Friends of LUMS USA (FOL-USA)
Friends of LUMS USA
A Registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organisation in the United States
Opening Doors to Education. Advancing Research with Global Impact
When you support Friends of LUMS USA, you help talented students access world-class education and enable research that responds to some of today’s most pressing societal challenges. Your generosity strengthens LUMS’ ability to educate future leaders and generate knowledge that serves Pakistan and the wider world.
Friends of LUMS USA connects donors in the United States with Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan’s leading not-for-profit university. Through this trusted philanthropic bridge, your contribution is stewarded responsibly and directed toward areas where it can make the greatest and most lasting impact.
LUMS is recognised for academic excellence, inclusive access, and research-driven leadership. Through initiatives such as the National Outreach Programme (NOP), the University identifies high-achieving students from under-resourced communities and supports them through full scholarships, stipends, academic preparation, and holistic student support, enabling them to thrive at LUMS and beyond.
At the same time, LUMS faculty and research centres contribute to innovation and public discourse in areas including climate resilience, economic development, public health, education, technology, law, and social equity. Philanthropic support from the United States plays a vital role in sustaining this work and extending its global reach.
Why Support Friends of LUMS USA
Giving through Friends of LUMS USA allows you to invest in education and research with confidence, transparency, and tax efficiency. Your support helps shape future leaders, advance knowledge, and strengthen institutions that serve society.
Empower Student Potential
Support scholarships and financial assistance that enable deserving undergraduate and graduate students to pursue their education at LUMS, regardless of financial background.
Advance Research and Knowledge
Strengthen faculty research, interdisciplinary initiatives, and academic programmes that contribute to evidence-based policy, innovation, and inclusive development.
Build Inspiring Learning Spaces
Contribute to the development and naming of academic spaces that foster learning, collaboration, and student well-being.
Invest in Strategic Projects
Support initiatives focused on leadership development, mentoring, innovation, and outreach to underrepresented communities.
Multiply Your Giving
Increase your impact through employer-matching programmes and collective, community-based fundraising efforts.
How to Contribute from the United States
Friends of LUMS USA is a tax-exempt organisation registered under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. Donations made by eligible US taxpayers may qualify for tax deductions in accordance with IRS regulations.
Donation by Cheque
Donors may send a cheque payable to ‘Friends of LUMS – USA Association’ at the address below:
Contact Person: Mr. Idris Kothari
Address:
Friends of LUMS – USA Association
15491 Bohlman Road, Saratoga, CA 95070, United States
Email: ikothari@ver-sys.com; fol.usa@lums.edu.pk
Employer Matching through Benevity
Many US employers offer matching gift programmes through Benevity. Donors are encouraged to check with their employer regarding eligibility and procedures. The required organisational details for Benevity registration are listed below.
Employer Identification Number (EIN): 03-0412310
DLN: 17053106023012
Foundation Status: 509(a)(1)
Organisation ID: 31435
We are committed to transparency and impact reporting, ensuring donors receive updates on the impact of their contributions. For any questions, or to learn more, email giving@lums.edu.pk.
Why We Give
Support from the United States opens doors for students who go on to become leaders, professionals, researchers, and change-makers in Pakistan and beyond. Each contribution strengthens an ecosystem of opportunity, learning, and service.
"LUMS played a pivotal role in shaping our academic and personal lives, serving as the ideal launchpad for us to reach our full potential and achieve professional success. Our current achievements would not have been possible without the foundation LUMS provided. As recipients of financial support during our time at LUMS, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to give back. We want to ensure that future students with potential are not hindered by financial constraints. Education must be democratized. By setting up our endowment funds, we hope to provide opportunities to deserving students, enabling them to thrive and succeed just as we did."
Ali Alvi, BSc 2000, Partner GPM - M365 Copilot
Fatima Kardar, BSc 2000, Corporate Vice President, Gaming AI - Microsoft
“Severe economic disparity in Pakistan forces a great number of smart, capable, and talented students to compromise or entirely give up on their goals in life. The National Outreach Programme is a brilliant vehicle to help bridge this disparity gap and support LUMS in its mission of offering an outstanding educational experience to talented scholars, regardless of their financial and social constraints.”
Imran Khan, MBA 1995
Saleha Minto
Governance and Compliance
Friends of LUMS USA Association operates in compliance with all applicable US federal and state regulations governing charitable organisations and is committed to high standards of governance, financial accountability, and donor stewardship.
Stay Connected
Whether you are a LUMS alumnus/alumna in the United States, part of the Pakistani diaspora, or a supporter of global education and research, your engagement makes a difference.
Contact Friends of LUMS USA
Email: fol.usa@lums.edu.pk
Phone: +92-42- 3560-8000 (Ext: 4447, 4456)