Aga Khan Foundation (united Kingdom)

Charity Number: 266518

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Information not publicly available
  • Success Rate: Not disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not specified (varies by programme)
  • Grant Range: Varies significantly by programme
  • Geographic Focus: International (Africa, Asia, Middle East)

Contact Details

  • Website: https://www.akf.org.uk
  • Email: front.office@akdn.org
  • Phone: 020 7383 9085
  • Address: Aga Khan Centre, 10 Handyside Street, London, N1C 4DN
  • Donations: donations@akdn.org

Overview

Established in 1973, the Aga Khan Foundation (UK) is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and operates as a resource mobilization and partnership hub rather than a traditional grant-making foundation. The organization has raised hundreds of millions of pounds over its history to support development initiatives worldwide. While primarily functioning as an implementing organization that works directly on community development projects, AKF UK does provide selective grants, most notably through its International Scholarship Programme and support to civil society organizations. The foundation operates across 18 countries and reaches over six million people through partnerships with 23,000 civil society organizations. Its approach emphasizes community-led development, capacity building, and creating sustainable local institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • International Scholarship Programme: Awards structured as half grant, half loan covering tuition and living expenses for postgraduate studies
  • Civil Society Organization Support: Grants to increase competency, legitimacy, accountability and sustainability of partner organizations
  • Community-Led Development: Seed funding for innovative ideas with potential for significant social impact

Priority Areas

  • Education advancement and scholarship support
  • Health and healthcare access
  • Rural development and agriculture
  • Environmental sustainability and climate resilience
  • Civil society strengthening
  • Gender-sensitive interventions

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects outside their geographic focus areas (primarily Africa, Asia, Middle East)
  • Organizations without demonstrated community engagement
  • Proposals not aligned with AKDN's integrated development approach
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Governance and Leadership

The organization is governed by a National Committee that meets four times annually, providing guidance, ensuring compliance, and overseeing budget management. A Finance Committee with audit and compliance responsibilities meets monthly. The UK office primarily focuses on “advancing resource development and partnerships” while country operations handle direct program implementation.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

AKF does not use standardized application guidelines or forms. Interested organizations should contact the Foundation's office directly in the country where the proposal originates or where the project will be implemented. For the International Scholarship Programme, applications follow an annual competitive cycle.

Decision Timeline

  • International Scholarship Programme: Annual cycle (applications typically close in March)
  • Other programmes: Varies, no standard timeline published

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The International Scholarship Programme is described as highly competitive with over 1,000 students supported since 1969.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified. Organizations are encouraged to maintain ongoing dialogue with Foundation representatives.

Application Success Factors

Organizations must demonstrate:

  • Strong community engagement and participatory development practices
  • Track record of successful project implementation
  • Alignment with AKF's mission and geographic focus areas
  • Commitment to creating sustainable, locally-driven initiatives
  • Detailed proposals outlining objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes
  • Comprehensive budget clearly delineating fund utilization

The Foundation emphasizes: “The whole can be greater than the sum of its parts” - seeking integrated approaches that work synergistically across multiple development fronts.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • AKF UK functions primarily as a resource mobilizer and partner rather than traditional grant-maker
  • Direct contact with Foundation offices is essential - no standardized application process
  • Community-led and participatory approaches are fundamental requirements
  • Geographic focus is critical - must operate in AKF's target regions
  • Emphasis on capacity building and institutional sustainability over one-off projects
  • Partnership approach preferred over simple funding relationships
  • Integration with broader AKDN initiatives may strengthen applications

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