# Muslim Public Affairs Council Foundation

> The Muslim Public Affairs Council Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit behind MPAC's national work to improve policies and public understanding affecting American Muslims. Its operating model connects policy research, government advocacy, community leadership, security monitoring and entertainment-industry consulting - an unusual combination designed to change both the rules people live under and the stories through which their neighbors see them.

- **Founded:** 1988
- **Headquarters:** Los Angeles, United States
- **Founders:** Salam Al-Marayati (Co-founder and President), Maher Hathout (Co-founder and former Senior Advisor), Abdelhamid Youness (Co-founder and first National Director)
- **Team size:** LinkedIn displayed 67 associated employees in September 2026; the profile's stated company-size band was 11-50 employees.
- **Products:** Policy research and advocacy, Young Leaders programs, MPAC Hollywood Bureau, Obeidi-Alsultany Test, Center for Security, Technology, and Policy
- **Notable:** Built a national advocacy organization from a Southern California mosque-based public relations committee formed in 1986 and renamed MPAC in 1988., Established a Washington presence and maintained engagement with Congress, executive agencies and multiple presidential administrations., Created the Hollywood Bureau in 2011 and consulted with companies and networks including Disney, Paramount, Amazon, Hulu, CBS, NBC, Fox, FX, National Geographic, Starz and BBC1.

## Products & services

- **Policy research and advocacy** — Policy papers, legislative analysis, government briefings, coalition letters and issue campaigns on civil liberties, religious freedom, immigration, national security and foreign policy.
- **Young Leaders programs** — Summits, fellowships, internships and policy development experiences that connect emerging Muslim leaders with public service and government institutions.
- **MPAC Hollywood Bureau** — Script review, production advice, inclusion presentations, talent connections, screenwriting labs and industry thought leadership focused on nuanced Muslim characters and stories.
- **Obeidi-Alsultany Test** — A five-point framework evaluating originality, Muslim creative authorship, character depth, narrative significance and diversity in Muslim film and television portrayals.
- **Center for Security, Technology, and Policy** — Data-driven monitoring of anti-Muslim threats, legislation, media and online discourse, producing incident trackers, security bulletins, reports and policy briefings.
- **Community toolkits and action alerts** — Practical guides and mobilization tools for mosques, advocates, faith leaders and community members on safety, rights and public policy campaigns.

## Achievements

- Built a national advocacy organization from a Southern California mosque-based public relations committee formed in 1986 and renamed MPAC in 1988.
- Established a Washington presence and maintained engagement with Congress, executive agencies and multiple presidential administrations.
- Created the Hollywood Bureau in 2011 and consulted with companies and networks including Disney, Paramount, Amazon, Hulu, CBS, NBC, Fox, FX, National Geographic, Starz and BBC1.
- Developed the five-point Obeidi-Alsultany Test for evaluating Muslim characters and creative authorship in film and television.
- Co-hosted the inaugural National American Muslim Policy Conference in 2022.
- Earned 100% scores on several Charity Navigator accountability checks based on FY2024 disclosures, including audited financial statements and audit oversight.
- Launched data-driven incident and legislative monitoring through the Center for Security, Technology, and Policy.
- Convened more than 800 attendees at the December 2025 Empowering Voices gala, according to event partner Islamic Relief USA.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Joined the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign and interfaith partners on Capitol Hill to challenge anti-Muslim rhetoric and defend religious freedom.
- **2026-09** — Opened Fall 2026 internships in policy communications, programming, policy and development across Washington, Los Angeles and Chicago.
- **2026-09** — The Muslim House expanded to the Toronto International Film Festival, taking MPAC's entertainment-industry convening outside the United States.
- **2026-08** — The Center for Security, Technology, and Policy published an August bulletin on coordinated harassment campaigns targeting Muslims.
- **2026-07** — Published a security bulletin on online calls to burn mosques and resulting arson threats.
- **2025-12** — Held an Empowering Voices gala in Virginia attended by more than 800 people, according to Islamic Relief USA.
- **2025-07** — Issued a joint statement with J Street on humanitarian aid, a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, joined by six members of Congress and 25 organizations.

## Links

- Website: https://www.mpac.org/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/muslim-public-affairs-council
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/mpac_national
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mpacnational
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpac_national/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpacnational

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/muslim-public-affairs-council-foundation
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-15