ANNUAL
REPORT
2024
Gift
Foundation
.org.uk
## Contents
Message from the Chair of Trustees
Administrative Information
Structure, Governance and Management
Trustees
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
Objectives and Activities for Public Benefit
Scholarship Awards
Related Parties
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees
Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 December 2024
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
Notes to the Accounts 31 December 2024
Plans for the Future (next 12 months)
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 1
## **Message from the Chair of Trustees**
## **Dr Hamida Begum**
Assalamu-alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuhu,
We pray you are all in the best of health and iman.
We never imagined Gift Foundation without one of our beloved Co-founder and former CEO, Sheikh Fahimul Anam (Rahimahullah). His inspiring and loyal presence in guiding those around him to serve the Ummah will always be unforgettable.
Whilst we deeply mourn the passing of our beloved Sheikh, by the will of Allah (SWT), and in honour of Sheikh Fahim’s lifelong contributions, Gift Foundation remains committed to continuing his remarkable work. Indeed, his vision, dedication, and unwavering love for serving the Ummah through the teachings of the Qur'an and acts of charity continues to remain at the heart of Gift Foundation’s work.
I had studied Islamic Sciences under Sheikh Fahim for many years, including studying for an Alimiya Diploma, and soon after his passing, I was made the Chair of Gift Foundation (I had been a trustee of Gift Foundation for some years already). This was part of a wider internal restructuring, aimed at improving governance, efficiency and delivery of charitable projects.
By the grace of Allah (SWT), this transition period has helped the charity to be stronger than ever before, and we are extremely grateful for the support of those who have helped us in this difficult time. Gift Foundation has sought help from industry experts to review all aspects of the organisation and to create a long-term strategy that is in line with its’ original vision.
This is a pivotal moment in the history of the charity. We thank all trustees for their continued support and we invite all stakeholders, partners and supporters to join us to achieve sustainable impact for the Ummah and long-term growth of the charity. May The Most High reward you all abundantly in this regard, Ameen.
May Allah (SWT) raise our beloved Sheikh to the highest of the high and enable us all to continue to serve the Ummah with compassion and dedication, Ameen!
## HBegum
**Dr Hamida Begum MRCGP MBBS** Chair, Gift Foundation
_Figure 1: Sheikh Fahimul Anam (RA) - Co-Founder, Founding Trustee, CEO_
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 2
## **Administrative Information**
**Charity Name : Gift Foundation** _(formerly Gift of Knowledge)_ **Charity Registration Number : 1143428 Website : www.giftfoundation.org.uk**
**Registered Office**
46E Micro Business Park, Greatorex Street, London E1 5NP
## **Auditor**
Kamal Hussain FCCA, Chartered Certified Accountant
Hussain Associates Ltd, Unit 46D, Micro Business Park, 46-50 Greatorex Street London E1 5NP
## **Bankers**
1. HSBC, 45 Bank Street, Jubilee Place Canary Wharf, London E14 5NY
2. The Co-operative Bank, 1 Balloon Street, Manchester, M4 4BE
## Structure, Governance and Management
## **Governing Document**
Gift Foundation is a registered charity, number 1143428, and is constituted under a trust deed dated 18 June 2011 as amended on 19 July 2022.
## **Organisational Structure**
The charity trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. The trustees give their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial benefits.
At the biannual trustees’ meetings, the trustees agree the broad strategy and areas of activity for the Gift of Knowledge, including scholarship awards and performance. The day to day processing and handling of applications prior to consideration by the relevant trustees is delegated to the Administration.
The trustees also consider the monitoring information concerning the performance of scholarships to date, and make recommendations to the trustees concerning the extension, cessation or suspension of existing scholarship awards.
## **Trustees:**
**Chair of Trustees : Dr Hamida Begum,** MRCGP MBBS
**Treasurer : Monjur Miah, BSc Hons Trustees : Mrs Selina Begum Ali,** BEd CELTA PTLLS **Dr Rabia Ishaque,** MRCGP MBBS **Dr Tasnuba Subhani,** MBBS **Mrs Khaleda Jasmeen Maleque,** BA Hons **Monzurul Haque,** BSc Hons **Sorwar Hussain Ahmed**
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 3
## Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
New trustees are appointed by the existing trustees and serve for 5 years after which they may put themselves forward for re-appointment.
In selecting new trustees, we seek to identify people who regularly attend events and functions organised by the charity and are willing to volunteer to help in our broader community work. Potential trustees are invited to attend trustees’ meetings as observers and are given more details of the charity’s aims and activities and, if all agree, they are then proposed as new trustees at the subsequent trustees’ meeting. This process allows due consideration of the person’s eligibility, personal competence, specialist knowledge and skills.
## **Induction and training of trustees**
Following appointment, new trustees are introduced to their new role and given copies of the trust deed and a guide to the policies and procedures adopted by our charity. A number of publications from the Charity Commission are also provided including the guidance on charities and public benefit. This ensures that new trustees are aware of the scope of their responsibilities under the Charities Act. Initially, new trustees work with an existing trustee assisting on particular activities and projects run by the charity. After satisfactory feedback from existing trustees, they are then given the task of leading a particular activity or project, reporting progress at trustees’ meetings.
## **Risk management**
The trustees have assessed the risks the charity faces and discuss measures to limit them at trustee meetings. The trustees are satisfied that systems are in place, or arrangements are in hand, to manage the risks that have been identified. In particular the finances of the charity are kept under review through a strict authorisation process for any expenses or expenditures. We also ensure that all necessary documents are provided and maintained in relation to any expenses. Appropriate DBS checks, supported by regularly reviewed policies, are made for all those who work with children or vulnerable groups.
The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed those risks and established systems and procedures to manage those risks.
Our major operational risk is the extent to which the scholarship awards successfully lead to competent teachers, leaders and scholars for the community. The trustees manage this risk by retaining trustees of sufficient skill and expertise, who oversee the scholarship awarding process and are heavily involved in screening applicants to identify talent and motivation. The charity also makes effort to keep regular communication with the awardees and requests an annual report from their respective supervisors to monitor academic progress. Furthermore, a key component of the scholarship award is mentoring; this is to provide personal support and expand opportunities.
Everyday transactions are physically monitored by at least one trustee. Any large payments require the authorisation of the Chair and Treasurer.
## **Volunteers**
The charity is very involved in the local community and relies on voluntary help. We have approximately 50 volunteers to assist with event organising and planning.
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 4
## Objectives and Activities for Public Benefit **Our Aims**
Our charity’s purposes as set out in the objectives contained in the charity’s trust deed and are summarised below:
To promote education in such ways as the trustees think fit in particular but not exclusively by:
- Awarding scholarships or grants to people over the age of 21 years in the United Kingdom and developing countries to attend university, college or institute of higher or further education.
- To promote numeracy and literacy amongst children in developing countries.
## **Our Objectives**
Our objectives are set to reflect our community aims. Each year our trustees review our objectives and activities to ensure they continue to reflect our aims. In carrying out this review the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular its supplementary public guidance on the advancement of higher education for the public benefit.
Our long term ambition is to build competent imams, scholars and teachers for our community who have an understanding of our unique needs in the West.
## **Achievements**
Our continued humanitarian support for Sudanese refugees in Egypt, expanding capacity and impact through collaboration with other charity organisations.
Additionally, we played a vital role in the Bangladesh flood relief efforts by providing shelters to individuals who lost their homes during the devastating floods. This support helped ensure safety and stability for the affected communities as they began to rebuild their lives.
We progressed in great length on the construction of an educational institute in Bangladesh, aimed at addressing the educational needs of children from underprivileged families. This project will provide much-needed access to quality education, offering these children the opportunity to build a brighter future.
## **Events**
Our main events in 2024 were –
- Provided food pack for needy family in Ghana and for Sudanese Refugees
- Provided shelter in Bangladesh
- Provided educational scholarship support for Adults in UK and Abroad
- Continued raising funds through online and events appealing for Scholarships and humanitarian aid
- Continue supporting Islamic studies
- Supported flood relief in Bangladesh
- Initiated construction of educational institute in Bangladesh
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 5
## Scholarship Awards
1. Over 20 Adult Students Supported
- a. 10 PhD students
- b. 1 Imam CPD
- c. 6 Islamic Studies
2. Over £40,000 provided in Scholarships
In 2024, the charity provided scholarships to **20** exceptional adult students from UK and **supported adults and children of various institutions in Bangladesh & Ghana.**
All of our awardees attend prestigious institutions including:
- SOAS University
- Al Azhar University - Egypt
- University of Cambridge
- University of Birmingham
- European Institute for Human Sciences
- University of Liverpool
- Darul Arqam in Bangladesh
## **Awards Policy**
The charity has established its scholarship awarding policy to achieve its objects for the public benefit to improve the research and teaching capabilities of the Muslim and wider community. The immediate beneficiaries of the scholarships are the individual recipients, although we expect communal benefits to accrue through the development of competent researchers and teachers.
## **Criteria and Selection**
Our scholarship awards fund British students either pursing (or continuing):
1. A **PhD in Islamic Sciences** at a reputable institution in the UK, or
2. Those pursuing **Islamic studies** delivered in Arabic abroad, also at a recognised institute.
Gift of Knowledge welcomes applications for scholarship awards from proactive and dedicated British students who have an excellent academic track record and have also undertaken community and charity work.
Eligibility is restricted to applicants specialising in Islamic Sciences to ensure that we operate within our aims and objectives. However, if the trustees deem that an exceptional candidate has the potential to make beneficial contributions to the community through their research, then the charity may make exceptions at their discretion.
All applications are initially scrutinised by at least one trustee before references are verified and additional background checks are carried out through the charity’s expansive network.
## **Interview**
If applicants successfully pass through the initial screening and background checks, they are invited for an interview carried out by 2 trustees, where they determine eligibility of a scholarship. This will include an assessment of whether each candidate can manage the other costs involved in studying, such as living and travel expenses. Candidates are given an indication of whether the charity will support them at this stage, although no explicit reference to the amount is given at this stage.
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 6
## Related Parties
None of our trustees received any remuneration from their work with the charity in the current year. No trustees had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year. Key management personnel Mr Fahimul Anam (CEO) deceased was paid a salary of £40,000 during the year who was the partner of one of the trustees.
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 7
## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees**
I report on the Accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on attached pages.
## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner**
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
1. Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
2. To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5) (b) of the Charities Act), and
3. To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement**
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The Procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair' view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent Examiner's Statement**
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act;
- b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met.
2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## **Kamal Hussain FCCA**
## **Hussain Associates Ltd**
Unit 46D, Micro Business Park 46-50 Greatorex Street London E1 5NP
Date: 10 November 2025
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 8
## **Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 December 2024**
|**Incoming resources**
Gift aid
Donations and other income
Total incoming resources
**Resources expended**
Salaries & Employer NI
Employer pension contribution
Postage and stationery
Rent and Rates
Brochure and publications
Refreshments
Bank Charges
Scholarships, awards and course fees
Sundry Expenses
Donations
Telephone
Travel and subsistence
Event and conference cost
Repair & maintenance
Equipment hire and computer accessories
Website costs
Accountancy
Professional and consultancy Fees
Subscriptions
Depreciation
Total resources expended
**Net movement in funds for the year**
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
27,926
247,873
275,800
194,631
4,180
470
12,060
9,015
143
218
53,610
180
80,181
898
1,560
10,923
975
1,841
302
1,350
3,578
1,247
3,091
380,453
(104,653)
(55,056)
(159,709)|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|**Total**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
27,926
247,873
275,800
194,631
4,180
470
12,060
9,015
143
218
53,610
180
80,181
898
1,560
10,923
975
1,841
302
1,350
3,578
1,247
3,091
380,453
(104,653)
(55,056)
(159,709)|**Total**
**Funds**
**2023**
**£**
33,753
219,274|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||253,027|
|||||116,936
2,692
754
12,200
696
261
460
82,518
50
20,290
1,814
20,789
28,258
54
1,330
541
1,200
15,390
1,260
2,920|
|||||310,414|
|||||(57,387)
2,331|
|||||(55,056)|
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 9
## **Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024**
This report was approved by the trustees on 10[th] November 2025 and signed on their behalf.
HBegum **Dr Hamida Begum MRCGP MBBS** Chair
**Monjur Miah BSC Hons** Treasurer
Date: 10 November 2025
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 10
## **Notes to the Accounts 31 December 2024**
## **1 Accounting Policies**
## **Basis of Preparation of Accounts**
The financial statements are prepared under historical cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice and charities act 2011.
## **Fund Accounting**
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor through the terms on an appeal.
## **Incoming Resources**
Voluntary income and donations are included in incoming resources when they are receivable, except when donors’ conditions have not been fulfilled then the income is differed.
Resources expanded are included in the statement of Financial Activities on the accrual basis inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
Expenditure which directly attributable to specific activities has been included in this cost categories. Where the costs are attributable to more than one activity, they have been apportioned across the cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
## **Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation**
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:
## **Plant & Machinery** 15% Straight Line
|**2**
**Tangible Assets**
Plant &
Machinery
£
**Cost**
As at 1 January 2024
19,465
Addition
1,142
As at 31 December 2024
20,607
**Depreciation**
As at 1 January 2024
7,353
Provided during the year
3,091
As at 31 December 2023
10,444
**Net book value**
As at 31 December 2024
10,163
As at 1 January 2024
12,112
**3 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
**2024**
£
Sundry loans
104,575
Other creditors
7,030
Other taxation and social security
70,699
Accruals
2,550
184,854|Total
£
19,465
1,142|
|---|---|
||20,607|
||7,353
3,091|
||10,444|
||10,163|
||12,112|
||**2023**
£
53,075
(1,049)
27,284
2,300|
||81,610|
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 11
## **4 Related party transaction**
No trustees had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year. Key management personnel Mr Fahimul Anam (CEO) deceased was paid a salary of £40,000 during the year who was the partner of one of the trustees.
## **5 Going Concern**
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The trustees have reviewed the charity’s financial position and performance, including projected cash flows and future funding commitments. Based on this review, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
## **6 Post Balance Sheet Event**
After the year end, the charity was deeply saddened by the sudden death of Mr Fahimul Anam, who served as Chief Executive Officer and made a significant contribution to the work of the charity.
This event occurred after the balance sheet date and does not provide evidence of conditions that can exist at that date. Accordingly, no adjustments have been made to the financial statements.
The trustees are reviewing arrangements to ensure that the charity’s activities continue smoothly and that appropriate steps are taken to fill the vacancy and support ongoing operations.
The trustees acknowledge that Mr Anam’s passing may have some short-term impact on the charity’s activities and income, but they remain confident that the charity can continue to serve its beneficiaries effectively.
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 12
## **Plans for the Future (next 12 months)**
Over the next year, Gift Foundation plans to:
- Return to our raison-de-etre and provide more support to seekers of knowledge
- Continue to host community events to benefit the local and wider community
- Expand our donor base to build financial resilience and sustainability
- Strengthen our relationship with individuals and partner organisations in project delivery here and abroad
This report was approved by the trustees on 10[th] November 2025 and signed on their behalf.
## HBegum
## **Dr Hamida Begum MRCGP MBBS**
Chair On behalf of the Trustees Gift Foundation
Gift Foundation Trustees’ Annual Report 2024 | Page 13