Here, I present eighteen endowments of different kinds and with different services, that are Awqaf (plural of Waqf) which is the Islamic equivalent of an endowment. Each has a description of what it aims to do.
By listing the following Waqf funds, I am not necessarily endorsing them. It is a study of what exists to be able to theorize further, and build improved models for the entire Ummah, and for humanity as a whole.
Here they are:
1.) International Waqf Fund (waqf.org):
This organization allowing donors to purchase waqf shares starting at 150 euros for perpetual charity. It calls for sustainable philanthropy through Shariah compliant investments and its key services include general, Ramadan, water, health, and education waqf shares that fund food aid, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and schooling. It is governed by an Investment Committee ensuring risk management and social impact. Trustees include Awad al Usaimah and executives including Mohammad alSaghir.
2.) Awqaf Properties Investment Fund (APIF, isdb.org):
It was established in 1997 under IsDB to revive the waqf tradition. APIF finances income-generating real estate (residential, commercial, mixed-use) through greenfield projects, renovations, and purchases, with $115.2 million paid up capital and $100 million IsDB financing. It supports education, health, youth empowerment, and relief in 27 countries, aligning with SDGs like no poverty and quality education. Projects include Towfiq Waqf in Kenya and in Saudi Arabia. Participants include IsDB, Kuwait Finance House, and Jordan Islamic Bank. It's managed as a Mudarabah fund with low-risk dividends (average of 3.5%).
3.) Lotus Waqf Endowment Fund (lotuscapitallimited.com):
Its Nigeria's first SEC registered waqf fund, managed by Lotus Capital since 2006. It enables cash endowments from ₦5,000 for permanent (Class A) or temporary (Class B) waqf, invested in Shariah compliant assets like sukuk and equities to preserve capital and generate returns. It's distributed by DIWA (managing ₦4.8 billion over 14 years) and funds education, health, social welfare, and economic empowerment in Nigeria. Monzer Kahf is an advisor.
4.) UNRWA-OIC Waqf Fund (unrwa.org):
It was approved in 2019 by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, and works for sustainable support of Palestinian refugees through UNRWA's programs. It pools waqf contributions to provide ongoing education, health, and relief services.
5.) The Waqf Foundation (thewaqf.org.uk):
It’s a UK registered charity (No. 1210838) formed in November 2024 from Global Helping Hands. It invests donations in Shariah compliant opportunities to grow principal while distributing annual returns to causes. Funds include general, property (family support), masjid, and burial waqf, aiding health, education, orphans, poverty, water, and emergencies. It has 100% allocation to projects.
6.) iWaqf via Wahed (wahed.com/uk & iwaqf.io):
It’s a UK registered charity (RCN: 1190896) and democratizes waqf through a digital platform and app, allowing endowments from 50 euros invested in property for 5% growth (donating 4% yearly). It offers perpetual or temporary waqf with transparent tracking, grants, and reports to chosen charities regulated by the UK Charities Commission. It is promoted by Mufti Menk. Its accessible Sadaqah Jariyah benefiting generations.
7.) WaqForever (waqforever.org):
Its a UK based initiative pools donations (no minimum) into fixed assets like seven properties and car businesses generating high yields. It's currently focused on Palestine Humanitarian Waqf through a collaborator, Abdullah Aid, and provides food, medical aid, education, water, and legal support for 1,000+ families across 50+ communities. Its raised €2.3 million. Promoters include Mufti Menk and Ali Hammuda. It invests in UK real estate for perpetual charity.
8.) World Waqf Foundation (nohoudh.org):
It’s an IsDB cooperated project since 2000 under Nohoudh Endowment in Kuwait and advances research and development through waqf. Objectives include studies, legal programs, and community projects like water dams in Yemen and disability rehabilitation in Egypt. Affiliates include AUB, SOAS, and Al Orman. It's led by the al Zumai family and publishes on Islamic studies topics.
9.) International British Waqf (ibwaqf.org.uk):
It was launched in 2023 as a Human Appeal subsidiary and offers waqf shares invested in low risk UK real estate (5-7% profits) for causes like water, orphans, education, and emergencies in the UK, Pakistan, Gaza, etc. Donors receive certificates and annual reports. Based on 2024 stats, 703 million are without clean water. It reinvests part of the income for growth.
10.) North American Islamic Trust (NAIT, nait.net):
It was founded in 1973 by MSA (linked to ISNA) and holds waqf titles to 300+ mosques and schools in 40+ US states for worship and education. It pools funds through the Islamic Centers Cooperative Fund for interest free loans and growth, publishes Islamic literature through ATP, and offers Shariah compatible investments like Iman Fund. Trustees include Muzammil Siddiqi.
11.) National Waqf (nationalwaqf.org):
It's a UK charity established in 2021 to revive waqf for domestic Muslim causes and invests in assets to generate grants (reinvesting portion) for spiritual, youth, dawah, and economic projects like madrasa fees and scouting. The team includes Umer Suleman and Mufti Abdur Rahman Mangera. It has funded initiatives including Sapience Institute.
12.) Waqf Fund of International Islamic Fiqh Academy (iifa-aifi.org):
It is based in Jeddah and supports scholarly and jurisprudential activities through waqf. It advances Islamic fiqh research and resolutions, contributing to global waqf standardization and application. As part of the OIC affiliated academy for socio economic development.
13.) Muslim Aid Global Waqf Fund (muslimaid.org):
This fund sustains education, health, sanitation, housing, and livelihoods worldwide, drawing on waqf models like Al Aqsa management. It channels investment returns to community development, ensuring long-term social welfare.
14.) iWaqf.net:
This platform brings personal waqf funds integrated with Islamic wills, allowing family and charitable use post passing with tax benefits. Options include own charity registration or partnering with specialists. It retains donor control for larger estates. It shifts from upfront asks to flexible, income generating models for medium or long term charity expansion.
15.) Khadijah International Waqf Foundation (khadijahwaqf.org.my):
It was established in 2018 under Labuan law and manages waqf assets for global projects, impacting 1 million+ through transit homes, artisan programs, education, and broadcasts. Collaborators include CIMB Islamic and Bank Negara Malaysia. It grows endowments for sustainable community enrichment in health, welfare, and humanitarian aid.
16.) Waqf Featured Fund Framework (sc.com.my):
It was issued by Malaysia's Securities Commission and enables unit/wholesale funds with waqf features blending commercial returns and social impact. It supports waqf asset development through SRI Sukuk and shares for Islamic capital market growth.
17.) myWakaf (mywakaf.com.my):
It is a collaborative initiative by ten Islamic banks and SIRCs under BNM/AIBIM and pools waqf for inclusive services like solar dryers, housing, and schools. It is chaired by En Khairul Kamarudin is structured for standardized management.
18.) Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust (waqfisa.bh):
It was founded in 2013 honoring Bahrain's Emir. This waqf funds undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for Bahraini youth at local and international universities, graduating 400+. It invests in human capital for national development through merit based programs.
