Spreading Compassion, One Drop at a Time.   Donate Now
Donate Now

FAQs

General

We understand that you may have questions about our work, programs, and how you can get involved. Our FAQ section is designed to provide clear and concise answers to the most common questions we receive. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us directly.

How are donations at Droplets of Mercy spent?

Droplets of Mercy prioritizes minimizing administrative costs while maximizing the impact of your contributions. We operate in 10+ countries, working with local partners to identify and address critical needs of the most vulnerable communities. After identifying projects, our Programs Department thoroughly reviews budgets to optimize each donor’s reach. Post-implementation, we consistently monitor and assess program effectiveness.

What countries does Droplets of Mercy work in?

Droplets of Mercy works in 26 different countries:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh (including Rohingya Refugees), Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Palestine (West Bank & Gaza), Somalia, Sudan, Turkey (Uyghur and Syrian Refugees), Uganda, USA, Canada, Yemen, Kenya, Lebanon (Lebanese & Syrian Refugees), Jordan (Palestinian refugees, Syrian Refugees & Jordanians)

Do you accept in-kind donations?

Droplets of Mercy primarily considers in-kind donations from institutional donors, manufacturers, and NGOs due to the cost challenges associated with individual donations. To maximize our impact and assist those in need most effectively, we encourage financial contributions. For in-kind donations, please consider supporting local organizations that can distribute items more efficiently within your community.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, your donation is tax-deductible pursuant to IRC 170(c). Droplets of Mercy is a non profit organization that originated in Canada and has been working on various projects all over the world.

How does Droplets of Mercy ensure that my donation goes directly to the intended appeal and cause?

Droplets of Mercy ensures that your donation goes directly to the intended appeal and cause. We meticulously track and allocate donations, collaborating with local partners to address the most pressing needs on the ground. We take our checks and balances seriously to guarantee your donation's impact.

What is your administrative cost?

Droplets of Mercy works diligently to keep administration costs down, however, administrative costs are necessary in order to run an effective and efficient organization. We maintain a 12.5% admin cost.

Ramadan

Fidya is a religious donation in Islam that helps those in need when someone is unable to fast during Ramadan. The word “fidya” comes from the Arabic root Fada, which means “to ransom” or “to redeem”. The current rate is a $10 daily donation to provide meals for those in need. For example, missing the entire month of Ramadan due to illness would require a $300 fidya donation ($10 x 30 days).

Droplets of Mercy  has established a feed the fasting program during the month of Ramadan. Prices per package vary based on country and food prices that year. However, each Ramadan feed the fasting package will feed a family of 5-7 for the entire month of Ramadan.

Zakat ul Fitr must be paid within the month of Ramadan. The latest it can be paid is before the Eid prayer.

Orphan Sponsorship

We classify an orphan as a child under 18 without a father or both parents, or when the father’s location has been unknown for at least two years. This is often the case for many refugee children whom we sponsor. Orphan status is irrespective of gender, religion, or race.

Orphans are selected according to five key criteria: vulnerability, financial need, family size, housing conditions, and health. Priority for sponsorship is given to families facing the most severe circumstances, such as larger families in greater financial struggle. Confirmation of sponsorship requires official documentation, and the selection process must be free from discrimination based on race, religion, color, age, gender, or disability. At Droplets of Mercy we reley on the local partner to determine the need as they are familiar with the local community members.

We offer orphan sponsorships in the following countries: Turkey (both Uyghur & Syrian refugees), Pakistan, Uganda, Palestine (orphan support (non sponsorship), Jordan (Palestinian & Syrian refugees)
Our orphan sponsorship program may include education, clothing, medical & food aid however varies per country.
Given the amount of orphans we sponsor we unfortunately do not allow this at this time. However, you will receive quarterly updates regarding your orphan and their wellbeing.
You will receive quarterly updates regarding your orphan and their wellbeing.

Zakat

Zakat is a mandatory annual payment made by eligible adult Muslims whose wealth surpasses the Nisab value over one Islamic (lunar) year. These payments are intended to aid those facing the greatest need, both within the nation and globally.
Nisab serves as the threshold for the eligibility to pay Zakat for Muslims. It is determined by two values:
  • Gold – equivalent to the monetary value of 87.48 grams of gold.
  • Silver – equivalent to the monetary value of 612.36 grams of silver.

The ever-changing values of gold and silver affect the Nisab threshold, and tools like our Zakat calculator help determine eligibility and amounts owed. To qualify for Zakat, one’s wealth must exceed the Nisab threshold for a full Islamic year, or ‘Hawl,’ lasting 354 lunar days. If your wealth drops below this threshold during the year but remains above it at the beginning and end of the Hawl, you should seek advice from your local imam.
In terms of Zakat, a Hawl means one lunar year, which is approximately 354 days long.
Yes, you have the option to pay Zakat in installments, although it is generally preferable to make a single lump-sum payment. But if you are confident that your wealth will remain stable, you can pay in advance of the due date.

Zakat, a form of charitable giving in Islam, comes with specific eligibility criteria. While husbands cannot give their Zakat to their wives since they are already responsible for their well-being, wives can contribute to their husbands’ Zakat as long as they meet certain conditions. This means that wives should not indirectly benefit from the donation, like their husbands using the funds to buy gifts for them.

The categories eligible to receive Zakat are eightfold:

  • The impoverished.
  • Those in need.
  • Zakat administrators.
  • Reconciliation of hearts.
  • Individuals in bondage or captivity.
  • People burdened with debt.
  • Those striving for the cause of Allah.
  • Travelers in need.
The responsibility to pay Zakat is not required for all Muslims; specific criteria are outlined in the Qur’an. One must have reached the age of puberty, be Muslim, possess a sound mind, be free, and maintain a positive cash or goods flow, along with personal wealth exceeding the Nisab value.
To calculate your Zakat, assess your wealth, including personal assets and cash. It’s important to note that Zakat is applicable only to assets that do not contribute to your daily living expenses. For instance, a second home in which you don’t reside should be considered in your calculations, whereas your primary residence should not be included. The same applies to vehicles: your second car, seen as a luxury, should be factored into your Zakat calculations, while your primary vehicle, considered a necessity, should not.

Eligible assets for Zakat calculation include:

  • Cash on hand, in bank accounts, or savings accounts.
  • Funds set aside for specific purposes, such as Hajj, a property deposit, or a wedding.
  • The value of gold and silver in your possession.
  • Stocks and shares in your ownership.
  • Total income generated from renting out a property you own, like a second home.
  • The value of any loans you’ve provided to others and expect to be repaid.

What not to consider when calculating Zakat:

  • Any payments due in the month you pay your Zakat.
  • Debts you owe, such as mortgage or rent payments, credit card debts, and personal loans.
  • Items like household appliances and clothing.
  • Business expenses, including bills, salaries, rents, and rates.
  • Business loans and overdrafts.
Your Zakat is due once your wealth surpasses the Nisab threshold for a full Islamic year, calculated on the day of payment. The month of Ramadan is a favored time, with Allah multiplying blessings for giving. However, you can pay Zakat at any time during the year if your wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold for a lunar year. Remember, this is distinct from Zakat al-Fitr, or Fitrana, which must be paid during Ramadan before the Eid prayers.

Droplets of Mercy  aligns with the consensus of scholars, designating zakat collectors as one of eight legitimate beneficiaries. Under our Zakat policy, we can allocate up to 12.5% of zakat-specific fund donations for core functions, covering administration and operations. This means that 87.5% directly benefits those in need, while 12.5% is earmarked for Droplets of Mercy’s administrative needs.

Zakat and Zakat-Al-Fitr differ in their timing and intent. Zakat-Al-Fitr, observed exclusively during Ramadan before Eid, typically involves food donations. In the US, Muslim Aid accepts cash contributions of $10 per person to provide food assistance to those in need.
Zakat al-Fitr should be paid on behalf of everyone in the family.
It should be paid before Eid prayer (or any day during Ramadan).

Qurbani

The animals are different per country — they may range from a cow, sheep or a goat.

Droplets of Mercy works with local partners on the ground to determine who is in greatest need to receive the Qurbani meat. They are contacted in advance and based on their location, they may either pick up the Qurbani meat at a convenient central location or it is hand delivered to their homes — especially for those who are elderly and disabled.

Once the Qurbani meat has been slaughtered, it is distributed to the families in need the same day.

Droplets of Mercy recognizes the different school of thought (fiqh) in the Islamic tradition, and welcomes all to fulfill their religious right as they see fit.

We allow for Qurbani donations up until the third day of Eid al-Adha. We prepare the animals and plan six months ahead of time. We do not take more donations than what we have prepared for, so your Qurbani sacrifice will be carried out on time.

Aqiqah

Aqiqah is a sunnah carried out by parents or guardians after a child’s birth. It is most preferred on the seventh day after the child’s birth, with flexibility on the 14th or 21st. At Droplets of Mercy , we align Aqiqah sacrifices with your preferences. The baby’s hair is shaved, and the sadaqah calculated is based on the daily silver rate.

Droplets of Mercy performs Aqiqah in Uganda

Following your donation, your Aqiqah request typically takes about two weeks to be fulfilled. Once the request is made, we ensure the Aqiqah is performed within two weeks, and our donor care team will update you upon completion.

Water Wells

It takes approximately 9-12 months for a well to be completed.

Droplets of Mercy works with many different types of wells, including shallow wells, community/school wells, mega wells, solar-powered wells, and hand pump wells. The type of well is selected based on the terrain and landscape.

Every well is different. The wells on average serve the following:

  • Hand-pump wells on average serve:
  • Mega wells on average serve:
  • Community/school wells on average serve:
  • Solar-powered wells on average serve:
  • Shallow wells on average serve:

Droplets of Mercy implements water wells in Yemen, Pakistan, Uganda, Ethiopia, India and Cambodia.

Every well is different. Some wells may last for only 10 years whereas solar-powered wells last for decades and will continue to run as long as they are regularly maintained.
Yes, you will be notified along the way and upon completion! You’ll receive immediate confirmation upon donation, another update a month after when the well is arranged, a notification three months after we break ground, and finally, a completion packet when the well is completed.

Droplets of Mercy will provide photos of your well along with coordinates and a complete progress report.

Pakistan
Sudan
Palestine
Uganda
Türkiye
Lebanon
Jordan
Yemen
Bangladesh
USA
Canada

Organization

Quick Links

  • Registered Charity Organization in Canada
  • CRA number: 725657316 RR0001

Connect with Us

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Icon-linkedin Tiktok

Stay Informed

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Don’t Worry, We Don’t Spam

  • © 2025 Copyright Droplets of Mercy.
Donate Now
Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Icon-linkedin Tiktok