2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, but we’ve also borne witness to some beautiful acts of kindness and generosity by fellow Malaysians. From spearheading homegrown initiatives that support local businesses to simple acts like handing out packet drinks to the police officers monitoring roadblocks, we’ve seen that generosity can stem from even the smallest actions.

But if you’d like to make a difference with convenience, the easiest way to do so would be to set aside a donation for charity. After all, donating to charity has a number of positive effects. For one, studies have shown that you’ll find yourself happier after donating. Secondly, you can claim tax deductions for monetary contributions to charity as long as they are made by the end of the assessment year. So, to claim this tax deduction for the Year of Assessment Year 2020, your tax-exemption donation receipt needs to be dated 31 December 2020 at the latest.

There are several well-deserving charities out there that raise funds for a variety of causes. If you’re looking to direct your donations to a Shariah-compliant platform that makes a difference on a broader scale, and across many different sectors, then Sadaqa House should be on your list.

What Is Sadaqa House?

Sadaqa House is the first Islamic charity crowdfunding platform in Malaysia. This initiative by Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad is based on the Islamic principle of “Sadaqah” (i.e wealth distribution); considered to be the highest process of managing wealth from an Islamic perspective.

Using good governance and professional fund management, backed by Bank Islam’s experience and infrastructure in traditional banking, Sadaqa House aims to deliver inclusive, positive, and sustainable impact for both Muslim and non-Muslim communities by facilitating contributions between donors, changemakers, and beneficiaries.

This charity crowdfunding platform strives to give back to society in a way that is transparent and impactful by playing an intermediary between donors and recipients.

Sadaqa House has four sectors that it focuses on and under each sector, there are appointed organisations that they call “changemakers” that in turn, implement impactful projects that aid fellow Malaysians.

The four sectors Sadaqa House focuses on and their changemakers:
Education: ●        Pertubuhan Kegiatan Dakwah Islamiah Sekolah-Sekolah Malaysia (PEKDIS) ●        Brain For Future ●        Buku Jalanan Chow Kit	Health ●        IJN Foundation
Environment ●        Universiti Teknologi Malaysia	Community Empowerment ●        MyVista ●        Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah ●        Mercy Mission Malaysia

3D Prosthetic Limbs, Solar-Enabled Electricity, and More — How Sadaqa House is Making a Difference

One project of note is by MyVista, a changemaker appointed by Sadaqa House that produces 3D prosthetic limbs for children. Funding by Sadaqa House has not only given MyVista a new 3D printer but has helped fit four children from underprivileged backgrounds with 3D printed robotic arms in 2020, thus increasing their self-esteem to mingle with their peers and go to school.

On the environmental front, public donations to Sadaqa House helped engineers and students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Institut Latihan Perindustrian Kepala Batas successfully install a solar-panel system at Kampung Orang Asli Woh Intake, Tapah Perak. With this installation, the community, which previously had no supply of electricity and had to rely on generators for power, now enjoys the benefits of lit homes at night. The children of the village now have the opportunity to study and complete their homework in a brighter environment.

Other than that, with donations by Sadaqa House, other changemakers have also been able to make an impact.

• The IJN Foundation, one of the first changemakers, has been able to provide heart surgery for 57 underprivileged paediatric patients to date.
• Brain For Future has provided financial aid to underprivileged tertiary students.
• Mercy Mission Malaysia has provided food assistance to reduce malnutrition in underprivileged families.
• Pertubuhan Kegiatan Dakwah Islamiah Sekolah-sekolah Malaysia has distributed funding to support and assist the activities of rural Islamic da’wah schools.
• Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BCJK) received a van to aid transport of their students and help with their catering services that boost income
• Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah has been able to provide financial assistance to 16 women micro-entrepreneurs to help them grow their business and in turn support their families and community better.

BangKIT Microfinance — A New Initiative by Sadaqa House

Branching out even further, Sadaqa House also aims to help micro-entrepreneurs through its newest initiative, BangKIT Microfinance.

BangKIT provides capital to selected unbanked and underbanked micro-entrepreneurs to start-up or expand their businesses. In line with Islamic principles, this Shariah-compliant initiative offers the al-Qard (interest-free) contract with a repayment period of 6 months to 3 years.

With RM2 million allocation, this facility expects to benefit almost 200 micro-entrepreneurs. Financing starts from RM500 to RM3,000 for start-up businesses and RM3,000-RM20,000 for business expansion.

You Can Make A Difference Too!

Without public and corporate contributions, it would be nearly impossible for Sadaqa House to continue funding impactful projects together with the changemakers and BangKIT Microfinance. Whether you choose to donate directly to selected changemakers, help support BangKIT micro-entrepreneurs, or contribute to the General Fund, you can make a difference with your donations.

You can make a difference by donating to Sadaqa House by referring to its official website at www.sadaqahouse.com.my/how-to-donate. Contributions can be made via Bank Transfer to Sadaqa House at account number 140 140 101 88888 (Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad) or Bank Islam Credit Card-i TruPoints redemption at https://trurewards.bankislam.com.my/ (Product Categories: Charity). Members of the public can also donate via SnapNPay and Boost e-wallet app with relevant QR Codes which can be obtained at adaqa House website.

Let’s continue to tap into that generous spirit as the year comes to an end, and leave 2020 behind with a legacy of kind and charitable acts.

Donate now to Sadaqah House.

• TAGS:
• BangKIT Micro-Entrepreneurs
• BangKIT Microfinance
• Bank Islam
• Sadaqa House