Campaign Donor Spotlight: Idris Mokhtarzada
About Me: I’ve lived in Montgomery County my entire life—I went to school here and started two businesses here with my brothers. Giving back to my community has always been a priority for me because as a Muslim, I have a responsibility to take care of my neighbors.
When I was younger, my mom had no steady income and relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Aside from SNAP, which provided my mom and her children with some food support, my mom found the other support services she qualified for a struggle to navigate.
First, the offices were open only during working hours, and at times appointments were canceled with no prior notice.
Second, she found the forms and the hoops she had to jump through confusing and not clearly explained or identified. My mom complained that if she, someone who was then pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, was flummoxed, what were other people going through, especially those with transportation challenges?
“To provide effective solutions in our communities, it is critical for us to understand the impact of not having the support, awareness, or access to services vulnerable members of our community need for themselves or their loved ones.”
Why I Joined the Together, We Prosper Campaign: I want to make sure that everyone has the support they need, without having to struggle to find the right program for them. With this campaign, the Community Foundation is employing simple, effective systems that have the potential to fundamentally change the condition of our neighbors by investing in them directly.
I first became involved with the Community Foundation after selling our company in 2011. I joined Sharing Montgomery at the Community Foundation and served a few years as a board member for Manna Food Center. I am glad to see the Community Foundation taking this next step in not only supporting existing organizations but paving the way for new paradigms to lift up our communities.
What I wish more people knew about the purpose and impact of guaranteed income initiatives:
“Basic income has always interested me… I wish more people knew the value of believing in people and believing in humanity.”
Numerous studies have shown that cash gifts can play a role in giving people the foundation they need to improve their condition and stay on their feet. When you give people even just a little bit of money, they can put it toward something they can use in the long term. In comparison, if you look at programs like SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), yes, they have an essential purpose; However, there is no added benefit of full agency or opportunity.
In a moment in history where AI is becoming more advanced and real to everyday people, there will be impacts on populations in ways many haven’t considered or cannot fathom. As it relates to AI’s impact on jobs, it’s likely that the need for guaranteed income will become more of a priority.
If you’re considering getting involved in the Together, We Prosper Campaign: Do it. We’re at an exciting time with endless possibilities to create what we want to see in our region and beyond. I’m motivated by the Greater Washington Community Foundation’s bold vision for sustainable change through the Together, We Prosper Campaign. Their meaningful and long-standing connections with the community and deep understanding of the region they serve have been key to reaching the goals of this campaign. Widespread prosperity and eradication of needless suffering due to poverty requires commitment and action from all of us, and The Community Foundation is making it easy to start now.