Deep, Tailored Impact
We focus on fewer families at a time to ensure our assistance fully covers their essential living needs, rather than providing superficial, temporary relief.
What we do
Our Services
Facilitating a collective obligation — so that the Zakat and Sadaqa owed to the needy nearest us actually reaches them.
“For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward.”
Translation of Surah Al-Hadid, Verse 18
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates as part of a longer hadith:
“The Prophet ﷺ sent Mu‘adh (may Allah be pleased with him) to Yemen and said:
‘Invite the people to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that I am Allah’s Messenger. If they obey you in this, then teach them that Allah has enjoined upon them five prayers in every day and night. If they obey you in this, then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay Zakat from their wealth. It is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor.’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This hadith highlights the importance of directing Zakat toward those in need within the community. Local families experiencing hardship are often among those closest to us, yet their struggles can remain unseen.
The Foundation for Local Needy exists to help bridge that gap. We provide a structured and accountable way for members of our community to fulfill their Zakat and Sadaqah obligations while ensuring that assistance reaches local families who are genuinely in need.
Our goal is simple: to connect the generosity of our community with those in need within our own community—and to do so with care, dignity, and meaningful support.
How we work
Intentional in who we support—and how
Rigorous Verification
Every application undergoes a comprehensive financial review—including document verification and human compliance review—to ensure funds reach those in genuine need.
Encouraging Self-Sufficiency
While our primary focus is helping families cover essential needs and overcome immediate hardship, we steward our funds responsibly to encourage and support long-term financial independence.
100% Direct Impact
100% of your Zakat and Sadaqah reaches eligible recipients. Foundation operating expenses are funded independently by dedicated community supporters.
Sending your charity
Mark your check Zakat or Sadaqa
All donations are tax-deductible. As Zakat and Sadaqa have different fiqh rulings for disbursement please make sure you clearly mark on your checks if the charity is Zakat or Sadaqa.
By check
Please send your Zakat-ul-Mal and Sadaqa checks to:
The Foundation for Local Needy38 De Leone Cir
Franklin Park, NJ 09823
Make the check payable to Foundation for Local Needy, and write clearly in the memo section whether it is Zakat or Sadaqa.
By Zelle or Venmo
Send directly to the right mailbox
Zakat — Zelle or Venmo to Zakat@FoundationForLocalNeedy.org
Sadaqa — Zelle (Venmo not supported at the moment) to Sadaqa@FoundationForLocalNeedy.org
Every dollar goes to a family
Operating costs are covered separately, so your Zakat and Sadaqa are passed on in full.