Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
Donor Prospectus
ISPU is an independent, nonprofit institution committed to education, research and analysis of key US public policy issues, with an emphasis on issues related to the American Muslim community. ISPU challenges the shaping of domestic and foreign policies that currently suffers from a lack of American Muslim input.
ISPU
Core Values
ISPU is built on five core values:
ISPU
researchers, associates and advisors are respected worldwide and possess
distinguished academic credentials and high level of experience.
ISPU Impact
ISPU has a strong belief that ideas matter and that an idea can change the world. ISPU is the only think tank that at its core specializes in the Muslim community, and strives to influence each part of the policymaking process including agenda setting, policy deliberation and enactment, and policy implementation. ISPU is able to leverage your support to partner with larger institutions, and become a trusted source of data for federal and state officials and media.
ISPU provides cutting-edge analysis and policy solutions through publications, public events, media commentary, and community research. Our multidisciplinary approach, in partnership with universities and other research institutes, serves to build understanding and create programs that effect lasting social change.
ISPU Sponsorship Opportunities
This document contains detailed information on some of the projects that ISPU is undertaking that require support. These opportunities allow donors to make a lasting impact on the American Muslim community for generations to come and advance the intellectual landscape of America. Sponsorships also allow recognition of support, and allows a more direct relationship with the research team.
Read ahead and learn how you can make a lasting contribution towards this noble cause.
Summary of Active Fundable Projects
1. Muslim Education Project
2. American Muslim Demographics and Opinions Projects
3. Mosque Development Project
4. Muslim Family and Divorce Initiative
5. Healthcare Studies
6. ISPU Internship Sponsorships
7. Miscellaneous Projects
Active ISPU Projects Requiring Support
1. Muslim Education Project:
Over the past two decades, the American Muslim community has established over 500 Islamic schools in America today. Unfortunately, there are few studies to determine what impact these schools really have. Furthermore, most Muslim children attend public schools. It is not clear what factors in the educational experience play a role in shaping the identity, academic success and civic engagement of Muslim students in various settings. ISPU intends to conduct a detailed study to answer these questions in several phases. An initial phase was completed last year with a major conference at Georgetown University. A book is currently being edited.
The results of this project will produce the first comprehensive Annual State of Islamic Schools. The full text of the report will be presented to the academic and policy making community, distributed to Islamic schools, and submitted to appropriate journals and media. A press conference is planned in Washington.
Researchers: Louis Cristillo (Columbia University), Susan Douglass and Jasmine Zine.
Budget: $150,000. Please contact us for details. Sponsorship opportunities start at $5,000
2. American Muslim Demographics and Opinions Project:
There is a lack of information about the characteristics of Muslims in America. These studies will benefit the Muslim and non-Muslim communities. For policymakers, accurate data will identify core issues that interest Muslims, and allow appropriate services and considerations. For Muslims, the study can be used in planning for future activities and growth. We expect to raise critical awareness among government officials, educators, media, community groups, and the general public about the diversity of the Muslim community in the US and about its attitudes and opinions.
Researchers: Ihsan Bagby (University of Kentucky), Louis Cristillo (Columbia University), Amani Jamal (Princeton University)
Budget: $175,000. Sponsorship opportunities start at $5,000
3. Study of Mosque Development:
The American mosque is the center of the Muslim community. This project will study how mosques have developed, identify issues and obstacles that the Muslim community faces with expansion, and analyze the legal processes dealing with erecting a mosque. The study will characterize dominant patterns of municipal and public response to Mosque development. The research team plans on conducting extensive interviews, surveys and case studies of mosques across America, and the municipal planners in selected municipalities. This report will allow optimal community relations with local mosques and effective management of growth.
Researcher: Ihsan Bagby (University of Kentucky)
Budget: $95,000, sponsorship opportunities start at $5,000
4. Initiative on Divorce and Muslim Families:
This area of research will serve to increase understanding of Muslim family structure and function. Currently, initial study on conflict resolution and utilization of public and traditional social services has begun. Additional research is planned to study marriage counseling, youth counseling, and child development. ISPU hopes to present a State of the American Muslim Family report as more research is completed.
Researchers: Julie McFarlane (University of Windsor), Sameera Ahmed
Budget: Sponsorship opportunities for interns start at $2,400.
5. Healthcare Studies:
As health care costs grow and the population becomes older, issues of access and prevention become paramount. Several studies have been proposed on studying various segments of the Muslim and ethnic population and barriers to health maintenance. Furthermore, ethical issues pertaining to end of life care need to be explored. ISPU has partnered with the American Muslim Healthcare Professionals to pursue these opportunities.
Budget: Variable, sponsorship opportunites start at $5,000
6. ISPU internships:
Your contribution will aid in developing an interdisciplinary perspective experience among young and vibrant students. Each intern will work within different sections of ISPU coordinating research projects, assisting in database management and gaining valuable experience in research policy and the think tank worlds. In the past, interns have come from across the country and have worked on numerous projects.
Cost: $2,400 per intern annually.
7. Miscellaneous Studies Requiring Sponsorship
The Consequences of 9/11: The Decline and Resurgence of International Students in the United States:
It is commonly said that 9/11 changed everything. However, the more difficult task is figuring out just what changed and what the effects of that change are. The authors investigate the effect on the number of international students admitted to the United States since 9/11, with an eye on two potential problems: the possible loss of science and engineering talent for the American economy, and the danger of a disconnect with predominantly Muslim countries as a consequence of having fewer students from those countries studying in the United States.
Researchers: James E. Hanley and Jeffrey S. Schroeder
Budget: $2,500
Muslim political contribution analysis:
This study will focus on how Muslim contributions have impacted the American political landscape. Specifically, it will look at what party and PACs American Muslim contribute to, and analyze any associated patterns. As American Muslims are growing to be a greater political force, their previous track record will be important in determining what the future holds. This study is important for planning and strategizing purposes for community leaders and political analysts.
Budget: $10,000
A 50-Year Road Map for the American Muslim Community:
The American Muslim community needs a long term vision regarding its goals and status in relations to the United States and the world. Such a vision benefits many within and outside of the community. Careful articulation of these principles can help focus and guide the development of the many uniquely Muslim institutions present today. A long term “road map” is essential in charting progress towards the goals and maintaining a healthy presence in America. ISPU wishes to spur the scholarly community to help formulate a comprehensive 50-year road map for the American Muslim community. This project will consist of 3 phases. Please inquire for more details
Budget: Variable, sponsorship opportunities start at $4000
Muslims in France: French or Muslim, What Is the Choice?
Despite the increasing numbers of Muslims in France, their disadvantaged background and lack of political organization prevent them from enjoying a status commensurate with their size. While the situation for Muslims in the United States is vastly different from that in France, it is instructive to study the French experience so that American policymakers and the public can better analyze what works in our own system and the implications of failed policies.
Researcher: Moushumi Khan
Budget: $2,500