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Tariq H. Cheema

Physician | Philanthropist | Impact Entrepreneur

Biography

Tariq H. Cheema, is a renowned philanthropist and impact entrepreneur, best known for founding the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists and the Global Donors Forum. Opting to leave behind a promising surgical career in 1997 to address global disparities, he has since established himself as a leading innovation expert and strategist, specializing in public, private, and corporate giving programs. Dr. Cheema has spearheaded numerous social initiatives, adeptly managed substantial grant portfolios, and collaborated with esteemed leaders and grantmakers to devise strategic philanthropy and impact investing frameworks. Embodying a visionary approach to promoting equitable economic empowerment and social progress, he seamlessly integrates the forces of philanthropy, business acumen, and political influence. His groundbreaking efforts to modernize and institutionalize Muslim philanthropy globally have earned him international acclaim. Dr. Cheema ranks among the top 500 Most Influential Muslims shaping our world today.

Recognition

The Muslim 500

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Ukraine, Chernivtsi Oblast Commendation

2002

Governor of Punjab Commendation

2021, 2022

Pride of Pakistan – Hall of Fame

2018

UNAOC, Global Expert

2013

Louis T. Delgado “Social Justice in Philanthropy” Award

2010

APPNA Presidential Award

2009

US Congressional Commendation

2007

Asian American Community Service Award

2005

Northwestern University, Kellogg Entrepreneur Mentor Award

2004

Indo-Pak Peace Building Award

2003

Tariq H. Cheema

Assignments

ALIGHT Pakistan

ALIGHT (Formerly American Refugee Committee)

Executive Director, Pakistan-Afghanistan, 2013-Present

National Disaster Management Authority

Isolation Hospital & Infection Treatment Center, Islamabad, Project Director, 2020 – 2021

EAA-Educating One Million Out-of-School Children Project, Pakistan

EAA-Educating One Million Out-of-School Children Project, Pakistan

Chief of Party, 2018 – 2021

APPNA

Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (APPNA), USA

Executive Director, 2006 – 2010

Nonprofit Empowerment Group, United States

Nonprofit Empowerment Group, United States

President, 2003 – 2006

Doctors Worldwide, United States Founding Executive Director

Doctors Worldwide, United States Founding Executive Director

Executive Director, 2006 – 2010

WHO-Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Switzerland

WHO-Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Switzerland

Civil Society Advocacy Coordinator, 1999 – 2000

Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), United States

Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), United States

Associate Director, 1997 – 1999

Karachi Chamber of Commerce Hospital

Karachi Chamber of Commerce Hospital

Project Director, 1995 – 1996

South East Business Group, United States

South East Business Group, United States

Associate Director, 1997 – 1999

Fellowships

Indiana University, Lilly Family School for Philanthropy-MPI, United States

Indiana University, Lilly Family School for Philanthropy-MPI, United States

Senior Philanthropy Leadership Fellow, 2023

Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE)

Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE)

Visiting Senior Fellow, 2021

El-Hibri Foundation, United States

El-Hibri Foundation, United States

Adaptive Leadership Fellow, 2022
Public Narrative Fellow, 2019

Salzburg Global Seminar, Austria

Salzburg Global Seminar, Austria

Philanthropy Studies Fellow, 2012

The Bellagio Initiative, Italy

The Bellagio Initiative, Italy

Philanthropy & Development Fellow, 2012

Madinah Institute of Leadership & Entrepreneurship, SA

Madinah Institute of Leadership & Entrepreneurship, SA

Advanced Leadership & Management Fellow, 2011

Rockefeller Foundation, United States

Rockefeller Foundation, United States

Next Generation Leadership Fellow, 2001-2003

Tariq H. Cheema

Academics

Indiana University, Lilly Family School for Philanthropy-MPI, United States

Indiana University, Lilly Family School for Philanthropy-MPI, United States

Certificate in Fundraising Management, 2012

The University of Illinois at Chicago, United States

The University of Illinois at Chicago, United States

Executive Education, International Health Leadership, 2006

Loyola University Chicago, United States

Loyola University Chicago, United States

Graduate Certificate, Advanced Study in Philanthropy, 2000 – 2001

American College of Physician Executives (ACPE)

American College of Physician Executives (ACPE)

Member, 1995

İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi, Türkiye

İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi, Türkiye

Doctor of Medicine, 1987-1993

Ankara Üniversitesi-TÖMER, Türkiye

Ankara Üniversitesi-TÖMER, Türkiye

Diploma in the Turkish Language, 1983 – 1984

Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan

Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan

Higher Secondary Education, 1995

Publications

Global Solutions Journal (THINK20)

Contributor

Global Solutions Summit Edition 2021

Journal of Muslim Philanthropy & Civil Society

Member, Editorial Board

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, IUPUI, 2018

Global Best Practices for CSO, NGO, and Other Nonprofit Boards

Co-Author

Board Source, Wiley, 2018

Global Fundraising: How the World is Changing the Rules of Philanthropy

Co-Author

Wiley, John & Sons, 2013

Alliance Magazine: Special Feature on Muslim Philanthropy

Guest Editor

September 2018

Global Philanthropy: The Past and Present

Co-Author

Mercator Fund, 2010

Tariq H. Cheema, MD

Affiliations

Founder

  • World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists (MuslimFunders)
  • Global Donors Forum (GDF)
  • US National Network of Diaspora Giving
  • Medical Tourism Association of Pakistan
  • Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education (PAGE)
  • HEED Foundation

Co-founder

  • OrthoPak
  • Diversity Forums
  • Doctors Worldwide
  • Academy of Philanthropy
  • Policy and Research Institute of Zakat Economics (PRIZE)
  • Pakistan Philanthropy Forum
  • Pakistan Action Consortium for Education (PACE)
  • Health For All Collective (HFAC)

Trustee

  • Islamic Medical Association of North America
  • Momina Cheema Foundation
  • Doctors Worldwide Trust Hospital
  • Taaleem Foundation
  • Pakistan Children Heart Foundation
  • Kashmir Education Foundation
  • Food Security & Agriculture Center of Excellence (FACE)

Advisor

  • Lingshan World Philanthropy Forum, China
  • International Zakat Organization, Malaysia Finocracy, UAE
  • Ali Vural Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies at George Mason University, US
  • AFG College, Qatar
  • Spark, Netherlands
  • American Islamic College, US
  • Nonprofit Empowerment Group, US
  • Zakat Foundation Institution, US
  • Shifa International Hospital, Pakistan
  • IU Muslim Philanthropy Initiative, US
  • Development Strategies, Pakistan
  • Chicago Clerkships, US

Member

  • APPNA
  • Hayat Sağlık Vak
  • IMANA
  • Lahore Gymkhana
  • Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry
  • Istanbul University Alumni
  • Loyola University Chicago Alumni
  • Forman Christian College Alumni
Tariq H. Cheema, MD

Humanitarian Response

Gaza Humanitarian Mission

Gaza Humanitarian Mission

2023

Türkiye -Syria Earthquake

Türkiye -Syria Earthquake

2023

Pakistan

Pakistan Floods

2022-2023

Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Ukraine-Russia Conflict

2023

Afghan Refugee Crisis

Afghan Refugee Crisis

2022

Pakistan

The Covid-19 Pandemic

2020-2021

Pakistan

Pakistan FATA IDPs Crisis

2015

Pakistan

Pakistan Floods

2010-2011

Pakistan

Pakistan Swat IDPs Crisis

2009

Pakistan

Pakistan Earthquake

2005

USA

Hurricane Katrina

2005

Indian Ocean Tsunami

Indian Ocean Tsunami

2004

Kosovo Medical Mission

Kosovo Medical Mission

2000

Türkiye -Syria Earthquake

Turkey Izmit Earthquake

1999

Chechen-Russia Conflict

Chechen-Russia Conflict

1999

Bosnia & Herzegovina Medical Mission

Bosnia & Herzegovina
Medical Mission

1997-1998

Türkiye -Syria Earthquake

Turkey Erzincan Earthquake

1992

Coverage

Coverage

+1 312 715 8061 | tcheema@muslimfunders.org