything she does.
Credits:
Podcast Production: Rococo Punch
Artwork: Jay Kustka
Resources:
WF Fund
Inspired Generosity: stories of Muslim American generosity
National Center for Family Philanthropy
Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy
“The Next Day” by Melinda French Gates
Connections for the Homeless
Equal Justice Initiative
PBS documentary series: “American Muslims: A History Revealed”