Gift Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £275,800 (2024)
• Total Expenditure: £380,453 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Assessed at biannual trustee meetings
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed (individual scholarships)
• Geographic Focus: UK-based students studying in UK, Egypt, and France

Contact Details

• Address: Black 1 & 2 Whitechapel Centre, 85 Myrdle Street, London
• Phone: 020 8616 1240
• Email: admin@giftfoundation.org.uk / info@giftofknowledge.net
• Website: www.giftofknowledge.net / www.giftfoundation.org.uk
• Charity Number: 1143428
• Social Media: @giftfoundationuk (Instagram, Facebook), @giftfoundation (YouTube)

Overview

Gift Foundation, also known as Gift of Knowledge, was established in 2011 under a trust deed dated 18 June 2011. The charity was founded by Sheikh Fahimul Anam and Sheikha Selina Begum Ali, born from their personal experiences as adult students navigating financial hardship whilst studying Islamic Sciences in Arabic-medium institutions. The charity provides scholarships and comprehensive support to male and female students pursuing Islamic education, including undergraduate and PhD research degrees. With an income of £275,800 and expenditure of £380,453 in 2024, the foundation focuses on helping communities prosper through education, mentorship, support, and essential resources.

The charity's vision is “to see a world where everyone is given an opportunity to learn and grow,” with a mission to help individuals fulfil their “spiritual, intellectual, psychological, social and faith potential.” Following the passing of co-founder Sheikh Fahimul Anam in January 2025, Dr Hamida Begum was unanimously appointed Chair of Trustees in September 2025, having previously served as Interim Chair.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

1. Shari'ah Scholarship

• Provides opportunities to study at traditional Islamic institutions including Al-Azhar in Egypt and Institut Européen des Sciences Humaines (IESH) in France
• Aims to develop scholars into community leaders who can teach, perform dawah work, lead prayers, and inspire youth
• Focuses on traditional Islamic scholarship in Arabic medium
• Financial assistance plus structured learning, mentoring, internship support, and academic guidance throughout the journey

2. PhD Research Scholarship

• Awarded for postgraduate research (PhD) at top-tier UK universities
• Clear focus on Islamic sciences, humanities, and social sciences
• Aims to advance communities intellectually and present Islam in the context of Western society
• Comprehensive support including financial assistance, mentoring, internship opportunities, and academic support

3. Gift of Knowledge Scholarship Fund

• Broader educational support for students of Islamic education
• Includes undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
• Scholarships awarded globally

Priority Areas

• Islamic Sciences: Traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary Islamic studies research
• Humanities and Social Sciences: PhD research that benefits communities and presents Islam in Western context
• Community Leadership Development: Creating scholars who can guide and benefit their communities
• Academic Excellence: Supporting “the brightest and best” with excellent academic track records
• Community Engagement: Candidates who have undertaken community and charity work
• British Students: Preference for UK-based students, though international study locations supported

Eligibility Requirements

• Proactive and dedicated British students (primary focus)
• Excellent academic track record
• Demonstrated community and charity work
• Specialisation in Islamic Sciences (though exceptional candidates in related fields may be considered at trustees' discretion)
• Assessment based on: academic ability, commitment to wider community, and benefits of research for society

What They Don't Fund

• Explicit exclusions not publicly documented
• Primary focus is Islamic education and sciences; other fields typically excluded unless candidate demonstrates exceptional potential for community benefit

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Governance and Leadership

Chair of Trustees

Dr Hamida Begum - Appointed September 30, 2025 following unanimous trustee vote. Dr Hamida is a GP based in East London who studied Islamic sciences under the late Sheikh Fahimul Anam for many years. She joined the Board of Trustees whilst still a student and provided “steady leadership during a difficult time” following Sheikh Fahimul Anam's passing. As Chair, she continues the foundation's mission of supporting seekers of knowledge.

Previous Leadership

Dr Zaza Johnson Elsheikh - Former Chair of Trustees (served until at least April 2023). Dr Elsheikh is also President of the Sudanese Legal Network.

Co-Founders

Sheikh Fahimul Anam - Co-founder and former CEO of Gift Foundation, passed away January 24, 2025. Sheikh Fahimul was a traditional Islamic scholar who taught many of the foundation's current trustees and scholarship recipients.

Sheikha Selina Begum Ali - Co-founder of Gift Foundation. Sheikha Selina is a distinguished educator and community leader who holds a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Primary Education, CELTA, and PTLLS qualifications from London, along with a Diploma in Arabic Language and a BA in Usul al-Din and Usul al-Fiqh (Arabic medium). She is also the Co-Founder and Director of Beacon Educational Services.

Trustee Structure

• 8 trustees (no remuneration or financial benefits)
• 50 volunteers
• Biannual trustee meetings to agree broad strategy and scholarship awards
• No employees with total benefits over £60,000
• No trading subsidiaries

How to Apply to Gift Foundation

How to Apply

No Public Application Process: Gift Foundation does not have an open public application process with published deadlines or application forms. Scholarships are awarded through trustee assessment and discretion.

Eligibility: Gift of Knowledge welcomes consideration of “proactive and dedicated British students who have an excellent academic track record and have also undertaken community and charity work.” Eligibility is primarily restricted to applicants specialising in Islamic Sciences, though trustees may make exceptions for exceptional candidates whose research demonstrates potential for beneficial community contributions.

Assessment Criteria: Candidates are assessed on:

1. Academic ability
2. Commitment to the wider community
3. Benefits of their research for society

Contact for Inquiries: Prospective applicants should contact the foundation directly at admin@giftfoundation.org.uk or 020 8616 1240 to discuss potential scholarship opportunities.

Getting on Their Radar

Whilst the foundation does not have specific documented networking events or processes, prospective scholars may increase their visibility through:

• Direct Contact: Reaching out to the foundation to express interest and discuss scholarship opportunities
• Community Engagement: The foundation values candidates who demonstrate community and charity work, suggesting that involvement in Islamic community organisations may be beneficial
• Academic Excellence: Maintaining an excellent academic track record at top-tier UK universities in relevant fields

Decision Timeline

Decisions are made at biannual trustee meetings, where trustees agree on broad strategy and scholarship awards. Specific timeline from inquiry to decision is not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

Success rates and application numbers are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented. Prospective applicants should contact the foundation directly to discuss reapplication possibilities.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

"The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it" - This hadith from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ guides the foundation's mission.

Gift Foundation emphasises they do more than provide financial aid - they offer comprehensive support to help students succeed “academically, professionally, and personally.” This holistic approach suggests they seek candidates who:

1. Demonstrate Community Impact Potential: The foundation aims to develop scholars who will “help and guide the community” through teaching, dawah work, leading prayers, and inspiring youth

1. Show Long-Term Commitment: The foundation has supported students pursuing long-term study of Islamic sciences in Arabic medium, indicating they value candidates committed to deep, sustained scholarship

1. Bridge Tradition and Contemporary Context: For PhD scholarships, they specifically seek research that will “advance communities intellectually and present Islam in the context of society in the West”

1. Exhibit Academic Excellence: The PhD Research Scholarship explicitly aims to support “the brightest and best in our community”

1. Balance Scholarship with Service: Assessment criteria explicitly include “commitment to the wider community,” not just academic ability

Recent Focus Areas

Following Sheikh Fahimul Anam's passing in January 2025, the foundation continues under new leadership whilst maintaining its core mission. Recent awards included grants to scholars transitioning to Al-Azhar University in Egypt, “enabling them to pursue their academic ambitions with confidence and dignity.”

Foundation's Comprehensive Support Model

The foundation provides:

• Financial assistance
• Structured learning programmes
• Mentoring throughout the journey
• Internship and professional development support
• Academic guidance and support

This suggests they seek candidates who will actively engage with the full support ecosystem, not just accept funding.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is not an open grant-making programme - Contact the foundation directly to explore scholarship possibilities rather than expecting a public application process
• British students are the primary focus - Whilst the foundation supports study in Egypt, France, and the UK, preference is for UK-based students
• Community service matters as much as academic excellence - Demonstrate both outstanding academic achievement and meaningful community/charity engagement
• Islamic sciences are the core focus - Whilst exceptional candidates in humanities and social sciences may be considered, Islamic studies and sciences are the foundation's primary remit
• Long-term community impact is the goal - Articulate how your studies will benefit your community upon return, whether through teaching, leadership, or research
• Comprehensive support is available - Beyond funding, expect mentoring, internships, and ongoing academic support throughout your studies
• Trustee discretion guides awards - Decisions are made at biannual trustee meetings based on holistic assessment of candidates' potential

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Aldgate And Allhallows Foundation
• Sir William Boreman's Foundation
• St Giles-in-the-fields And William Shelton Educational Charity
• The Jaspar Foundation
• Lifelines International Fund For Education
• The Campden Charities Trustee
• Sir Walter St. John's Educational Charity
• Peter Storrs Trust
• Nuchem And Reisel Schlaff Memorial Fund Limited
• Alte Feiga Trust

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities - Gift Foundation (1143428): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5015595
• Gift Foundation Official Website: https://www.giftfoundation.org.uk/
• Gift Foundation Scholarship Fund Page: https://www.giftfoundation.org.uk/scholarshipfund
• Gift Foundation News - Dr Hamida Begum Appointment: https://www.giftfoundation.org.uk/news/dr-hamida-new-chair-gift-foundation
• Gift Foundation News - Sheikh Fahimul Anam Passing: https://www.giftfoundation.org.uk/news/passing-of-sheikh-fahimul-anam
• Gift Foundation About Us: https://www.giftfoundation.org.uk/about-us
• Charity Choice Directory - Gift of Knowledge: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/gift-of-knowledge-182121