Yusuf Islam Foundation
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- Typical grants
- £2,000 – £3,500
- Applications
- Not accepted
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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yusufislamfoundation.orgAbout 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 meals to vulnerable UK children while promoting intercultural dialogue and social harmony. Its funding prioritises student scholarships and hardship support for pupils at its affiliated Greater London schools, emphasising academic merit, financial need, and lifelong learning. Distinctively tied to Yusuf Islam's personal involvement and multi-generational educational impact, the Foundation excludes general organisational grants, focusing instead on its schools' students and proprietary humanitarian programs. It is a niche, founder-led supporter of faith-rooted yet universally inclusive youth opportunities.
What Yusuf Islam Foundation funds
The Foundation supports education through scholarships and hardship funds for students at its affiliated schools in Greater London, including Islamia Girls School and Brondesbury College. It also runs humanitarian and cultural initiatives, such as the Peace Train, which delivers meals to vulnerable children in the UK and promotes intercultural dialogue. Broader activities include 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.
Who can apply
Eligibility is strictly limited to current or prospective students at Islamia Girls School or Brondesbury College. No external charities, organisations, or unsolicited applications are accepted. The Foundation prioritises students based on academic merit and financial need, with support determined through means-testing. It welcomes applications from pupils across faiths and backgrounds, reflecting its inclusive ethos.
What Yusuf Islam Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not fund general organisational grants or external projects. It excludes support for charities, organisations, or individuals outside its affiliated schools. Broader humanitarian and cultural activities are proprietary and not open for external applications.
How they like to fund
The Foundation provides scholarships and hardship support directly to students, with awards covering a portion of tuition fees based on financial need. It does not accept unsolicited applications, focusing instead on its own schools and programmes. Funding is tied to Yusuf Islam's personal involvement and the Foundation's long-term educational mission.
How much does Yusuf Islam Foundation give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Yusuf Islam Foundation
Yusuf Islam Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Yusuf Islam Foundation.
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Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Yusuf Islam Foundation provide?
Yusuf Islam Foundation typically provides grants of £2,000 - £3,500.
Where does Yusuf Islam Foundation fund charities?
Yusuf Islam Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Yusuf Islam Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Yusuf Islam Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Yusuf Islam Foundation?
Yusuf Islam Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
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