Description: The Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a national nonprofit civil rights and advocacy organization founded in the 1990s that works to protect the civil liberties of Muslims in the United States, enhance public understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslim communities through legal advocacy, public education, media relations, and civic engagement. Type: Nonprofit (primarily a 501(c)(3) civil rights and advocacy organization) with affiliated 501(c)(4) and political action committee entities for electoral activity Policies: Advocates for civil rights and anti‑discrimination laws, hate crimes enforcement, religious freedom protections, immigrant and refugee rights, policing and surveillance reform, voting access and civic participation, public education on Islamophobia, and litigation and legal representation in civil liberties cases Funding: Primarily funded by individual donations and memberships, fundraising events, foundation grants, and fees for services; separate affiliated entities raise funds for political and lobbying activities Affiliates: State and regional CAIR chapters nationwide, CAIR Action (the 501(c)(4) affiliate), CAIR PAC, and frequent partners in civil‑rights coalitions such as other civil liberties organizations and community advocacy groups
