ABOUT US

about the aziz foundation charity uk british muslims scholarships universities university

About Us Our guiding philosophy and key principle of operation is to support British Muslims to bring positive change to their communities and beyond.

Our Story So Far

The Aziz Foundation was set up as a family foundation in 2015 by Asif Aziz to bring together his various philanthropic work, including being a Board Member of Mosaic, founded by HM King Charles III in 2007, and supporting many community projects.

The Foundation’s work began as a dynamic mix of scholarships and grants in strategic areas, including community work, arts and culture and research. In 2018, we pioneered a postgraduate scholarships programme.

In 2019, the Aziz Foundation awarded 148 scholarships, 62% of which were to women, for a range of disciplines at over 40 UK universities.

In 2020, we awarded over 200 scholarships at 54 universities, with 65% awarded to women & 160 to young scholars.

asif aziz foundation uk british muslims scholarships university

In 2021, another 50 scholarships were awarded through 18 partner universities, with 45% of the cohort the first in their family to enter higher education.

In 2022, 80 scholarship awards were made, with 40% of the cohort in the household income bracket of less than £20,000 per annum.

We are excited about supporting the career progression of each of our scholars as they make meaningful contributions to their industry, community and society as a whole.

The work of the Foundation has been recognised at the highest levels, with our Chair, Asif Aziz, in particular being honoured in various ways, including:

Our Guiding Principles and Objectives

Our work is guided by principles of social justice, compassion and cooperation. We recognise that Muslims make an invaluable contribution to the fabric of this country and we wish to live in a Britain where Muslims are valued and empowered to fulfil their true potential and continue making positive contributions to their communities and beyond.

university scholarships the aziz foundation

Education creates opportunities for social mobility and we recognise that despite the hard work and efforts of many, there continues to be significant equality gaps that hamper the social mobility of many talented, inspiring and ambitious British Muslims. As an organisation, we are driven to reduce these equality gaps through our scholarships programme and other initiatives, which aim to increase access to postgraduate education and opportunity.

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INVESTED SO FAR

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SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
asif aziz the aziz foundation universities scholarships

Asif Aziz is a property entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the Founder and CEO of Criterion Capital, which manages a property portfolio. He is also the Foundation’s Chair and a Honorary Fellow of Goldsmiths, University of London. His interests include combating Islamophobia, education, tackling homelessness and international poverty relief.

ADVISORS

baroness butler sloss patron aziz foundation

BARONESS BUTLER-SLOSS GBE

PATRON & ADVISOR
The Right Honorable Baroness Butler-Sloss of Marsh Green is patron of the Aziz Foundation. She was the first female Lord Justice of Appeal and, until 2005, was President of the Family Division of the High Court, making her one of the highest-ranking female judges in the UK. Appointed an Independent Peer in the House of Lords in 2006, she has chaired notable inquests and inquiries, including the inquest into the death of Princess Diana and the Cleveland Inquiry. She recently chaired the Commission on Religion and Belief in British Public Life.
trevor pears patron aziz foundation british muslim charity

SIR TREVOR PEARS CMG

PATRON & ADVISOR
Trevor is a British businessman and philanthropist. He is a director of the William Pears Group, one of Britain’s largest property companies, run together with his brothers Mark and David. The business was founded in 1952 by their father and grandfather. Trevor is Executive Chair of the family’s charitable foundation, Pears Foundation, set up in 1992. The Foundation supports issues affecting the wellbeing of people in the UK and across the world.

FORMER GRANTEES

"We are not here to replicate or compete, but to strengthen and enhance organisations already working with those communities we seek to support"

The foundation has made grants in the past to the following organisations:

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