Trust Purpose

The Rabbani Trust was created to address a number of charitable needs. Eshraghieh and Mahmoud Rabbani, life-long members of the Bahá’í Faith, had a vision. They wanted to help people of all faiths and creeds. In keeping with their shared belief in the universal Bahá’í spiritual teachings of unity and the oneness of human-kind, the Rabbanis established, before they passed on, a basic plan to make their living trust a vehicle of good works and service.

The Rabbani Charitable Trust is a nonprofit, tax exempt entity, raising and disbursing funds for charitable, religious, literary and educational purposes, to promote the spiritual and social well being of the entire human race.

Without restrictions as to race, religion, sex or national identity, the Trust provides funds for worthy projects which will benefit humanity at the local and national level.

According to the terms of the Trust Agreement, which became effective January 25, 1991, the approved purposes for Trust distributions are:

• Homes for the aged and needy;

• Archives of Bahá’í books, documents and other materials;

• Schools;

• Bahá’í conferences;

• Medical clinics;

• Dental clinics;

• Mental health clinics;

• Medical research centers;

• Hospitals;

• For the relief or benefit of the disabled or unemployed persons residing in the United States or anywhere in the world.

The Trust fulfilled its first approved purpose of providing housing for low‑ and moderate‑income families from 1991 to 2022. In addition, the Trust makes regular contributions to Bahá’í institutions and allocates funds for other major initiatives. Until early 2013, these efforts included its well‑regarded annual Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development, later known as the Rabbani Trust Bahá’í Conference in Orlando.

Today, the Trust continues to advance its mission by supporting organizations engaged in meaningful social action and the discourses of society. Through its scholarship initiatives, the Trust assists nonprofit groups that are working to uplift communities, strengthen educational opportunities, and contribute thoughtfully to conversations that promote unity, justice, and collective well‑being. These efforts reflect the Trust’s commitment to fostering capacity, encouraging constructive participation, and empowering organizations dedicated to the betterment of society. 

The Rabbani Charitable Trust is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes under Internal Revenue Code Section 170(c)(2).

Donations to support the continuing work of the Trust are greatly appreciated. For information on how to do so, click on "Donate to the Trust" above.

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