Founded in 2010 in the mold of United Way and Jewish Federations of North America,[4] and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Pillars is focused on funding secular non-profit programs supporting American Muslims in media, public relations, and leadership development.

[1] Pillars Fund is governed by a Board of Advisors, many of whom are prominent American Muslims.

The organization makes particular effort to ensure that donations go to projects that would not elicit controversy.

[3] Pillars Fund was founded as a giving circle[4] housed under the Chicago Community Trust in 2010 and became an independent entity in 2016.

[3] Pillars Fund funds a variety of approaches towards its stated goal of "amplifying the leadership, narratives and talents of American Muslims," with stated program areas of rights, wellness, understanding and leadership.