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Social Venture Academy

The Social Venture Academy (SVA) is where potential becomes progress. Over six months, we walk alongside emerging Muslim leaders to help them build stronger organisations, rooted in faith and designed for lasting change. From refining your vision and governance to learning how to scale without losing your values, the SVA equips you to lead with clarity, confidence, and resilience.

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Applications Now Closed: Register Your Interest for the Next Cohort

Thank you for your interest in the Social Venture Academy. Applications for our current cohort have now closed. Register your interest below to receive updates about future cohorts, events and application dates.

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How It Works

  • Practical Workshops
    • Interactive sessions led by sector experts covering vision, strategy, governance, impact, finance, and fundraising. Learn not just the “what” but the “how,” with tools you can immediately put into action.
  • Networking and Support 
    • Dedicated opportunities to connect with experienced advisors, mentors, volunteers, and fellow founders who understand the challenges of faith-driven ventures.
  • Peer Community
    • A rare space to connect with other Muslim leaders facing similar challenges, share openly, and build relationships that outlast the programme.
  • Access to Funding Pipelines 
    • Support and guidance on how to apply for future funding opportunities.

Meet Dr Rachel Abedi, SVA Leader

Who are we looking to back?

We’re seeking leaders and organisations with the courage to think long-term and the humility to grow.

The SVA is not about quick wins; it’s about building the foundations of resilient institutions that serve Muslims and society for generations to come.

Leaders

  • Vision Alignment:

    You’re purpose-driven and know the importance of building a solid foundation for long-term success.

  • Commitment:

    You’re in it for the long haul and are ready to invest time and effort into building something lasting, staying resilient through challenges and change.

  • Competence:

    You demonstrate the skills and discipline needed to lead well, embracing feedback, accountability, and continuous growth.

Organisation

  • Strategic in Ambition:

    You have a sense of where you’re going, even if the path isn’t clear yet, and want to shape lasting change.

  • Impact-focused:

    You want to measure change, not just activity, and set new standards for what Muslim-led organisations can achieve in society.

  • Ready to Build:

    You recognise that robust governance and systems are key to sustainable growth, and you’re prepared to put the work in to build them.

The Social Venture Academy is a six-month leadership and capacity-building programme for Muslim social venture leaders. It combines workshops, mentoring, and peer learning to help ventures prepare for long-term growth.

It’s designed for leaders of Muslim-led ventures in the UK that are at least 12 months old, working for the community as a registered non-profit, and ready to invest in their growth. We look for passionate founders with bold ideas, rooted in their communities, who want to build something that lasts.

You’ll leave with a clearer vision and strategy for your organisation, practical tools for governance and financial management, confidence in fundraising, and a stronger peer network.

Expect to commit around 8–10 hours a month across workshops, mentoring, and peer sessions. We know leaders are busy, so the programme is designed to be intensive but manageable alongside your day-to-day responsibilities.

There is no fee. The Social Venture Academy is free for participants thanks to FIG’s funder community, with travel costs reimbursed for in-person sessions.

The Social Venture Academy is a hybrid, with online and in-person workshops. This ensures accessibility while still creating space for deeper connections and collaboration.

Graduates join our alumni network for ongoing peer support and may be invited to progress into the Systems Phase, where ventures receive tailored support and funding to build critical organisational systems. 

Not at all. The Social Venture Academy is designed to help you build clarity and capacity wherever you are in your journey. What matters most is your commitment, your passion for your community, and your readiness to learn and grow.

The Academy itself doesn’t provide direct grants. However, completing it opens the door to FIG’s Systems and Portfolio phases, where financial investment and deeper strategic support may be available.

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What our SVA members say

The Social Venture Academy offers venture leaders a rare chance to step back from day-to-day pressures and invest in long-term, strategic growth.

The space to reflect, learn from peers, and access expert guidance is vital to spark renewed energy and direction for their ventures.

Here’s how our members describe the experience:

Sarah Javaid, CEO, Cycle Sisters

“The SVA programme has really enhanced my confidence in leading and growing Cycle Sisters alhamdulillah. Reflecting on our vision and deeper purpose has not only reignited my personal passion but also clarified the direction for our organisation, reinforcing my ability to inspire and align our team around a shared mission.”

How it helped:

  • Reconnected with the deeper mission and purpose of the organisation.
  • Strengthened confidence as a leader and communicator.
  • Provided tools to inspire and align the wider team.

Yashmin Harun, Muslimah Sports Association

“I believe I have learnt so much from this process. The knowledge from the module deliverers and from my cohort peers has been so invaluable. But also this space can feel so lonely so it was comforting to know other charities/orgs face the same/similar challenges.”

How it helped:

  • Expanded understanding of different funding streams and investment approaches. 
  • Gained insight from vision and fundraising modules. 
  • Built a stronger peer network and improved ability to present confidently.

Sign up for our Social Venture Academy

Join a community of Muslim social venture leaders. Through workshops, mentoring, and peer support, the SVA gives you the tools and confidence to grow your organisation.

Register Your Interest