Yusuf Islam Foundation

The Yusuf Islam Foundation, established in 2009 by musician and philanthropist Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), is a UK-registered charity dedicated to advancing peace through education, community development, philanthropy, and cultural activities. Guided by values of respect, compassion, inclusion, and holistic human development, it bridges divides across faiths and backgrounds, drawing from Islam's legacy in founding Muslim schools and humanitarian efforts. The Foundation oversees Islamia Schools Limited—including Islamia Girls School and Brondesbury College, among the UK's first state-funded Muslim institutions—and runs initiatives like the Peace Train, delivering millions of meals to vulnerable UK children while planning Asian expansion to promote intercultural dialogue and social harmony.

Its funding prioritizes student scholarships and hardship support for pupils at its affiliated Greater London schools, emphasizing academic merit, financial need, and lifelong learning. Broader activities support poverty relief, arts, culture, youth empowerment, refugee aid, and community facilities like The Maqam Centre, but these are not open for external applications. Grants align with sustainable, impact-driven projects fostering education, social justice, and peaceful coexistence.

Eligibility is strictly limited to current or prospective students at Islamia Girls School or Brondesbury College; no external charities, organizations, or unsolicited applications are accepted. Typical awards range from £2,000–£3,500 annually, covering up to 50% of tuition fees via means-testing. Applications use an online form, with annual rounds—2025–2026 closed on 14 April 2025; next for 2026–2027 expected late 2025 via school/Foundation websites. Hardship funds are case-by-case via direct email.

Distinctively tied to Yusuf Islam's personal involvement and multi-generational educational impact, the Foundation excludes general organizational grants, focusing instead on its schools' students and proprietary humanitarian programs, differentiating it as a niche, founder-led supporter of faith-rooted yet universally inclusive youth opportunities.