Funding Eligibility Criteria

Applying for a Grant: Eligibility & Guidance

Supporting Sunni Scholars provides financial support to advance traditional Sunni Islam, with a focus on assisting Imams, scholars, and educational initiatives. Review this guide before submitting an online application to determine your eligibility and understand how proposals are scored.

1. Who Can Apply

All applicants must fall under at least one of the following categories:

• Qualified Sunni Scholars: Individuals holding demonstrable certification or a traditional chain of transmission from an established, reputable Sunni institution.

• Teachers & Lecturers: Individuals currently teaching at an institute offering Dars-i-Nizami, whether in a full-time or part-time capacity.

• Students of Knowledge: Enrolled students pursuing scholarly education aged 18+ (if studying full-time) or aged 16+ (if studying part-time).

• Community Organisations & Charities:

  • UK registered charities

  • Excepted or exempt charities;

  • Non-charitable bodies proposing a project that is strictly charitable and delivers public benefit.

2. What We Fund (and Do Not Fund)

Eligible Projects & Funding Streams

We support initiatives that directly advance traditional Sunni Islam through structured educational, intellectual, and community-focused work. Our funding focuses primarily on two key streams:

A. Scholar, Student & Teaching Support

We support the inheritors of the Prophets (warathat al-anbiya). Funding for individuals is assessed on demonstrated and potential contributions to the spiritual and intellectual health of their communities. Applicants must clearly articulate their vision:

• For Scholars: Active engagement in disseminating knowledge—such as teaching, authoring new works, delivering community guidance, and mentoring the next generation.

• For Students: How completing studies in the Dars-i-Nizami or another recognised programme equips you to serve the community through future teaching, writing, or leadership.

Applications are strongest when they present a clear plan for creating a lasting, positive legacy and empowering the Ummah with authentic, reliable knowledge.

B. Research & Publication Grants

Our goal is to address critical gaps in classical and contemporary Islamic knowledge available to the global Ummah. We give the highest priority to projects that represent a monumental contribution and lasting legacy (Sadaqa Jariyah):

• Ground-Breaking Original Research: In-depth studies tackling complex, contemporary issues through the lens of classical Islamic scholarly tradition.

• Critical Editions & First-Time Translations: Bringing previously inaccessible classical works to light (e.g., the first English translation of an essential fiqh text or critical editions of neglected manuscripts).

• Works of High Scholarly Value: Foundational reference texts that will serve students and scholars for generations.

Note on Prioritisation: Works with a narrower scholarly scope—such as poetry collections or translations of secondary, non-central texts—are given lower priority. Grant funding is strategically concentrated on reviving foundational and urgently needed scholarship.

Excluded Expenditure

Unless you explicitly prove that an expense is essential and directly tied to your funded activity, grants cannot be used for:

• Food and drink;

• General organisation overheads;

• Financing costs (e.g., servicing existing loans or debts).

General Disqualifications

The Charity will not normally support:

• Projects without clear public benefit;

• Non-religious activities;

• Projects that benefit solely an individual without broader public benefit;

3. How Applications Are Assessed

Proposals are measured against a structured criteria. You will have the highest chance of securing funding if your proposal satisfies these measures:

• Aims Alignment: Your project must directly align with the Charity's aims.

• Reach & Impact: Higher priority is given as beneficiary numbers scale.

• Longevity: Ongoing community benefit is strongly preferred over a single programme of events or a one-off gathering.

• Feasibility & Strategy: Clear cost breakdowns, established timescales, structured planning, and defined target increase chances of success.

4. What You Need to Apply

All applications must be submitted using the official online form on our website.

Supporting Documents for Individuals (Scholars & Students)

To verify your eligibility, you must upload:

• Scholarly Credentials: An official graduation certificate from a reputable Sunni institute or madrassa (e.g., completion of Dars-i-Nizami / Shahada al-Alimiyya); OR

• Traditional Licences (Ijazat): In the absence of a formal institutional certificate, a verified collection of traditional licences (ijazat) transmitted from qualified, recognized scholars;

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV outlining your academic background, publications, and active community service (such as teaching, writing, lecturing, leading daily prayers, or pastoral counselling);

• Mosque Affiliation: Formal affiliation with a mosque is not compulsory (simply enter "N/A" in the corresponding field if not applicable).

Supporting Documents for Organisations

If applying as an organisation or group, you must provide:

• Proof of a dedicated bank account in the organisation’s legal name;

• Registration details (Charity Commission number, Companies House number, or HMRC tax-exempt reference);

• Evidence demonstrating the project's charitable purpose and public benefit (required for non-charitable entities).

5. Decision Timeline & Grant Conditions

1. Review Period: Decisions are typically made within 6 weeks of submission.

2. Notification: All applicants are notified in writing. Written feedback may be requested if a proposal is declined.

3. Grant Agreement: Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement before funds are released.

4. Monitoring & Record: Recipients must provide formal accounting records (receipts, invoices, bank statements) and progress reports verifying that all funds were used for the approved activities.