About Us
Collaboration Is Not Just a Strategy —
It Is Our Practice
The Center on South Asian Studies (CSAS) is an Illinois-based nonprofit and federally recognized 501(c)(3). We bring together people, ideas, and institutions to create meaningful, lasting change.
We believe progress happens when individuals, organizations, and philanthropists work with shared purpose and mutual trust. Our role is to connect talent, strengthen capacity, and support leaders whose work requires thoughtful, long-term backing—especially initiatives that may not attract easy attention or funding.
We provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and practical institutional support to help ideas grow into sustainable institutions. Our work is selective by design, prioritizing lasting impact over short-term visibility.
Our Impact
CSAS advances its mission through three focused pathways:
Our Initiatives
We design and operate select programs aligned with our long-term priorities. These include leadership development, fellowships, and research or media platforms where we provide direct oversight and stewardship.
Focus: Direct execution and measurable impact.
Partnerships
We collaborate with aligned organizations and leaders to strengthen existing work. We contribute strategy, mentorship, networks, and institutional support to expand collective capacity.
Focus: Shared leadership and ecosystem building.
Sponsorships
We selectively back high-potential initiatives that may not easily attract traditional funding. Our support helps early-stage or under-recognized efforts grow into sustainable institutions.
Focus: Catalytic support and long-term viability.
Where CSAS Creates Change
From legal scholarship to grassroots health — here’s how we show up.
RESEARCH & MEDIA
Nous
CSAS is proud to partner with Nous — a think-tank and media house working at the intersection of research, media, and technology, dedicated to reshaping how Muslims and other marginalised communities are represented in public discourse
WOMEN & HEALTH
We The Change
CSAS is proud to sponsor We The Change — a non-profit organization focused on promoting menstrual health and hygiene by breaking social taboos, creating awareness, and distributing sanitary kits to menstruators in marginalised communities
EDUCATION
Muslim Philanthropy & Leadership
A Transformative Course for Emerging Leaders.Equip yourself with the values, knowledge, and skills to lead with purpose — through Islamic philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community impact.
EDUCATION
Center for Study of Islam in India
Advancing rigorous scholarship, preserving intellectual heritage, and cultivating principled leadership rooted in the rich and enduring traditions of Islam in India.
CIVIC & LEGAL
Waqf in India
CSAS is proud to partner with the Waqf in India: Rights, Resistance and Reform Conference — an academic initiative organized by the American Islamic College
EDUCATION
Indian Muslim Studies Portal
CSAS is proud to partner with IMS in advancing this vital mission — bringing together our shared commitment to South Asian civic leadership, research, and community empowerment.
EDUCATION
Center for Study of Islam in India
Advancing rigorous scholarship, preserving intellectual heritage, and cultivating principled leadership rooted in the rich and enduring traditions of Islam in India.
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
2025 NGO Leadership Workshop
In January 2025, CSAS trained nonprofit leaders from across South and Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur — equipping them with an Indiana University certificate, fundraising skills, and a lasting global network
EDUCATION
Indian Muslim Studies Portal
CSAS is proud to partner with IMS in advancing this vital mission — bringing together our shared commitment to South Asian civic leadership, research, and community empowerment.
What Does Muslim Philanthropy in India Really Look Like?
4,000 respondents. 8 Indian states. One landmark survey — and the findings may surprise you.
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92%of zakat is given during Ramadan alone — but is that the most effective way to give?
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~90%of donations go directly to individuals, not institutions — what does this mean for nonprofits?
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10.5%Only 1 in 10 donors gave to a charitable organisation — despite high trust scores.
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₹19KAverage annual zakat contribution — and the surprising factors that drive it up or down.