Our Story

From Brooklyn to twenty-three countries.

A $500 wire transfer in 2021. A stubborn idea that aid shouldn't need to exist. Here's how UMMA got from there to here.

Timeline

How we got here.

2021
Founded in Brooklyn, NY
Mohamed Sayed sends a $500 wire transfer to save a child in Yemen. That moment becomes the founding impulse of UMMA Foundation — registered as a 501(c)(3) in Brooklyn.
2022
First International Relief Operations
UMMA Relief launches operations in multiple countries, delivering emergency food, water, and medical aid. The Hope Bus begins weekly meal distributions on the streets of NYC.
2023
UMMA Farm & Yala Restaurant
UMMA Farm secures 8,000 acres in Egypt — a self-funding agricultural engine. Yala Restaurant opens in Staten Island as a 100% nonprofit halal restaurant where every plate funds the mission.
2024
UMMA App, NexGen Center & Global Expansion
The UMMA App launches to connect Muslim communities worldwide. NexGen Center opens for youth development. Relief operations expand across the countries documented on this site.
2025
The Ecosystem Model Proves Out
Seven interconnected programs, funded by a base that doubled between FY2022 and FY2023 — from $583,702 to $1,136,173, per our Form 990. Every program funds and strengthens the next: lasting change requires systems, not just campaigns.

Our Story

A $500 wire transfer in 2021. A stubborn idea that aid shouldn't need to exist. Here's how UMMA got from there to here.

Timeline

2021
Founded in Brooklyn, NY
Mohamed Sayed sends a $500 wire transfer to save a child in Yemen. That moment becomes the founding impulse of UMMA Foundation — registered as a 501(c)(3) in Brooklyn.
2022
First International Relief Operations
UMMA Relief launches operations in multiple countries, delivering emergency food, water, and medical aid. The Hope Bus begins weekly meal distributions on the streets of NYC.
2023
UMMA Farm & Yala Restaurant
UMMA Farm secures 8,000 acres in Egypt — a self-funding agricultural engine. Yala Restaurant opens in Staten Island as a 100% nonprofit halal restaurant where every plate funds the mission.
2024
UMMA App, NexGen Center & Global Expansion
The UMMA App launches to connect Muslim communities worldwide. NexGen Center opens for youth development. Relief operations expand across the countries documented on this site.
2025
The Ecosystem Model Proves Out
Seven interconnected programs, funded by a base that doubled between FY2022 and FY2023 — from $583,702 to $1,136,173, per our Form 990. Every program funds and strengthens the next: lasting change requires systems, not just campaigns.