Two men in suits shaking hands and holding a trophy together, smiling, at an awards ceremony.
Two men, dressed in business suits, exchanging a trophy and shaking hands at an award ceremony, with a white and dark blue background.

Honoring a Lifetime of Service and Leadership

HONORING A LIFETIME OF SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

HONORS

Harvard University crest featuring a shield with the words 'Veritas' and a banner with 'Harvard' 
Change Leader During Crisis, Harvard University 
2020
Circular logo with the words "Arise Chicago" in the center. Outer ring contains the text "Since 1991" at the top and "Faith. Labor. Action" at the bottom, separated by small dots. 
Faithful Leadership Award, ARISE Chicago 
2020
Logo of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, featuring a crescent and city skyline 
Top Muslim Achiever Award, CIOGC (2016) 
2016

FOUNDATION RECOGNITION

A logo featuring a stylized compass rose with blue and green shades, with the words "Charity Navigator" underneath.

4/4 Star Rating for Zakat Foundation of America

4/4 Star Rating for Zakat Foundation of America

A graphic with a black rectangle at the top, followed by a black star shape, and the word 'CHI' in bold black letters below. 
Mayor of Chicago’s Office Recognition
2025
Logo for Gifa, Global Islamic Finance Awards, featuring a stylized globe with grid lines to the right of the text. 
Global Islamic Finance Awards Excellence Award 
2024 - 2025
A group of diverse people attending an annual staff retreat, posing for a group photo in a conference room with tables and a banner that reads 'Zakat Foundation of America'.
People sitting around a large conference table during a meeting in a room with white walls, a whiteboard, some pink post-it notes, and a window.

Halil Demir’s recognitions reflect decades of dedication to humanitarian service, social justice, and leadership rooted in dignity and compassion. Each award represents the collective efforts of communities, partners, and teams working together to respond to crisis and create lasting impact.

People working together to pack boxes in a store or warehouse, with boxes and trash bins around.
Group of smiling young people, many wearing yellow safety vests, gathered in an indoor space with some people making peace signs. Background includes boxes and supplies, indicating a community or volunteer event.
Group of five young volunteers wearing beige vests standing with an elderly man in a refugee camp with tents in the background. The elderly man is seated, smiling, waving, and has two yellow bags placed in front of him. The scene is outdoors under a partly cloudy sky.
Children sitting at a table drawing and coloring, surrounded by adults standing and taking photos in a bright room with the Zakat Foundation of America logo on the wall.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

DC Mayor Recognition | 2025

DC Mayor Recognition | 2025
GIFA Award | 2024

GIFA Award | 2024
City of Baltimore Award | 2024

City of Baltimore Award | 2024
American Red Cross | 2022

American Red Cross | 2022
MAS-ICNA Convention Community Service Award | 2021

MAS-ICNA Convention Community Service Award | 2021
ARISE Chicago Award | 2020

ARISE Chicago Award | 2020
International Human Relations Council Recognition | 2020

International Human Relations Council Recognition | 2020
California Legislature Assembly Recognition | 2020

California Legislature Assembly Recognition | 2020
American Islamic Association | 2019

American Islamic Association | 2019
Charity Navigator | 2019

Charity Navigator | 2019
Indiana University Recognition | 2019

Indiana University Recognition | 2019
Human Rights Champion Award | 2018

Human Rights Champion Award | 2018
MEATF Award | 2018

MEATF Award | 2018
7th Congressional District MEATF Awardee | 2017

7th Congressional District MEATF Awardee | 2017
Golden Heart Award | 2017

Golden Heart Award | 2017
BBB Award | 2016

BBB Award | 2016
Baitulmaal Award | 2014

Baitulmaal Award | 2014
MAS Chicago Award | 2013, 2018

MAS Chicago Award | 2013, 2018
Leading By Example Award

Leading By Example Award
Islamic Society of Palestine Recognition | 2008

Islamic Society of Palestine Recognition | 2008