Ensuring long-term support for Muslim students at Stanford through a permanent and Sharia-compliant endowment
Gifts and planned giving grow the fund
The core fund is preserved for the long term
Principal is invested under Islamic finance guidelines
Returns fund chaplaincy, programming, and advocacy
Reinvestment strengthens support for future generations
The Alhambra endowment is a permanent Islamic trust established to serve Muslim students at Stanford University for generations to come. Like the historic awqaf that funded universities, hospitals, and centers of learning across the Islamic world, this endowment is designed to outlast any single administration, budget cycle, or moment in history.
Unlike annual donations, the endowment is invested and managed to generate ongoing income while preserving the principal—providing sustainable, long-term financial support for our programs and services.
| Purpose | What it means for Muslim life at Stanford |
|---|---|
| Financial independence | An endowment provides financial independence from university budget constraints and changing administrations. This ensures that Alhambra can continue serving Muslim students regardless of external factors. |
| Spiritual independence | With financial independence comes the ability to serve students without institutional restrictions. We can maintain our mission and values consistently, providing spiritual support that a secular institution cannot fully offer. |
| Long-term sustainability | An endowment ensures that future generations of Muslim students at Stanford will have access to the same level of support and resources, creating a lasting legacy of spiritual and communal well-being. |
The endowment is governed by a multi-layer structure designed for transparency, accountability, and Islamic stewardship:
Composed of donors, Stanford alumni, and Islamic finance professionals. Meets quarterly to review performance and allocation.
Independent Islamic finance advisors review investment decisions for Sharia compliance on an ongoing basis.
A dedicated Chief Investment Officer manages day-to-day endowment operations and institutional relationships.
Alhambra’s Board of Directors provides ultimate fiduciary responsibility and annual reporting. See our About page for current board and advisor information.
We are committed to showing donors and the community how the endowment is stewarded and how it supports Muslim students at Stanford.
Annual reports
Our first endowment annual report will be published here. Check back for financial summaries, program impact, and governance updates.
Report listings and downloads will appear in this section as they become available.
Make a direct contribution to the endowment fund. Any amount helps build our long-term sustainability.
Set up monthly, quarterly, or annual contributions to steadily grow the endowment over time.
Include Alhambra in your estate planning through bequests, trusts, or other planned giving vehicles. This allows you to make a lasting impact while potentially receiving tax benefits. Our Legacy Society recognizes and honors individuals who have committed to planned giving. Members receive special recognition and updates on how their legacy gifts are making a difference.
For information about planned giving, bequests, or legacy gifts, please contact us.
Your contribution to the endowment ensures long-term support for Muslim students at Stanford