Moin NGO

Moin NGO — Uplifting Nonprofits and Community Initiatives

Uplifting Nonprofit and Social Initiatives in Iran

Empowering Civil Society Through Knowledge, Innovation, Learning, and Collaboration

Moin NGO

Uplifting Nonprofit and Social Initiatives in Iran

2018

Our Story

Moin NGO, founded in loving memory of Dr. Mojtaba Moin, is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit, and non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening civil society in Iran. Established in 2018 Moin works at the intersection of academic research and grassroots social action, empowering nonprofit organizations and social initiatives to become more effective, resilient, and sustainable.

Founded by a group of distinguished academics and experienced civil society leaders, Moin was created with the conviction that lasting social change depends on strong institutions, informed leadership, and collaborative communities. Rather than delivering charity directly, we invest in the organizations, networks, and individuals who create long-term social impact.

Today, Moin serves as a trusted partner for nonprofit organizations, researchers, philanthropists, volunteers, and social innovators working to address Iran's most pressing social challenges.

Mission · Vision · Approach

Moin operates where research meets practice.

Our Mission

Our mission is to strengthen nonprofit organizations and civil society initiatives through research, education and learning, capacity building, collaboration, and innovation.

We believe that investing in stronger organizations creates a multiplier effect—enabling communities across Iran to respond more effectively to social challenges and build sustainable solutions for the future.

Our Vision

We envision a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient civil society where nonprofit organizations possess the knowledge, skills, partnerships, and institutional capacity needed to create meaningful and lasting social change.

Our Approach

Moin operates where research meets practice.

What We Do

What We Do

Our work is organized around six complementary areas.

01 Research

We conduct applied research to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing civil society organizations in Iran.

Selected projects include:

  • Capacity Development Assessment of Iranian Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Needs and Capacity Assessment of NGOs Working with Women and Children in Ilam and Sistan and Baluchestan Provinces

Our research provides practical evidence that informs organizational development, public policy discussions, and future programming.

02 Capacity Building

Strengthening organizations is at the heart of Moin's mission.

We design and implement research-based capacity-building programs for nonprofit organizations, grassroots initiatives, and community groups, particularly those working in peripheral, underserved, and socially vulnerable regions of Iran.

Our programs are tailored to local needs and draw upon evidence generated through field research and organizational assessments. They support nonprofit leaders in strengthening governance, strategic planning, financial sustainability, project management, community engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and organizational resilience.

By investing in local organizations, we help communities develop the knowledge and institutional capacity needed to address social challenges independently and sustainably.

03 Education & Learning

We provide continuous learning opportunities for nonprofit professionals through:

  • Professional workshops and training courses
  • Educational publications and practical guides
  • Capacity-building toolkits
  • Learning resources for nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers

Our educational and learning programs promote evidence-based management and encourage a culture of continuous learning across the nonprofit sector.

04 Knowledge Sharing and Public Engagement

We promote learning, dialogue, and collaboration through a variety of public initiatives, including:

  • The Moin Award, a biennial award established in memory of Dr. Mojtaba Moin to recognize innovation, documentation, and outstanding achievements by civil society organizations.
  • Civil Society Knowledge Hub, an online resource featuring books, articles, videos, case studies, social innovations, and profiles of Iranian and international civil society leaders.
  • One Hundred Cities, One Hundred NGOs, a storytelling initiative highlighting the diversity and creativity of nonprofit organizations across Iran.
  • Conferences, seminars, and public forums that foster dialogue among practitioners, researchers, and community leaders.
05 Organizational Support

In addition to research and education & learning, Moin provides practical support that enables nonprofit organizations to increase their impact.

Our initiatives include:

  • Moin Studio, a multimedia production facility that helps nonprofit organizations produce high-quality educational and promotional content.
  • Technical assistance and organizational consulting.
  • Capacity development programs for organizations serving women, children, and socially vulnerable communities.
06 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Strong civil society depends on the wellbeing of the people who sustain it.

In recent years, many social activists, nonprofit professionals, and community leaders in Iran have experienced significant psychological stress as a result of war, humanitarian emergencies, and other social crises.

To address these challenges, Moin organizes mental health support initiatives and Process-Oriented Development (POD) group therapy programs for civil society actors. These programs provide safe and professionally facilitated spaces where participants can process collective trauma, strengthen emotional resilience, reconnect with their communities, and continue their work with renewed capacity and wellbeing.

We believe that supporting those who support others is essential for building resilient communities and sustainable social change.

Publications

Publications

Knowledge production is a cornerstone of our work. Among our publications are:

These publications contribute to a growing body of knowledge for nonprofit practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and students.

Organizational Structure

Organizational Structure

Moin NGO is guided by a collaborative governance model that brings together academic expertise, nonprofit leadership, and professional management.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, oversees governance, and ensures that the organization remains aligned with its mission and values.

  • Dr. Mostafa MoinChair
  • Shima Vazvaei
  • Leila Mozaffari
  • Maryam Moin
  • Davoud SaeidipourCEO
  • Seyed Mehdi SaberaliVice Chair

Why Our Work Matters

Why Our Work Matters

Strong nonprofit organizations are essential to resilient societies. They strengthen communities, support vulnerable populations, advocate for social justice, and create innovative responses to complex challenges.

Our experience has shown that investing in organizational capacity creates lasting impact far beyond individual projects. Every stronger nonprofit organization contributes to stronger communities, more effective public participation, and a healthier civil society.

At Moin, we believe that knowledge, collaboration, and institutional capacity are among the most valuable resources for achieving sustainable social development.

Get in Touch

Get in Touch

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with nonprofit organizations, universities, foundations, researchers, donors, and individuals who share our commitment to strengthening civil society in Iran.

We look forward to hearing from you and exploring opportunities to create meaningful and lasting social impact together.

Together, we can strengthen Iran's civil society, expand opportunities for civic participation, and build a more inclusive, resilient, and compassionate future.