Our Impact
Islamic Relief has been supporting sustainable livelihoods across the globe for more than 40 years. The figures below reflect the scale of our collective impact, drawn from Islamic Relief Worldwide programme data.
40+
years of sustainable development and livelihoods work globally
40+
countries where Islamic Relief runs livelihoods and development programmes
Millions
of people lifted toward self-reliance through cash grants, training, and enterprise support
How We Support Sustainable Livelihoods
Our livelihoods programmes are built on a simple but powerful principle: give people the means to help themselves, and they will build a better future for their families and communities. We work across multiple areas to ensure that our support is comprehensive, dignified, and lasting.
Cash Grants and Interest-Free Loans
We provide cash grants and interest-free loans to individuals and families who want to start or grow a small business. This seed funding removes the most common barrier to entrepreneurship: access to capital. Recipients use these funds to purchase equipment, stock, or raw materials, and begin generating a sustainable income.
Skills Development and Vocational Training
We run vocational training programmes that equip participants with practical, marketable skills. From tailoring and crafts to agricultural techniques and small business management, our training programmes are designed to match the economic opportunities available in each community.
Agricultural and Food Security Support
For rural and peri-urban communities, agriculture is often the most accessible route to economic stability. We provide seeds, tools, training, and irrigation support to smallholder farmers, helping them to increase yields, reduce food insecurity, and generate surplus income through market access.
Enterprise Development and Mentorship
Starting a business is only the beginning. We provide ongoing mentorship and business development support to help participants grow their enterprises, manage their finances, access markets, and build the confidence to become employers in their own communities.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
Women are often the most economically marginalised members of a community, yet they are also among the most effective agents of change. Our livelihoods programmes prioritise women’s participation, providing targeted support that enables women to earn independently, support their children’s education, and contribute to household and community wellbeing.
Community Cooperatives and Group Enterprises
In some communities, we establish cooperatives that allow individuals to pool resources, share skills, and build collective enterprises. This model reduces individual risk, increases bargaining power, and creates a support network that sustains economic activity long after our direct involvement ends.