Manchester Muslim Student Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £115,262 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: 5 working days
• Grant Range: £100 - £500
• Geographic Focus: Greater Manchester

Contact Details

• Website: https://mmsf.org.uk/
• Email: info@mmsf.org.uk or mmsftrustee@gmail.com
• Phone: 07480418472
• Address: Room SC3-1, First Floor Silicon City, IVY Business Centre, Crown Street Failsworth, Manchester M35 9GB

Overview

Founded in March 2019, the Manchester Muslim Student Fund (MMSF) is a charitable incorporated organisation (charity number 1190498) dedicated to supporting Muslim students in Greater Manchester. Born from a university prayer hall renovation project that unexpectedly raised £42,000, MMSF has distributed over £6,700 to struggling students. With an annual income of £128,973 and expenditure of £115,262 (2024), the charity operates entirely through volunteers, focusing on easing financial barriers to education for Muslim students who face disproportionate challenges, with 46% of the Muslim population living in the bottom 10% of local authority areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Hardship Fund: Up to £500 (15-minute application, 5-day decision)
• MMU Engineering Grant: £100 per student (2 grants available for Manchester Metropolitan University engineering students)
• Community Grants: Amount unspecified (for organizations supporting Muslim students in education)
• Academic Excellence Awards: Amount unspecified

Priority Areas

• Basic living expenses (food, travel, clothing, utility bills)
• Education expenses (books, stationery, digital equipment)
• Work expenses (uniform, interview clothes)
• Rent arrears (with risk of homelessness)
• Small debts
• Student events and development programs
• Academic tutoring support
• Mental health and wellbeing initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Students outside Greater Manchester (unless originally from Greater Manchester)
• Non-Muslim students
• Students not enrolled in recognized educational institutions
• Students who haven't sought support from their own institution first

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Governance and Leadership

MMSF operates with 3 trustees and 10 volunteers, with no paid employees. Founded by Zaidi Hamid (Islamic Society president), Abdulrahman Elbayouk (medical student), and Mohammed Ullah (University of Manchester chaplain), the organization is rooted in Islamic principles while maintaining transparency in operations. The charity emphasizes that “Muslim students should have the best opportunities to thrive in their education and fulfil their potential.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the MMSF website (https://mmsf.org.uk/apply/). Applicants must have their own email address, mobile phone number, and internet-connected device. The application takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. For high school students, a teacher must apply on their behalf.

Decision Timeline

• Initial decision: 5 working days after complete application submission
• Document submission window: 10 working days if additional documents required
• Meeting may be requested by Grants Committee for application review

Success Rates

Not published

Reapplication Policy

Applicants who miss the 10-day deadline for additional documents must reapply. No other restrictions on reapplication mentioned.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrate exhaustive support seeking: Must show evidence of seeking support from own institution's hardship fund first
• Geographic verification: Priority for students at MMU, University of Manchester, or Salford University
• Clear financial need documentation: Provide debt documents, utility bills, or reference proof of hardship from teacher
• Specific expense justification: Clearly state exact amount needed and purpose (maximum 250 words)
• Academic standing: For MMU Engineering Grant, must have “successfully passed all academic units”
• Complete documentation: Ensure student enrollment letter and all supporting documents are current

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Applications are processed quickly (5 working days), making this suitable for urgent student needs
• Maximum individual grant is £500, positioning this as emergency rather than comprehensive support
• Organization prioritizes students who have exhausted institutional support options first
• Strong focus on Greater Manchester area, particularly students at MMU, University of Manchester, and Salford
• Entirely volunteer-run organization with Islamic faith-based approach
• Community grants available for organizations running Muslim student support programs
• Working toward establishing a Waqf (endowment) for sustainable future funding

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Consolidated Charity of Burton upon Trent
• THE COSARAF CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
• The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund
• Huntingdon Freemen's Trust
• Church Burgesses Educational Foundation
• The British Airline Pilots Association Benevolent Fund
• The Aziz Foundation
• The Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust
• WISPERS TRUST LIMITED
• YISHAYA ADLER MEMORIAL FUND

References

• MMSF Official Website (https://mmsf.org.uk/) -
• MMSF Hardship Fund Page (https://mmsf.org.uk/hardship-fund/) -
• MMSF Community Grants Page (https://mmsf.org.uk/community-grants/) -
• MMSF MMU Grant Page (https://mmsf.org.uk/mmu-grant/) -
• MMSF About Page (https://mmsf.org.uk/about/) -
• Charity Commission Register Entry 1190498 (https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5162728) -
• Penny Appeal article “Overcoming Financial Barriers to Education” (https://pennyappeal.org/news/manchester-muslim-student-fund) -