Mostafavi Foundation

The Mostafavi Foundation is a family-led charitable trust established in November 2019 by Seyed Mahmoud Mostafavi and Majid Mostafavi, who serve as its sole trustees in England and Wales. Its core mission is to support general charitable causes worldwide through flexible grant-making, applying income and capital at trustees' absolute discretion to benefit children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, other charities or voluntary bodies, and the general public. Rooted in broad philanthropy without thematic restrictions, the foundation emphasizes ethical stewardship, transparency, and accountability via robust governance policies on safeguarding, risk management, and conflicts of interest. Its distinctive family structure ensures continuity, with future trustees drawn from the settlor's lineal descendants, while maintaining prudent reserves at 50% of annual investment income for sustainability.

The foundation funds a diverse array of charitable activities, including project costs, core costs, and general operations for organisations addressing broad needs, with a flexible approach allowing trustees to respond to emerging opportunities across sectors.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities and voluntary bodies of small to medium size, with no strict income thresholds or geographic base required—though grants focus on England and Wales, global support is permitted. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding is invite-only, with trustees proactively identifying or receiving proposals directly.

Grants typically range from £5,000 to £50,000 (most commonly £10,000–£25,000), totaling £140,000–£150,000 annually across multiple awards, decided at rolling trustee meetings throughout the year with no fixed deadlines. It excludes support for individuals, trading activities, trustee remuneration, or capital/emergency funding, differentiating itself through trustee-led discretion and commitment to organisational impact over rigid programmes.