Friends of LUMS UK (FOL-UK)
Friends of LUMS UK
Registered Charity in England & Wales (Charity No. 1209881)
Supporting Access to Education and High-impact Research
At LUMS, opportunity is defined by talent, not financial circumstance. As Pakistan’s leading not-for-profit university and the first to pioneer need-blind admissions, LUMS places merit at the centre of access to education, supported by comprehensive financial aid that enables students to succeed.
This commitment is backed by sustained, long-term investment. To date, LUMS has invested over PKR 13 billion in scholarships and financial aid, opening doors for thousands of students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Launched in 2001, the National Outreach Programme was among the first of its kind globally, working with schools, families, and communities across Pakistan to identify high-potential students from underrepresented backgrounds and support them through scholarships, stipends, meal plans, and pre-university academic preparation.
LUMS is a globally recognised research university addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Drawing on strengths across business, law, science and engineering, the humanities and social sciences, education, and technology, LUMS advances research on issues ranging from climate change and green economic transitions to health, inclusive development, and social and educational equity - informing policy, driving innovation, and strengthening more inclusive and just societies.
Friends of LUMS UK exists to sustain and strengthen LUMS’ mission in student access and high-impact research. As the UK-registered charitable organisation supporting LUMS, we bring together alumni, families, individuals, and corporate partners who believe in the transformative power of education and knowledge creation. Through philanthropic support from the United Kingdom and beyond, we help students overcome financial barriers and enable research that tackles pressing societal challenges - unlocking potential, changing lives, and shaping a more equitable future.
Why Support Friends of LUMS UK
Your support through Friends of LUMS UK directly advances access to high-quality higher education and strengthens LUMS’ long-term impact. Contributions raised in the United Kingdom are directed towards priority areas that remove financial barriers, expand academic opportunity, and enable leadership development.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Support academically talented students from all socio-economic backgrounds, enabling them to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at LUMS.
Research & Academic Initiatives
Fund grants that enhance research capability and drive academic advancement across disciplines.
Educational Facilities
Contribute towards the development, naming of learning spaces and environments that foster intellectual growth, dialogue, and well-being.
Strategic Programmes
Support targeted initiatives such as outreach, mentoring, leadership development, and innovation projects that broaden LUMS’ societal impact.
Fundraising & Community Giving
Create or participate in fundraising events to amplify collective impact.
How You Can Give
Friends of LUMS UK operates within the UK’s charity framework, allowing supporters to make tax-efficient gifts where applicable. Typical ways to contribute include:
Online Donation
Make a secure donation through our UK-based giving portal (coming soon). Gifts of all sizes make a meaningful difference.
Direct Bank Transfer (UK)
Request details for direct fund transfers from the development team. For more information, contact
giving@lums.edu.pk or fol.uk@lums.edu.pk
We are committed to transparency and impact reporting, ensuring donors receive updates on the impact of their contributions.
Impact Stories
Your support helps students from diverse backgrounds access a world-class education and contribute to their communities. Each scholarship opens a door to leadership, innovation, and social progress.
“Thank you for empowering me through LUMS. I promise to empower thousands of women like myself through my work and efforts. Thank you for giving me a place safe like my home, where I found my identity. You’re an inspiration for all of us.”
Namra Mansoor
BSc, Class of 2015
“Your passion, strength and wisdom has taught us so much and we look forward to continue growing in our learning because of what LUMS has given us-the ability to educate and spread your ethos of achieving nationwide literacy.”
Usman Ahmed
MBA, Class of 1995
Governance & Accountability
Friends of LUMS UK is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity No. 1209881). Our governing document (registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation – Foundation on 04 September 2024) outlines our purpose and operational framework.
We adhere to the Charity Commission’s standards of governance, financial reporting, and transparency. Annual accounts and trustee reports will be made available in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Trustees
Ali Almakky – Trustee Chair
Mr. Almakky is the Global Head of Mobility Payment Solutions and Chair of the Supervisory Board at J.P. Morgan Mobility Payments Solutions S.A., a role he has held since January 2022, where he oversees innovation and growth across mobility-focused payment platforms. He previously led corporate and investment banking strategy at J.P. Morgana, served as Global Head of Corporate Strategy at Deutsche Bank, held senior roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and American Express. He began his professional journey at McKinsey & Company and Citibank and holds an MSc in Finance and Economics from the London School of Economics and an MBA in Finance from LUMS.
Ali Farid Khwaja – Trustee Treasurer
Mr. Khwaja is a seasoned financial market professional and entrepreneur with experience across investment platforms, fintech, and economic policy. He is Co-Founder of KTrade Saudi, leading operations in Riyadh, and has served as Chairman of KTrade in Karachi since 2018. He is also a Foundation Council Member at the National Incubation Centre Lahore. Previously, he advised on financial market reforms at the Asian Development Bank and held senior roles at Autonomous Research, SafeCharge, and Berenberg Bank. A Rhodes Scholar, he holds an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford and a BSc in Economics and Computer Science from LUMS.
Ayesha Khalid Waheed – Trustee
Ms. Waheed is a Partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP in London, specialising in project finance, infrastructure, and natural resources. She advises developers and lenders on complex oil and gas, power generation, and large-scale infrastructure projects across global markets. A highly regarded practitioner, she is ranked by Chambers UK and recognised by IFLR1000, Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal, with recent designation as a Leader in Projects: Mainly International by Chambers Global (2025). She has served on the Mayor of London’s Infrastructure Advisory Panel and holds a BA in Law from the University of Cambridge and an LL.M from Georgetown University Law Center.
Get Involved
Whether you are a LUMS graduate based in the UK, a member of the Pakistani diaspora, or a supporter of global education equity, your involvement matters.
Contact Friends of LUMS UK
Address: 4 Aylmer Road, London, N2 0BX, United Kingdom
Email: fol.uk@lums.edu.pk
Phone: +92-42- 3560-8000 (Ext: 4447, 4456)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my donation eligible for UK tax relief?
As a UK charity, donations to Friends of LUMS UK may qualify for Gift Aid where applicable.
How will my gift be used?
Donations are channelled to scholarship support, academic programmes, research funding, and educational infrastructure at LUMS. You may also designate funds to specific areas of interest.
Who benefits from my donation?
Talented students from Pakistan and beyond who pursue academic excellence at LUMS, regardless of economic background.
Can I contribute to Give a Day to LUMS through FOL UK?
Yes, contributions to Give a Day to LUMS (GADTL) can be made through Friends of LUMS UK via the online donation portal.
Is my contribution Zakat eligible?
Yes. LUMS collects and disburses Zakat to eligible students. Donors may specify that their contribution be treated as Zakat to support eligible students’ tuition and related expenses. Zakat contributions are collected under the current-use model only.