Peace Islands Institute

What Peace Islands Institute does

Peace Islands Institute is a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization founded in 2003 and headquartered in Elmwood Park, with an additional office in Hasbrouck Heights. The organization promotes interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and community cohesion across diverse religious and cultural groups, primarily serving communities in New Jersey. It operates through a community-led, event-driven model rather than a technology platform, running roughly 13 annual programs and projects including the Youth Peace Network, the Art & Essay Contest (16th edition), the Short Movie Contest, PII Talks speaker series, interfaith friendship gatherings, Ramadan iftar dinners, Thanksgiving programs, the annual Public Safety Appreciation Dinner (14th edition), and the Peace Festival (6th edition).

The organization delivers no commercial products or services; all programs are free to participants. Its revenue model is entirely donation- and sponsorship-based, drawing on individual contributions (via a PayPal donation option on its website), corporate sponsorships of signature events such as the Peace Festival, and volunteer support. There is no proprietary technology stack, app, or API; the institute relies on its website (peaceislands.org) and active social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn) for outreach.

Operationally, Peace Islands Institute runs with 1-10 employees, supplemented by an extensive volunteer network. It maintains partnerships with 100+ organizations including faith institutions, civic groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, and a network of sister Peace Islands chapters across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Boston. The organization is affiliated with the broader Gülen/Hizmet movement, which provides international institutional context. Strategic positioning centers on three pillars: Educational Affairs (youth leadership and creative contests), Social Affairs (appreciation events, dialogue trips, local impact), and Interfaith Affairs (friendship gatherings, Ramadan and Thanksgiving programs, interfaith concerts and panels). Its executive director is Adam Bulent Ozdemir.

Name

Peace Islands Institute

Legal name

Peace Islands Institute

Website

https://peaceislands.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Peace Islands Institute is a New Jersey-based nonprofit founded in 2003 that runs interfaith dialogue, youth leadership, and community peacebuilding programs, including the Youth Peace Network, Peace Festival, and Public Safety Appreciation Dinner, serving faith communities, students, and civic partners across the region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Interfaith & Ecumenical Councils and Dialogue Organizations (BPAGAJAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Education Partnerships for Equity, Inclusion & Gender (EDADALAF), Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK)

Keywords

• Interfaith dialogue programs
• Youth leadership development
• Community peacebuilding services
• Interfaith education programs
• Nonprofit community engagement

Headquarters

HQ city

Hasbrouck Heights

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorship: The organization operates primarily through donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, and community supporters. The website features a PayPal donation option and mentions sponsorship opportunities for events such as the Peace Festival. No specific revenue figures are disclosed.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Peace Islands Institute is a nonprofit organization that delivers peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue programs to communities across New Jersey. Its core offerings include youth leadership training (Youth Peace Network), educational contests (Art & Essay, Short Movie), speaker series (PII Talks), interfaith programs (Friendship Gatherings, Ramadan Iftar Dinners, Thanksgiving Programs), and annual signature events such as the Peace Festival and Public Safety Appreciation Dinner.

Product overview

Peace Islands Institute is a non-profit organization operating as a single unified offering focused on peace-building, interfaith dialogue, and community engagement. The organization delivers its mission through community programs, annual events, and youth development initiatives rather than a traditional technology product. Core programs include the Youth Peace Network (leadership training for high school students), educational contests (Art & Essay and Short Movie contests), PII Talks speaker series, and interfaith programs including friendship gatherings, Ramadan iftar dinners, and Thanksgiving programs. Annual signature events include the Public Safety Appreciation Dinner and Peace Festival. The organization also conducts local impact efforts such as food assistance and volunteer programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Youth Peace Network: Youth leadership and peace-building program formerly known as Youth Academy, providing training and community engagement opportunities for young people.
• PII Talks
• PII Awards
• Shine A Light on Hope

Products and services

• Youth Peace Network (YPN) A youth leadership program (formerly Youth Academy) that equips high school and college students with skills in dialogue, leadership, and intercultural understanding through training sessions, community events, and service initiatives.
• Art & Essay Contest Annual creative competition for high school students encouraging artistic and written expressions on themes related to peace, dialogue, and social issues; now in its 16th annual edition.
• Short Movie Contest Filmmaking competition for high school students inviting them to explore the meaning of peace through video storytelling.
• PII Talks Speaker series featuring discussions on topics of peace, interfaith understanding, cultural heritage, and community building with guest speakers and thought leaders.
• Public Safety Appreciation Dinner Annual event honoring first responders (fire, police, EMS) and public safety professionals for their service and community contributions; 14th annual edition held in recent years.
• Peace Festival Community festival featuring performances, cultural booths, food, and activities celebrating unity in diversity, typically held around International Peace Day; 6th annual edition hosted at Milton A. Votee Park with 23 partner organizations.
• Interfaith Programs Integrated programs including friendship gatherings, theological study circles, interfaith choirs, Ramadan projects, and Thanksgiving programs that promote dialogue and understanding among different faith traditions.
• Friendship Gatherings Community events bringing together people from diverse faith backgrounds for dialogue, shared meals, and relationship building, including the Annual Friendship Dinner at Chart House.
• Thanksgiving Programs Interfaith Thanksgiving gatherings and community dinners across New Jersey celebrating gratitude and unity.
• Ramadan Programs Iftar dinners and Ramadan friendship events bringing together communities during the holy month of Ramadan, including the community Iftar at East Rutherford Community Center.
• Bike & Walks Community health and peace-building events combining physical activity with opportunities for dialogue and community connection.
• PII Awards Recognition program honoring individuals and organizations for their contributions to peace, dialogue, and community service.
• Dialogue Trips Organized trips providing opportunities for intercultural dialogue and community engagement.
• Local Impact Efforts Community service initiatives including food assistance, volunteer programs, and holiday gift distribution for families in need.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1000+ total events hosted
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Bergen County Sheriff's OfficeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2025One of 23 partner organizations that contributed to the 6th Annual Peace Festival. Law enforcement participation supports community-policing relations and public safety appreciation initiatives.
• Hispanic American Law Enforcement Association Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2025Partner organization at the 6th Annual Peace Festival, contributing to diversity and inclusion programming at the community event.
• Nai-Ni Chen Dance CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2025Cultural partner organization providing stage performances at the 6th Annual Peace Festival, showcasing artistic diversity.
• Korean Community ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2025Community partner with interactive booth at the 6th Annual Peace Festival, engaging festival attendees with Korean cultural programming.
• FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association – NewarkminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2025Federal law enforcement partner that Peace Islands Institute also collaborates with on Hate Crime Symposium events and public safety appreciation programming.
• Journalists and Writers FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2025Partner organization for the 10th Annual UNGA Conference on Sustainable Development Goals and ongoing peacebuilding initiatives.
• Embrace ReliefminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2025Humanitarian organization partnered with Peace Islands Institute for food assistance programs and emergency relief initiatives in New Jersey communities.
• The Fountain MagazineminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2025Publication whose editor Hakan Yesilova serves as moderator for PII Talks events and provides educational content for youth programs on dialogue and media.
• Drew UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on hosting the international conference on Fethullah Gülen's Thought and Practice (October 3-5, 2025). Drew University's Center on Religion, Culture & Conflict co-organized the three-day event with Respect Graduate School and Peace Islands Institute at Drew University's campus.
• Respect Graduate SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted the international conference on Fethullah Gülen's Thought and Practice alongside Drew University and Peace Islands Institute, bringing together scholars and practitioners from around the world.
• Sky Academy Youth CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Youth Peace Network training sessions and youth programs. Partners with Peace Islands Institute for youth-focused peacebuilding initiatives including orientation trainings and interfaith youth iftar events.
• Turkish Cultural Center NJcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partner for cultural programming including co-hosting Art of Living Together exhibition with Clifton Art Center and ongoing collaboration on interfaith and cultural events throughout New Jersey.
• Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization that awarded Peace Islands Institute the Her Story Award in March 2024. Organizations collaborate on women's empowerment and community service initiatives.
• Sister Organizations (Peace Islands NY, Peace Islands PA, Peace Islands CT, PII Boston, Others)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of affiliated Peace Islands Institute chapters across the Northeast United States, including New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Boston, working toward shared peacebuilding mission.
• 23 Partner Organizations (6th Annual Peace Festival)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIncludes Bergen County Sheriff's Office, Turkish Cultural Center NJ, KUD Sandzacka Omladina, Women's Federation for World Peace, Korean Community Services, Kulture Kool, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Hispanic American Law Enforcement Association Inc., Wilhelm Bahá'í Properties, Whitetulip Health Foundation, Sky Academy NJ, International Youth Conference, Journalists and Writers Foundation, Morristown United Methodist Church, Passaic River Coalition, FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Interweave, Embrace Relief, CSBC Mom's Food Pantry, SOS Radio Live, Community Calls, Elorm Ministry Foundation, and WCO Historic Renovation Association Inc.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• New Jersey Interfaith Center (formerly COPE-NJ): New Jersey-based interfaith organization serving faith communities across the state. Direct regional peer to Peace Islands Institute with overlapping geography, faith community engagement, and convener role, though operating in different sub-regions of NJ.
• Better Together (formerly Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento): Community-based interfaith and interethnic organization running volunteer-driven programs and community events. Comparable to Peace Islands Institute in its event-driven community engagement model and volunteer reliance, though serving a different US region.

Broad incumbents

• American Jewish Committee (AJC): Global Jewish advocacy organization with interfaith and interreligious outreach programs. Comparable to Peace Islands Institute in its interfaith dialogue mission and structured engagement with multiple faith communities, though much larger in scale.
• Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR): Large US Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization with chapters across multiple states. Comparable to Peace Islands Institute in its interfaith engagement and community-building programs, particularly around Ramadan/iftar events and youth outreach.

Direct peers

• Religions for Peace: Global multi-religious coalition promoting interfaith peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Comparable to Peace Islands Institute in its structured interfaith dialogue mission and youth peace engagement, though operating internationally with member religious communities.
• Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP): International nonprofit focused on peacebuilding, women's empowerment, and interfaith collaboration. Already a partner organization of Peace Islands Institute — directly comparable in mission, sponsorship model, and event-driven community engagement.
• Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding: Nonprofit focused on interreligious understanding and combating religious prejudice. Highly comparable to Peace Islands Institute's interfaith dialogue and education programs, especially its youth-facing peacemaking curricula.
• Interfaith Alliance: National nonprofit advocating for interfaith dialogue and religious freedom across the United States. Comparable to Peace Islands Institute in its mission of bridging faith traditions and promoting pluralism, though operating at a national advocacy scale rather than regional community events.

Emerging players

• International Center for Religion & Diplomacy: Nonprofit working at the intersection of religion, peace, and conflict resolution. Comparable to Peace Islands Institute in its interfaith peacebuilding focus, though more oriented toward international diplomacy and policy work.
• Institute for Global Engagement: Nonprofit advancing religious freedom and interfaith peacebuilding globally. Comparable to Peace Islands Institute through its peacebuilding mission and educational programming, though focused more on policy advocacy than community events.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PIINJ
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCsVbk4rHcs55sJ3ASLyv1Qw
• Facebookfacebook.com/piinj
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/peace-islands-institute-new-jersey
• Instagraminstagram.com/peaceislandsinstitute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Peace Islands Institute