The Muslim Institute came into existence following a consultative Planning Conference held in December 2009 where it determined that it would be: a network dedicated to pluralistic thought, creativity, excellence and high achievement; and a consultative community of ideas and debate that places pluralistic, argued and considered positions in the public space.

The Institute is funded by donations from a charitable Trust, the fees paid by our Fellows and such endowments as we raise. The newly registered Muslim Institute Trust administers the assets accumulated since the initial establishment of a Muslim Institute as a think tank in 1974. These assets have now been handed over to the new charity, registered in 2010, with a new board of Trustees. The original Institute has ceased to exist.