Chicago’s Pakistani community has deep roots, from the stretch of Devon Avenue co-named Mohammed Ali Jinnah Way to the suburbs of the North Shore and DuPage County. Many families here pay zakat through local mosques and want a share to reach Pakistan. This page explains how a Chicago donor can give to Peace and Humanity Welfare Organization (PHWO).
PHWO is a Pakistani organisation with a single office in Larkana, Sindh. It has no Chicago office and nobody collects for it in Illinois. You give from your own bank account, and PHWO’s services to families are free.
Local zakat, global zakat
Chicago has well-known local zakat funds that help families in the city, and that work matters. Some donors also give part of their zakat abroad, where the same dollars can stretch further. Scholars generally allow zakat to be sent to another country when the need there is greater or relatives live there; if you are unsure, ask a scholar you trust. Zakat given to PHWO is kept apart and goes only to eligible people.
Sending a gift from an Illinois bank
Choose your gift on the Donate page and note the account details shown there. Send an international wire from your bank to those details. Your dollars are converted into rupees by your bank or its correspondent; ask about the rate and fees, which vary.
Receipts and records
PHWO’s transparency page explains its registration status in Pakistan, which is in process.
Students, professionals and volunteers
Chicago’s universities and hospitals bring many young Pakistanis to the city. If you would rather give time than money, you can volunteer online — teaching, mentoring, designing or fundraising — from anywhere. Volunteers receive a certificate and a letter of appreciation.
Keep reading
Next, read our guides on how to send zakat to Pakistan, step by step and working out the nisab in your currency, or see every city and guide on the Donate to Pakistan from abroad page.
Want to give something other than money? Ways to give covers equipment, vehicles, waqf and legacies. If you know a family in Pakistan who needs help, they can request help online or ask for free legal aid, both free. You can check what PHWO publishes on transparency, and when you are ready, give through the Donate page.
Further reading and independent checks
These independent sources can help you check the facts for yourself. PHWO is not connected with them, and linking to them does not mean they endorse PHWO.
Useful links for donors in Chicago
- Embassy of Pakistan, Washington DCConsular services for Pakistanis in the United States
These are public or independent services, listed to help you give safely. They are not part of PHWO.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send zakat abroad if I live in Chicago?
Many scholars allow it, especially where the need is greater. Ask a scholar you trust if you are unsure about your situation.
Will I get a US tax receipt?
No. You receive a numbered PHWO receipt, but PHWO is not a US 501(c)(3), so the gift is not tax-deductible in the United States.
Does PHWO have a Chicago office?
No. Its only office is in Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan.
Can I pay through Zelle or PayPal?
No. The route from the US is a bank wire to the details on the Donate page.
Can I volunteer online from Chicago?
Yes. Online volunteering is open worldwide. Sign up on the Volunteer page.