Said Foundation

What Said Foundation does

Said Foundation is a UK-registered charitable foundation (Registered Charity #1125521) established in 1982 by Wafic and Rosemary Saïd in memory of their son Karim, headquartered in London with a 5-person staff team. Its core programme is fully funded postgraduate scholarships at roughly 25 UK partner universities for outstanding individuals from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, complemented by Saïd Rhodes Scholarships (2 annually since 2017 with the Rhodes Trust), joint Chevening scholarships (up to 12 annually), and undergraduate support for Syrian refugees through the UNHCR DAFI programme (over 400 students since 2014).

The Foundation is also the founding donor of the Saïd Business School Foundation (SBSF, 1998), which funds approximately 40 MBA/DPhil scholars per year at Oxford's Saïd Business School, and runs a humanitarian portfolio channelled through international NGOs including the International Rescue Committee (£8m+ raised via HUFS, £5m+ via Building a Better Tomorrow, 100,000+ beneficiaries), Save the Children, Turquoise Mountain (75+ master artisans in Syria/Jordan and Palestine), SOS Children's Villages, Medical Aid for Palestinians, and St John Eye Hospital.

Revenue is generated through an endowment model: investment income funds charitable activities, supplemented by additional donations from the Chairman. The Foundation is non-sectarian and non-political, governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by Khaled Saïd with Rasha Saïd as Deputy Chair; governance transitioned in May 2026 with the appointment of CEO James Lynch. The Amal arts-for-change programme, founded in 2017, was spun out as an independent UK charity in August 2020.

Name

Said Foundation

Legal name

Saïd Foundation

Website

https://saidfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Said Foundation is a UK-registered charity funding postgraduate scholarships at ~25 UK universities and humanitarian programmes for beneficiaries in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, financed by an endowment and donations from the Saïd family.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Foundation Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Foundation/NGO & Philanthropic Scholarships (EDAIAOAH), Degree-Level Scholarships (Undergrad/Masters/PhD/Postdoc) (EDAIAOAE), Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB), Arts, Culture & Humanities Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAJ), Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL), International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)

Keywords

• Postgraduate scholarship funding
• Refugee education support
• Humanitarian charitable programmes
• Cultural heritage preservation
• University partnership scholarships

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Others, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Charitable Activities (Donations and Grants): The Foundation's charitable activities are funded by income from its investments, supplemented by additional donations from the Chairman for specific initiatives. As a registered charity (#1125521), it operates on an endowment model where investment returns and voluntary contributions fund scholarship programmes and humanitarian work.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Said Foundation is a UK-registered charitable foundation (Registered Charity #1125521) that provides fully funded postgraduate scholarships at approximately 25 UK partner universities for outstanding students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine with leadership potential. Beyond scholarships, the Foundation funds humanitarian programmes for Syrian refugee children and youth through partnerships with NGOs (IRC, Save the Children, UNHCR), cultural heritage preservation via Turquoise Mountain, health research at world-leading institutions, and bridge-building programmes in the UK. The Foundation is funded by investment income from an endowment supplemented by donations from the Chairman.

Product overview

The Saïd Foundation operates a multi-faceted charitable portfolio focused on education and humanitarian support. The core offering is the Scholarships Programme, providing fully-funded one-year master's scholarships at UK partner universities for students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. This is complemented by the Saïd Rhodes Scholarships (partnership with Rhodes Trust), UNHCR DAFI undergraduate scholarships for Syrian refugees, and Saïd Business School Foundation MBA/DPhil scholarships. The humanitarian work includes Turquoise Mountain (artisan/cultural heritage programmes in Jordan and Palestine), the Amal arts programme, partnerships with IRC and Save the Children for refugee education, Centre for Entrepreneurs for refugee entrepreneurship, and health research initiatives. Alumni programming includes the annual Alumni Achievement Prize. All programmes are non-sectarian and non-political, unified by the Foundation's mission to enable people to realise their full potential.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 190,000+ educational opportunities to Syrian refugee children and young people
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

42 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Centre for EntrepreneurscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Supported publication of report on refugee entrepreneurs 'Starting Afresh' (2018); campaign to raise awareness with government ministers; launch of Refugee Entrepreneurship Network; inaugural Global Refugee Entrepreneurship Summit.
• Turquoise MountainflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Founding seed partner for Syrian refugee artisan programme in Jordan (2017) and Palestinian artisan programme in West Bank (2023). Supports over 75 master artisans; training for hundreds of apprentices; traditional crafts revival; market access regionally and internationally.
• AmalflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Amal was founded as Saïd Foundation programme in 2017 (pilot supporting 39 projects, 400 events); continued 2018-2020 supporting 28 more projects. Established as independent charity in August 2020. Works to increase understanding of Britain's Muslim communities.
• Rhodes TrustflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Historic partnership since 2016 to extend world's most prestigious scholarships to Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Since 2017, two Said Rhodes Scholars selected annually for graduate studies at Oxford. Complements Foundation's scholarship programme.
• Save the ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Partnership for early education of Syrian refugee and host children in Lebanon (ages 3-6) and Turkey (three schools with 1,500 student capacity annually). 1,800 children plus parents/caregivers benefited from Early Childhood Education; 6,400 from Back to School campaign.
• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Partnership since 2014 for DAFI undergraduate scholarships for Syrian refugees. Foundation is largest private donor to DAFI programme. Supported over 400 Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. Helped launch DAFI programme in Lebanon.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Partnership since 2013 for education and health initiatives for Syrian conflict victims. HUFS appeal raised £8m+; Building a Better Tomorrow raised £5m+. Reached 100,000+ beneficiaries. IRC operates Building the Next Generation of Syrians in Lebanon and Jordan.
• University of BirminghamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Birmingham is consistently ranked among top 15 UK universities and top 100 globally, with 11 Nobel Prize winners. Provides postgraduate teaching in Engineering, International Development, Computer Science & Education.
• University of BristolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Founded in 1876, internationally recognised for high quality research and academic leadership.
• University of CambridgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. One of world's oldest universities and leading academic centres with worldwide reputation for outstanding academic achievement.
• University for the Creative Arts (UCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Specialist university for creative education with campuses in Farnham, Canterbury and Epsom offering degrees in Architecture, Crafts, Fashion, Design, Fine Art, Film, and Creative Technology.
• Durham UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Distinctive collegiate university with ancient traditions and modern values, seeking highest distinction in research and scholarship.
• University of EdinburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. World-renowned university ranked 18th in QS World University rankings 2019, 4th in UK for research power, and 23rd in world for graduate employability.
• University of EssexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Established worldwide reputation for top quality teaching and research since 1964.
• University of ExetercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. World class research combined with excellent student satisfaction; member of Russell Group.
• University of GlasgowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Founded in 1451, fourth oldest university in English-speaking world, broad-based research intensive institution with global reach.
• Goldsmiths University of LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Internationally renowned for creative and innovative approach to teaching and research in arts, humanities, social sciences, and computing.
• Imperial College LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. World top ten university with international reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
• King's College LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Founded 1828-9 with world-class teaching and cutting-edge research; over 24,000 students from 140 countries.
• University College London (UCL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Established 1826 as first English university to open to students of any race, class or religion; academic excellence and real-world research.
• University of LeedscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Founded 1904 with origins dating to 1831; multi-cultural institution with students and staff from over 100 countries.
• University of LeicestercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Only university to win six consecutive Times Higher Awards; leading university redefining academia for 21st century.
• London School of Economics (LSE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Specialist social sciences university with 16 Nobel prize winners among staff and alumni; founded 1895.
• Loughborough UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Leading UK university with international reputation for excellence in teaching and research; top 4 in Guardian University League Table 2019.
• University of NottinghamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Member of Russell Group and Universitas 21; ranked in world's top 100 universities; gold in Teaching Excellence Framework.
• University of OxfordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. First university in English-speaking world; students from over 140 countries; over 20,000 students.
• Royal College of ArtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. World's leading art and design university for 11 consecutive years (QS rankings); specialist institution with 2,500 postgraduate students annually.
• Royal Holloway, University of LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Ranked in top 25 UK universities; leading research-intensive university with diverse international community.
• School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Only European institution specialising in Asia, Africa, and Near and Middle East studies.
• University of SouthamptoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Top 1% of universities worldwide; top 20 UK universities; founding member of Russell Group.
• University of SussexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Leading higher education and research institution; over 75% research activity rated world leading or internationally excellent.
• University of WarwickcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Leading UK university with excellence in research and teaching; over 27,000 students.
• University of YorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner for Saïd Foundation Scholarships Programme. Russell Group university; University of Sanctuary; committed to social justice and advancing opportunity.
• Chevening Scholarship ProgrammeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint funding partnership with Chevening to fund up to 12 scholars annually. Said Foundation pays tuition fees; Chevening funds allowances and flights. Must meet both organisations' eligibility requirements.
• SOS Children's VillagescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting SOS Children's Villages in Palestine to care for 68 orphaned children evacuated from Gaza to West Bank. Children have access to education, healthcare, psychological support, and family-like care in Bethlehem.
• Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting MAP to address urgent WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) needs in Gaza. Helps improve access to safe drinking water for displaced individuals in shelters and informal camps amid collapsed infrastructure.
• St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting SJEHG in Gaza to restore vital eye care services. Hospital normally provides care to 40,000 patients annually. Support includes medical supplies, equipment, and assistance to repair damaged facilities.
• UCL and Moorfields Eye HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaid Research Initiative supporting health research into age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Led by Professors Tufail and Marcus Fruttiger. Has achieved key milestones in genetic and molecular mechanisms research.
• Great Ormond Street HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting development of new Children's Cancer Centre in London. Centre will provide comprehensive care from diagnosis through remission, including transformation of Level 10 into therapeutic roof garden.
• University of Oxford - Professorship of VaccinologyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting Professorship of Vaccinology enabling Professor Sarah Gilbert (inaugural post holder) to continue ground-breaking vaccine research, ensuring Oxford remains at forefront of vaccine development.
• Better Health Outcomes Globally ProgrammecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting innovative and impactful health projects at world-leading medical research institutions including UCL, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Oxford University.
• Hands Up FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorked with Hands Up Foundation to fund a school in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon providing quality education for 300 Syrian refugee children. Also provided livelihoods for teachers and support staff from local Syrian refugee community.

Scale indicators27 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Aga Khan Foundation: International development foundation operating Aga Khan University and scholarship programmes across the Muslim world including the Levant and Middle East; directly comparable in mission to develop leadership through higher education scholarships.
• Mastercard Foundation: Large philanthropic foundation funding secondary and tertiary education across Africa and other emerging regions; comparable in operating fully-funded scholarship programmes at scale and partnering with leading universities.
• Rhodes Trust: Manages the world's most prestigious postgraduate scholarship at Oxford; Said Foundation's flagship partner for Saïd Rhodes Scholars since 2016 with 2 scholars selected annually from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Both organisations fund and select postgraduates for Oxford.
• Chevening Scholarship Programme: UK government global scholarship programme funded by the FCDO; jointly funds up to 12 Chevening/Said Foundation scholars annually. Directly comparable in targeting high-potential international postgraduates for UK master's degrees.
• Fulbright Program: Flagship US international educational exchange programme offering scholarships for study and research; directly comparable as a global postgraduate scholarship programme targeting future leaders.
• Asfari Foundation: UK-registered Lebanese-Syrian diaspora foundation supporting Syrian refugees and Lebanese higher education; previously matched funding for Said Foundation's HUFS appeal. Highly comparable in target geography and beneficiary profile.

Broad incumbents

• Wellcome Trust: Large UK charitable foundation funding health research including vaccine science and clinical research globally; comparable as a UK-registered endowment foundation funding international education and health initiatives at major institutions.
• Open Society Foundations: Large international grantmaking foundation supporting education, civil society, and human rights globally including in the Middle East; comparable in funding scholarships, refugee programmes, and higher education access for marginalised populations.
• Ford Foundation: Major US international philanthropy with global education and social justice programmes; comparable as a large endowment foundation making grants to higher education and community development initiatives.

Emerging players

• Amal (charity): UK arts-focused charity founded as a Said Foundation programme in 2017 and spun out as independent charity in 2020; comparable as an alumni-originated organisation focused on understanding of Muslim communities, with direct Said Foundation heritage.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@saidfoundation1982
• Facebookfacebook.com/saidfoundation.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/said-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/said_foundation
• Xx.com/SaidFoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Said Foundation