This study aimed to build the model of zakah organizational management by firstly mapping public trust towards zakah institution and exploring their awareness of paying zakah in Surakarta. For this purpose, researcher employed focus group discussions and in-depth interview to collect qualitative data. Two cohorts used in this research were muzakkis (eligible zakah payers) and chiefs of zakah institutions in Surakarta. The sampling technique used therefore was purposive sampling. Data then analyzed using interactive model.

The result of this research was a Model of education and public awareness needs to be adjusted to the aspects that affect the muzakkis’ zakah decision making.  One way is the use of a trusted community leaders to deliver messages in the mass media about the significance of paying zakah through the agency.

Keywords: Zakah,Poverty alleviation,public awareness