What The COSARAF Charitable Foundation does

The COSARAF Charitable Foundation is a UK-registered charitable foundation (Charity Number 1118481) established in 2007 by Haroon and Farouq Sheikh, co-founders of CareTech Holdings PLC. Operating from Uxbridge with a small staff of 1-10 employees overseen by an 11-member Board of Trustees drawn primarily from the Sheikh family, the foundation administers both Zakat and non-Zakat funds across three priority areas: Empowering Women and Girls, Enabling Young People, and Building Sustainable Communities. Its grant-making portfolio comprises three programmes: Major Grants (invitation-only, multi-year strategic funding for 18 partner organisations), Hardship Grants (referral-only small grants up to £2,000 for UK residents), and the Ramadan Fund (seasonal feeding and Iftar event funding). Education is the most developed vertical, anchored by the Sheikh Family Scholarships at St Anne's College Oxford, Downing College Cambridge, and University of Warwick.

The foundation operates an event-driven go-to-market model with no proprietary technology product. Its distribution channels are structured grant-making processes rather than commercial sales, with trustees conducting direct field visits to project sites across the UK, Pakistan, Kenya, Bangladesh, India, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Uganda. Outreach and partner engagement are conducted through the cosaraf.org website, six social media channels (Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, YouTube, Facebook, Flickr), impact reports, and high-profile community events including the annual Open Iftar hosted at iconic venues such as the V&A Museum and Silverstone Circuit in partnership with the Ramadan Tent Project. Marketing is fundamentally storytelling-led, focused on impact narratives rather than lead generation.

Revenue mechanics are donation-driven rather than commercial: the foundation receives donations primarily from the Sheikh family and redistributes them to vetted partner organisations. Disbursement exceeded £2,000,000 in a single recent year, and cumulative beneficiaries reached 1.4 million since 2018 across approximately 16,092 direct beneficiaries in 24/25 alone. The foundation launched a new three-year strategy for 2026-2029 led by Director Tashmina Hoque to deepen impact. No revenue or income figures are publicly disclosed, and there is no external institutional investor base; the entity is a private family-controlled charity rather than a commercial enterprise.

Name

The COSARAF Charitable Foundation

Legal name

The COSARAF Charitable Foundation

Website

https://cosaraf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The COSARAF Charitable Foundation is a UK-registered charity established in 2007 by the Sheikh family that funds education, women and girls' empowerment, and sustainable community programmes across eight countries, primarily through invitation-only major grants, hardship grants, and the Sheikh Family Scholarships at Oxford, Cambridge, and Warwick.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Foundation and Grant-Making Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA), Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK), Need-Based Grants & Bursaries (EDAIAOAB)

Keywords

• Charitable grant funding
• Zakat distribution
• Hardship grants
• Education scholarships
• Community foundation programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Potters Bar

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Others, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Charitable Donations and Grant Disbursement: The foundation receives donations from the Sheikh family and distributes grants to partner organizations. It administers both Zakat (Islamic charitable giving) and non-Zakat funds in line with their Grant-Making Policy and Zakat Distribution Policy. Major Grants are by invitation only.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The COSARAF Charitable Foundation is a UK family-led grant-making foundation that administers and distributes donations (both Zakat and non-Zakat funds) to partner organisations. Its core offerings are the Major Grants programme (long-term strategic funding by invitation to NGO partners), Hardship Grants (small grants of up to £2,000 for UK residents via referral partners), the Ramadan Fund (seasonal grants for feeding programmes and community iftar events), Sheikh Family Scholarships at Oxford, Cambridge and Warwick, and annual Open Iftar community events at iconic UK venues.

Product overview

The COSARAF Charitable Foundation operates as a grant-making charitable organisation rather than a technology product company. Its core offerings are grant funding programs: Major Grants (long-term strategic funding for innovative projects by invitation), Hardship Grants (small emergency grants up to £2,000 for UK residents), and Ramadan Fund (seasonal feeding programme funding). The Foundation also runs the Sheikh Family Scholarships at three UK universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick) providing full tuition, work placements, and mentorship. Additionally, it hosts Open Iftar community events at iconic venues. The Foundation funds diverse projects across UK, Pakistan, Kenya, and other countries focused on Empowering Women & Girls, Enabling Young People, and Building Sustainable Communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• COSARAF: The main foundation brand name used throughout website and communications. Also stylized as COSARAF Charitable Foundation.

Products and services

• Major Grants Long-term strategic funding by invitation only for innovative projects aligned with the Foundation's three priority areas: Cohesive Communities, Young People, and Women & Girls. Supports credible partner organisations driving long-term change; 18 partners currently supported. Leveraging wider support is required from partners.
• Hardship Grants Small grants of up to £2,000 available for UK residents experiencing significant financial hardship. Individual grants typically do not exceed £500 except in exceptional circumstances. Applications must be submitted by a third-party referral partner (registered charity, public body, social landlord, voluntary organisation or school); assessed every six weeks with response within eight weeks.
• Ramadan Fund Seasonal grant fund enabling additional donations during Ramadan to support feeding programmes and community Iftar events. Partners are invited to tender in the three months preceding Ramadan. Supported 19,150 people around the world during Ramadan 2023.
• Sheikh Family Scholarships Full tuition-fee scholarships (with Zakat funds) for underprivileged Muslim undergraduate students at partner universities including St Anne's College Oxford, Downing College Cambridge and the University of Warwick. Package includes paid work placements, mentorship, and leadership development training. 30 scholars supported through their studies in the UK and abroad.
• Open Iftar Events Annual community Iftar events hosted at iconic UK venues (including the V&A London and Silverstone Circuit) in partnership with the Ramadan Tent Project, bringing diverse communities together during Ramadan. The 2023 event at V&A hosted the Ramadan Pavilion exhibition celebrating Muslim experiences during Ramadan.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.4 million beneficiaries since 2018
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• Time To Help UKminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLondon-based charity founded in 2013 focusing on alleviating poverty, supporting vulnerable communities, and promoting peace and social justice. COSARAF donated £5,000 to support the Gifts2Mum project providing baby care packages to destitute asylum-seeking mothers.
• Bengal Dragons FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWales-based community-led organization empowering marginalised communities through sport, sustainability, education, health and wellbeing. Supports Muslim and South Asian youth through inclusive football programmes.
• Show Racism the Red CardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading anti-racism education charity using professional football to empower positive role models. Partnership supports Interfaith Community Iftar Events across Wales with leading football and rugby clubs.
• Advantage AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports people affected by poverty, disability and HIV in East Africa to improve education, health and incomes. Focus on transition support for young people with intellectual disabilities in Kenya.
• Ramadan Tent ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning British charity founded in 2013 producing the world's largest annual Ramadan Festival. Partnership for Open Iftar events at iconic venues including V&A London and Silverstone.
• Cycle SistersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInspires and enables Muslim women and girls to change their lives through cycling without compromising cultural or religious values. Delivers cycling activities in Waltham Forest.
• Nabigonj Darul Ullom MadrashaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoys madrasha and orphanage in Northern Bangladesh supporting 100 young boys. Supported since 2023 with Ramadan feeding programmes for orphans.
• Read FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal charity operating over 400 schools to provide high-quality inclusive education. COSARAF funded the Kals Pajjay School in Bagh District, AJK, Pakistan serving 400 children annually.
• Carers WorldwidecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based charity supporting unpaid family carers in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Partnership supports community caring centres, Ramadan programmes, and healthcare for carers and children with disabilities.
• Iron Aid FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity providing a community centre using the concept of Baitul Maal (community fund) in Harrow, Pinner, Northwood areas. COSARAF donated £435,000 towards purchase of a building for community centre development.
• Fahmida Begum FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlagship partner based in Mehran Town, Karachi providing food security, education, healthcare, women's empowerment, and microfinance. Established in 2014 by children of Sheikh Abdul Rashid and Fahmida Begum. Currently constructing purpose-driven flagship centre.
• Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse HelplineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree, confidential support service for anyone affected by domestic abuse across Hertfordshire. Supported over 40,000 people in 20+ years. COSARAF grant covers telephone operating system costs.
• Swiha FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUganda-based civil society organization focused on health, water and sanitation, education and livelihoods. Grant of $2,700 funded hand pump water well at Masjid Jami'a Mosque in Kasangati.
• Join Hands TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity established in 2008 supporting underprivileged families in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. Supported since 2019 with Ramadan feeding programmes and crisis support.
• Victoria & Albert MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's leading museum of art, design and performance. Partnership to fund the Ramadan Pavilion 2023 exhibition celebrating Muslim experiences during Ramadan.
• Hertfordshire Community FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent charity encouraging local giving to support Hertfordshire communities. COSARAF donated £5,000 to Hertfordshire Children's Fund for families in need.
• Hatcliffe Extension Charitable TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrust overseeing mosque and community development in Hatcliffe Extension, Zimbabwe. Supported with Ramadan food hampers and iftar programmes for four Islamic centres.
• Shamakha FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFocuses on basic needs of poorest citizens in coastal Kenya. Receives annual grant supporting daily hot kitchen (600 plates/day), food packages, teacher salaries, scholarships, and healthcare allowances.
• Plan International UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal children's charity supporting girls and boys in poorest communities. Partnership supports SAGE project for adolescent girls' education in Zimbabwe with 13,460 out-of-school girls learning life skills.
• GEAR TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit providing self-employment opportunities through interest-free microfinance in Pakistan. Supports women entrepreneurs in Mehran Town and across Karachi with mentoring and business development.
• Herts Welcomes RefugeesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports refugees and asylum seekers in Hertfordshire. COSARAF funds Arabic school accommodating 70 children across four classes with volunteer teachers.
• The King's Trust InternationalflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports young people worldwide since 2015, founded by King Charles III. Partnership funds Enterprise Challenge Pakistan (ECP) inspiring entrepreneurial skills in students aged 14-18.
• University of WarwickflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld-leading research university. Partnership includes Sheikh Family Scholarship for underprivileged Muslim students and support for Warwick Islamic Education Programme.
• St Anne's College, OxfordflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Oxford's largest colleges with over 800 students. Sheikh Family Scholarship supports underprivileged Muslim undergraduate students facing financial hardship.
• East Africa Character Development TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree-year partnership for cricket-based youth development programme in Kenya. Has benefited over 15,000 young people since 2014 through school-based and community-based programmes.
• African GiftedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperates African Science Academy providing STEM education for gifted young women from disadvantaged backgrounds across Africa. COSARAF sponsors one scholarship annually.
• The King's Trust Enterprise UKflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK's leading youth organization helping young people aged 11-30 develop life skills and work readiness. Partnership funds enterprise programme supporting young entrepreneurs.
• The Noor ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian organization established in 2012 in Pakistan providing education, healthcare, food security, and livelihood programmes. Priority given to Noor Girls Home supporting 110 girls.
• Oxford Pakistan ProgrammecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst initiative generating momentum on Pakistan-related activities at Oxford University. Sheikh Family Studentships support graduate students of Pakistani origin.
• Family Educational Services FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit enhancing quality of life for disadvantaged communities, particularly the Deaf community in Pakistan through Deaf Reach Schools, Colleges and Training Centers. COSARAF sponsors 50 deaf girls' holistic education.
• NAZ LegacycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based charity continuing legacy of first Muslim head teacher Naz Bokhari OBE. Diversity Days bring KS4/5 pupils to Oxford, Cambridge, and Warwick universities to raise aspirations.
• SEED VenturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImpact investment organization established in 2009 focused on social impact in Pakistan. Partnership supports Imarah women empowerment project in Mehran Town.
• Downing College, CambridgeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Cambridge's colleges. Partner institution for Sheikh Family Scholarships supporting underprivileged Muslim students.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Wellcome Trust: Major UK charitable foundation making substantial grants across various sectors. Comparable as a UK-registered charitable foundation with significant annual disbursement and global programme reach.
• Human Appeal: UK-based Muslim charity delivering humanitarian and development programs across multiple regions. Comparable in faith-based grantmaking, international reach, and community focus.
• Islamic Relief Worldwide: One of the largest Muslim humanitarian organizations globally, with extensive faith-compliant giving, Zakat administration, and international development programs. Major incumbent in the same space.
• Muslim Aid: Established UK-based Muslim charity working in humanitarian relief, education, and sustainable development across multiple countries. Larger incumbent operating in similar faith-based international grantmaking space.
• Penny Appeal: UK-based Muslim charity providing humanitarian aid, orphan sponsorship, and emergency relief globally. Similar Zakat and Sadaqah infrastructure with comparable international footprint.
• King Baudouin Foundation: Large European charitable foundation making grants across multiple thematic areas internationally. Comparable as a private family-originated foundation with international grantmaking operations.
• Aga Khan Foundation: Major international Islamic foundation supporting education, health, and community development across developing countries. Comparable in faith-based international grantmaking with focus on education and sustainable communities.

Direct peers

• National Zakat Foundation: UK specialist in Zakat collection and distribution, serving Muslims across the country. Comparable in Zakat-specific expertise and faith-compliant grantmaking infrastructure.
• Al-Khair Foundation: UK-based Muslim charitable foundation providing humanitarian aid, education, and community development grants internationally. Directly comparable in faith-based giving model, Zakat administration, and international programme focus.

Regional players

• Hertfordshire Community Foundation: Local UK community foundation encouraging local giving to support Hertfordshire communities. Directly comparable as a community-focused grantmaking foundation, and an existing COSARAF partner organization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/CosarafFdn
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCosaraf
• Facebookfacebook.com/CosarafFoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/2414723
• Instagraminstagram.com/cosaraffoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The COSARAF Charitable Foundation